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An article outlining the maximum weights and dimensions for towing in the United Kingdom, UK.

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Tips

Towing Tips  Anti Snake Devices


The best way to avoid a very heavy trailer from snaking is to load it correctly. Make sure that the weight is toward the front and there is little or no rear overhang.

More Tips  Trailer Decking


The load deck of your transporter may be constructed using ply wood. This is obviously susceptible to water ingress and can become soft and lose its structural strength. There is nothing more embarassing than having a wheel break through the deck.

See all Tips...

Towing Rules and Regulations (UK)

Disclaimer: Please do not rely upon the information on this page being correct. For up to date law changes and regulations please refer to the VOSA website.

For Tow Vehicles up to 3.5 Tonnes GVM (3500kg)
Length (excluding the coupling and drawbar) 7.0m
Max Width 2.3m
For Tow Vehicles Over 3.5 Tonnes GVM (3500kg)
Length (excluding the coupling and drawbar) 12m (With a Minimum or 4 wheels)
Max Width 2.55m
Combined Length of towing vehicle and trailer 18m
Maximum overhang of load from rear of trailer 3.05m

Marking of rear overhang

  1. Between 1m and 2m, ensure the end is clearly visible by attaching a piece of cloth or similar.
  2. Between 2m and 3.05m, a marker board as defined in the Regulations must be fitted and illuminated at night.
  3. If the overhang is more than 3.05m, an attendant must be carried and the police must be notified 2 days before commencing the journey.

Long Vehicle Marker Plates

  1. Not required for light trailers.
  2. These are a legal requirement only for trailers over 3500kg or where the towing vehicle is over 7500kg gross weight. When they are required, different plates are required depending on the length of the vehicle. Details can be found in the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations, Schedule 18.
  3. Loads must not project more than 305mm either side of the trailer, up to a maximum width of 2.9m.
  4. Loads over 2.9m in width are classed as abnormal loads and the police must be notified two days before a journey commences.

Recommended maximum height

  1. 3.0m high or 1.7 times the wheel track. (horizontal distance between centre lines of tyre treads).
  2. There is no legal requirement, but this is an accepted guideline.
  3. If however the height does exceed 3.0m then a notice giving the height details must be displayed in the cab of the towing vehicle.
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