Bit big?

[LURCHER]

Passed this on the M3 last week I imagine it can't be legal with a Polo towing it.

[Bushrider]

Why ? Guess the weight of the empty trailer is within the specs of the towing car which is around 650-800kg - depending on model - for braked trailers .

Free view through the rear mirrows he has as well ..

[willk]

Probably more legal than taking a photograph of it on yer mobie

[Rokraider]

Tut Tut! Surprised you didn't edit the photo to hide the unusual colour of your Disco John? Makes it all the easier for the Fuzz to track you down for taking a photo whilst driving

[LURCHER]

It's left hand drive!

[willk]

Originally Posted by LURCHER

It's left hand drive!

Excellent!

[Rokraider]

Ahem! Good comeback!

[Cookee]

Originally Posted by LURCHER

Passed this on the M3 last week I imagine it can't be legal with a Polo towing it.

I learnt recently you can get done for "Theoretical overload" so if the permissible weight on the trailer exceeds the towing capacity of the tow vehicle he could get done!

[colcreate]

Looks like they have a os light out on that trailer board

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Cookee

I learnt recently you can get done for "Theoretical overload" so if the permissible weight on the trailer exceeds the towing capacity of the tow vehicle he could get done!

I think you're right there. Yonks ago (so long ago the details are a bit fuzzy before anybody jumps on me) I was pulled by plod for pulling a very large empty trailer with a Disco. He said that I needed a tacho, which I didn't have. Anyway, to cut a long story short, I didn't need a tacho, but one of the things that came out of it all, was that as soon as you hitch up a trailer to a vehicle, the Gross Train Weight rules apply even if the trailer is empty. E.g. 2 tonne vehicle + a trailer that can carry 2t (even if it's empty & only weighs 1/2t) the GTW is 4t, if the GTW of the towing vehicle is 3.5t, you are 1/2t over.
Like I said it was about 18years ago, so the rules might have changed.

[Phil M]

It's a funny rule and we looked in to it a few months back and the law is not too clear, to the point where most coppers are not completely sure either. In the end I spoke to a Motorway/pursuit copper friend who went away and clarified it.

There are 2 rules that apply. The theoretical gross train weight, e.g. max plated weight of trailer and car combined must be less that whatever you are limited to on your licence, depending on when you passed or did a trailer test and actual weight of the trailer and load must not exceed the max towing capacity of the vehicle. E.g. the polo can pull the trailer if it is
a) less than the cars max limit and
b) trailer and car are plated less than total gross train weight on the drivers licence.

Phil