Highway Code Reminders

kevine

The Highway Code applies to England, Scotland and Wales and is essential reading for everyone.

Rule 98

Vehicle towing and loading. As a driver

• you
  MUST NOT tow more than your licence permits. If you passed a car test after
  1 Jan 1997 you are restricted on the weight of trailer you can tow
  
• you
  MUST NOT overload your vehicle or trailer. You should not tow a weight greater
  than that recommended by the manufacturer of your vehicle
  
• you
  MUST secure your load and it
  MUST NOT stick out dangerously. Make sure any heavy or sharp objects and
  any animals are secured safely. If there is a collision, they might hit someone inside the vehicle and cause serious injury
  
• you should properly distribute the weight in your caravan or trailer with heavy items mainly over
  the axle(s) and ensure a downward load on the tow ball. Manufacturer’s recommended weight and tow ball load should not be exceeded. This should avoid the possibility of swerving or snaking and going out of control. If this does happen, ease off the accelerator
  and reduce speed gently to regain control
• carrying a load or pulling a trailer may require you to adjust the headlights
  
• In the event of a breakdown, be aware that towing a vehicle on a tow rope is potentially dangerous.
  You should consider professional recovery.

Laws CUR reg 100 & MV(DL)R reg 43