Towing mirrors
This year I have been amazed at the number of caravans being towed without any mirrors.
My wife and I have counted over 80 on our travels around the UK. During a five week a tour of Northern Spain and France we only saw two! These were two British units arriving at a site in St Jean de Luz. When I pointed out the illegality, they laughed and said they didn't need them, then joked the next morning saying they had order a pair with their bread! I wonder if owners realise a fine of up to £1000 can be imposed and in the event of an accident insurance could be void?
I have checked with the french police and the same rules apply,on spot fines and impounding of vehicle are possible, the same applies in Germany.
Perhaps the club car/caravan insurance should warn in large print that to tow with no mirrors is illegal.
Comments
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It is not illegal to tow without extension mirrors in the UK. It is illegal not to have external mirrors, as fitted to all vehicles, and it is illegal to tow without having the required field of vision to the rear.
In the vast majority of cases, it is necessary to fit extension mirrors to achieve the required rearward field of vision but not having them is not an offence in itself. Not being able to see the stipulated area is the offence.
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TW is correct but I must say, I agree with the sentiments expressed by the OP. We were at the NYM site near Whitby a couple of weeks ago and I can't remember seeing anyone near us arriving or leaving with towing mirrors fitted. OK, you might just get away with it with a large 4x4 (but I doubt it - and I don't), but I'm talking about normal saloon cars where the driver couldn't possibly have had a clear view behind him.
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You’re right, R&R, as you see some outfits and know instantly that the drivers can’t possibly have the visibility they need.
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Thanks Jill. I was hoping you’d do that👍🏻
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Perhaps the OP should mind his own business and find something more interesting to do whilst holidaying.
BTW I use towing mirrors but can't abide self appointed 'police', especially anyone who questions in person the legality of my outfit.
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I’m not surprised the people who were approached laughed and took the mick, tbh.
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You may be more interested when the aforesaid caravan pulls out into you because he can't see you.
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Who are you addressing? Who has said they’re not interested?
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there are some caravaners that appear to do daft things, not having mirrors is one but speeding is another. You can't police them all and /or force them to comply. All you can do is make sure you yourself are safe.
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interested or not what can you, or one, do about it?
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Personally I can't understand how you can tow without extended mirrors unless you have a very wide tow car or narrow caravan. I tow with a freelander 2 and have an Elddis Avante, TBH without the extended mirrors you can see bugger all behind you on dual carriage ways and motorways with the cars mirrors. Some people I suppose are just an accident waiting to happen?
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Any mirror, extended or not, are only of use to those who look into them.
Millenco have done extended arms for a while, though as I already use them to the full extent I would want even longer ones should I come into enough money to buy a wide caravan.
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I don't see why you should have - people who tow without a clear view behind them are just plain stupid - and irresponsible. As Milo said - and you have experienced - they are an accident waiting to happen which will undoubtedly involve an innocent fellow traveller.
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yes agree, also those who speed, use mobiles while driving, or appear to think that red lights are just advisory. If the consequences just affect them that would be fine by often sadly they don't. All you can do is be safe yourself and look out for these idiots as best you can.
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