Planning a caravan holiday or need to tow a trailer? Driving rules change significantly when you're towing in the UK. From lower speed limits to higher toll charges, here is what you need to know.
Speed Limits for Towing
When towing a caravan or trailer, you are subject to lower speed limits than standard cars on most roads. For general limits, check our speed limits guide.
| Road Type | Standard Car | Towing |
|---|---|---|
| Built-up areas | 30 mph | 30 mph |
| Single carriageways | 60 mph | 50 mph |
| Dual carriageways | 70 mph | 60 mph |
| Motorways | 70 mph | 60 mph |
*Unless signs indicate a lower limit. You are also banned from using the outside (right-hand) lane on motorways with three or more lanes.
Tolls and Charges
Towing often puts you in a higher charging category for tolls.
M6 Toll
Cars with trailers are classified differently. While a standard car pays around ÂŖ8.90 (peak), a car with a trailer may pay around ÂŖ12.90. Always check the current "Car + Trailer" rate.
Dartford Crossing
Good news here: The Dart Charge is based on the vehicle class pulling the trailer. So if you are towing with a car (Class B), you pay the car rate (ÂŖ2.50), and the trailer is free.
Licence Requirements
The rules on what you can tow depend on when you passed your driving test.
- Passed after 1 Jan 1997: As of late 2021, rules were relaxed. You can now generally tow a trailer up to 3,500kg MAM (Maximum Authorised Mass) without taking an extra test.
- Passed before 1 Jan 1997: You can usually drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8,250kg MAM.
Safety Tip
Always ensure your breakaway cable is correctly attached and your number plate and lights on the trailer are working before setting off.