Trailer law

[Tony M]

Originally posted by Richard B
This sounds as though it's quite important, Tony. Particularly for those of us with large trailers. I've been able to find some of the quoted info on the Department of Transport's website, but not anything about overhanging loads or the indivisible loads. Do you have any further information about where this can be found?

Thanks!

I just knew someone would ask that!! I'l try and dig it for you.

Regards

[Tony M]

Originally posted by Tony M
I just knew someone would ask that!! I'l try and dig it for you.

Regards

Hi Richard,

Regrettably, the Road Vehicles (construction & Use) Regulations 1986 are not available on the 'net. They have to be purchased from HMSO.

However, a quick Google search has thrown up "Authorised by Regulation 82 and Schedule 12 Road Vehicles (construction and use) regulations 1986 where the vehicle complies in all respects with legal requirements but the load is exceptional in respect of length, width up to 4.3 m, or lateral or longitudinal projections, but not weight."

Note, as said before, the regulations are all-embracing covering HGV's as well as our smaller stuff.

What a way to spend Saturday night

Regards

[Jono Garton]

So can i be legal/ how can i be legal towing my new 9m pro sport on a twin axle trailer(under 3000kg)? with a 4x4 capable of towing (legally) 3000kg?

[Tony M]

Originally posted by JAHNO
So can i be legal/ how can i be legal towing my new 9m pro sport on a twin axle trailer(under 3000kg)? with a 4x4 capable of towing (legally) 3000kg?

Hi Jono,

Yes, I don't see a problem.

Firstly, I assume in view of your job you passed your driving test prior to 1/1/97. (there are additional restrictions for new drivers).

Provided your trailer is not more than 2.3 metres wide and 7 metres long from the front of the winch post, and that your boat does not overhang the sides of the trailer by more than 305 mm either side (subject to a maximum width of 2.9 metres), or the rear of the trailer by more than 3.05 metres, then you are legal. This is, of course, subject to complying with the lighting regs and marking of overhangs etc already discussed. There are also type approval regulations for towing equipment which need to be adhered to (94/20EC) but these only apply to vehicles first registered on or after 1/8/98. ('S' Reg onwards).

There is no requirement for the trailer to be double axle but it would be unusual for a single axle trailer to exceed 1300 KGS MGW and highly unlikely that it would exceed 1800 KGs. As a manufacturer, it would have to be a very specific requirement for us to build a trailer outside those constraints.

I hope this puts your mind at rest.

Incidentally, I've spent part of my Sunday Afternoon reading the Police Foundations 'Towing Roadcraft' Manual. (Isn't life exciting? )

This confirms my earlier comments. The only specific references to transporting boats amount to the marking of overhangs & projections, the fact that boat trailers don't need to comply fully with the Road Vehicles (lighting Regulations) 1989 and that most American Boat Trailers imported into the UK are illegal here (oh God, another can of worms )

The usual NTTA disclaimer applies!

Regards

[tue]

Originally posted by Tony M
Hi Jono,

Yes, I don't see a problem.

Firstly, I assume in view of your job you passed your driving test prior to 1/1/97. (there are additional restrictions for new drivers).

What restrictions are these?

I did test in 1999

[Ian]

I think you have to take a towing test or something, otherwise you are towing illegally......oops
There seem to be a multitude of driving tests these days, a bit like the RYA are putting in place for various levels on the water.

[tue]

Just looked on the net.

It costs £76 and is a 4 day!!!!! course covering all aspects of towing.

Better go do that then , before I get arrested!

[Paul Beaurain]

Right then..U guys have helped clear all this up so far.

What I want to do is put a 2.6m wide rib on a trailer where the trailer has guide rollers each side. 2 per side.

The problem now is that the guide rollers become part of the trailer- is that right? so the trailer is now wider than 2.3m

Can the use of side lights be used to 'extend' the 2.3m figure.

Someone mentioned that Haying Trailers do these guide roller kits, perhaps they know?

Paul

[Tony M]

Originally posted by Paul Beaurain
Right then..U guys have helped clear all this up so far.

What I want to do is put a 2.6m wide rib on a trailer where the trailer has guide rollers each side. 2 per side.

The problem now is that the guide rollers become part of the trailer- is that right? so the trailer is now wider than 2.3m

Can the use of side lights be used to 'extend' the 2.3m figure.

Someone mentioned that Haying Trailers do these guide roller kits, perhaps they know?

Paul

Unless your towing vehicle is OVER 3,500 KGs Gross Vehicle Weight (unlikely) you CANNOT exceed 2.3 metres trailer width. I assume the guide rollers are similar to what I would call 'docking arms'. These can be made detachable to aid recovery of the boat but then removed for transport.

Regards

[Jono Garton]

Originally posted by tue
Just looked on the net.

It costs £76 and is a 4 day!!!!! course covering all aspects of towing.

Better go do that then , before I get arrested!

no its not, just a one hour test at dsa