UK towing rules in plain English for caravans

Quick Summary: 2026 UK Towing Rules

• Licence: Most drivers with a Category B (car) licence can now tow trailers up to 3,500kg MAM, following the 2021 rule changes.
• Weights: You must never exceed your car’s Maximum Braked Towing Limit or the Gross Train Weight (GTW) found on the vehicle's VIN plate.
• Safety: The '85% Rule' is a recommendation for stability, not a legal requirement, but remains the industry gold standard for beginners.
• Equipment: Extended towing mirrors are a legal requirement if your caravan is wider than your car (which almost all modern caravans are).

Towing rules in the UK are often made to sound more complex than they are. To stay legal and safe, you simply need to separate two distinct things: your driving licence entitlement and your vehicle’s physical weight limits. Both must align before you hitch up.

1. Your Licence: What are you allowed to drive?

The rules regarding towing changed significantly in late 2021. Previously, drivers who passed their test after 1st January 1997 were restricted on trailer weights unless they took an additional B+E test. Today, the landscape is simpler:

• Category B (Car Licence): If you passed your car driving test at any time, you can now tow trailers up to 3,500kg MAM (Maximum Authorised Mass).
• Automatic Updates: The DVLA updated records automatically; you do not need to apply for a new licence to benefit from this, though your photocard might not show 'BE' until you renew it.
• The Exception: Always check the back of your photocard. If you have specific medical restrictions, a restricted licence, or a provisional licence, different rules apply.

Before buying a heavy twin-axle model like a Bailey Alicanto Grande Deluxe Porto or an Adria Alpina, verify your entitlement via the official DVLA portal.

2. The Weights: What can your car actually handle?

Just because your licence allows you to tow 3,500kg doesn't mean your car can. You must adhere to the limits stamped on your vehicle's VIN plate (usually found in the door shut, under the bonnet, or in the owner's manual).

Key Definitions You Need to Know:

• MTPLM (Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass): The absolute maximum a caravan is allowed to weigh when fully loaded.
• MRO (Mass in Running Order): The weight of the caravan as it leaves the factory. Note that modern definitions often include a 90% full gas cylinder and water tank.
• Gross Train Weight (GTW): The maximum allowed weight of the car and caravan combined. Crucial: Some cars cannot tow their maximum braked limit if the car itself is fully loaded.
• Noseweight: The downward force the caravan hitch exerts on your car's towball (typically between 50kg and 100kg). This must not exceed the limit of your towbar OR your car's hitch limit.

Actionable Advice: Use our Caravan Towing Calculator to match your specific car and caravan model to ensure a legal match.

3. The '85% Rule' vs. The Law

You will often hear about the "85% Rule." This is not a law, but a safety guideline supported by the Caravan and Motorhome Club. It suggests that the loaded weight of the caravan (MTPLM) should not exceed 85% of the car's kerbweight.

• 0-85%: Ideal for beginners.
• 85-100%: Only recommended for experienced towers.
• Over 100%: Legal only if it stays within the manufacturer's braked towing limit, but often considered unstable and potentially dangerous.

4. Essential Towing Equipment Checklist

5. Practical Loading Tips

Real-world loading is where many caravanners accidentally break the law. Heavy items like awnings, motor movers, and leisure batteries eat into your "User Payload." For example, a Swift Challenger 645 or Bailey Pegasus Grande GT75 Bologna has a generous payload, but adding two e-bikes to the rear can significantly affect stability and noseweight.

Top Tip: Place heavy items (like awnings or water containers) over the axle and as low as possible to maintain a low centre of gravity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I tow a caravan on a standard car licence?

Yes, following the 2021 change, most UK drivers with a Category B licence can tow a trailer/caravan up to 3,500kg MAM. You no longer need to pass a separate B+E test.

What happens if I exceed my Gross Train Weight?

Exceeding any weight limit is a legal offence. The DVSA can issue on-the-spot fines (Fixed Penalty Notices) and prohibit you from moving the vehicle until the weight is reduced. It also likely invalidates your insurance.

Do I need a special licence for a twin-axle caravan?

No. The number of axles doesn't determine the licence requirement; the weight (MAM) does. However, twin-axle caravans are generally heavier and require more powerful tow cars, such as a large SUV.

What is the speed limit when towing a caravan in the UK?

On single carriageways, the limit is 50mph. On dual carriageways and motorways, the limit is 60mph (unless lower limits are posted). You are also prohibited from using the outside lane of a three-or-more lane motorway.

Ready to find your perfect match? Browse used caravans, explore Caravan Layouts, or check your weights with our Caravan Towing Calculator before you buy.

UK caravan towing rules at a glance (2026)

Question	Answer
Can I tow a caravan on a standard car licence?	Yes. A category B licence issued after 1 January 1997 lets you tow a trailer up to 3,500kg MAM, provided the combined weight of car + trailer stays within the vehicle's Gross Train Weight.
What is the 85% rule?	A guideline (not a law) that novice tow-drivers should keep the loaded caravan (MTPLM) at 85% or less of the car's kerbweight for stable handling.
What is the national speed limit when towing?	50 mph on single carriageways, 60 mph on dual carriageways and motorways. You may not use the outside (right-hand) lane of a three-lane motorway.
Do I need a separate towing test?	No — the B+E test was withdrawn in December 2021 for licences issued after 1 January 1997. Voluntary training is still strongly recommended.
What if my licence was issued before 1 January 1997?	You keep category B+E automatically, allowing heavier trailers, but check for the C1 entitlement if you plan to drive a motorhome above 3.5 tonnes.
Do I need special insurance?	The caravan is covered by third-party liability through the car policy while attached, but comprehensive contents/damage cover requires a dedicated caravan policy.

Confirm your specific match with the RoamWorthy towing calculator.