L Ireland, the only source for learning how to drive, driving lessons, and driving schools in Ireland!

DRIVING - TOWING

Select...

Search...

Print this page DRIVING - TOWING

If you are towing another vehicle or a trailer (including a boat trailer or a caravan) remember that -

. The draw-bar, rope or other towing device must be strong enough to withstand breakage and so secured that it will not become detached while in use,

. The distance between the vehicles (or between vehicle and trailer) must not exceed 5 metres,

. Where the distance between the vehicles exceeds 1.5 metres, a warning device, such as a white flag at least 12 inches square, must be attached to the towing device,

. If the trailer has its own steering gear, an attendant must be present to take charge of the steering, and, if the vehicle being towed is itself a mechanically propelled vehicle, the attendant must be the holder of a licence to drive that class of vehicle,

. If the trailer exceeds 15 cwt in laden weight or half the laden weight of the drawing vehicle (whichever is the less) it must be fitted with brakes,

. A combination of vehicles or an articulated vehicle exceeding 13 metres in length must display a "Long Vehicle" sign or signs on the back of the rearmost trailer,

. Loads projecting more than 1 metre to the rear must be marked - in daytime by a red flag or marked board - at night time by a red reflector and red lamp. A load projecting to the side must be marked at night by a lamp or lamps showing a white light to the front and a red lamp to the rear.