Laws on towing a car.

[Alastair.]

Hopefully picking up a mx-5 next week, non runner. I need to get it home (27miles) what are the laws on towing a car as i can find a definate answer as to weather it needs to be insured or not?

Ta

 

[Dan@M.A.D]

well if you are towing you will have to use a tow bar, It's illegal to tow with a rope now.

 

[Rob]

Find me the law that says that please cotball?

I'm 99% sure that's just an internet rumour. You can tow on a rope but it has to be a over/under certain length etc.

 

[Bluebeard]

If you're towing a car and the car is in contact with the road (eg not on a trailer) then it needs to be taxed/insured/mot'd so bear that in mind.

Not got a trailer you can borrow? So much safer/less hassle.

 

[Alastair.]

well if you are towing you will have to use a tow bar, It's illegal to tow with a rope now.

Really? Since when? did this a few weeks back at work, ooopss

 

[Bluebeard]

Is it local to me? I'm out and about in the truck a lot next week, could tie it into one of my trips?

 

[Dan@M.A.D]

I was told by the mechanic & my dad seems to think the same. Might be just a rumour then.

 

[Alastair.]

If you're towing a car and the car is in contact with the road (eg not on a trailer) then it needs to be taxed/insured/mot'd so bear that in mind.

Not got a trailer you can borrow? So much safer/less hassle.

Not really, do know someone with a flat bed truck but hes a **** (not you btw lol)

 

[Rob]

Yep:

From direct gov:

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.

Nothing about needing a bar.

 

[Alastair.]

Is it local to me? I'm out and about in the truck a lot next week, could tie it into one of my trips?

Salisbury, may be out of your way a little.

 

[Dan@M.A.D]

Yep:

From direct gov:



Nothing about needing a bar.

That's good to know. Although a bar is the better option.

 

[Rob]

A bit extra for you:

"When the vehicles are attached solely by a rope or chain, the maximum distance allowed between the vehicles is 4.5 metres. If the distance between the two vehicles exceeds 1.5 metres then the rope or chain must be made clearly visible within a reasonable distance from either side to other road users. This is usually done by tying a coloured flapping cloth in the middle of the rope or chain. The person in the broken down vehicle must be a qualified driver as he is actually driving the vehicle. A further point is that if it is dark then the broken down vehicle must have its lights on as it would under normal circumstances."

I'm about 99.55% sure that the bar thing is an internet rumour.

BTW bars are not expensive.

 

[Bluebeard]

Salisbury, may be out of your way a little.

Seeing as I know how tight you are and are highly unlikely to pay me, yes that is too far.

 

[Alastair.]

Seeing as I know how tight you are and are highly unlikely to pay me, yes that is too far.

LOL tight maybe, would pay though but its to far for you and would end up costing me to much in fuel so would make the buy to expensive really. Just gunna tow the heap back one evening next week on a bar i reckon, knowing my luck it will destroy the dmf on the Audi.

 

[Bluebeard]

If I can fit it in I will. I know i'm in brum, northampton x2 and coventry x2 next week. Not sure on the rest of the week though.

as long as i'm within 20 miles of collecting it i'll do it.

 

[Rob]

Stop flirting and just sort out a price with the man.

 

[Bluebeard]

Pipe down sids cups.

I need to check monday.

 

[Alastair.]

I wouldnt want you going out of your way for me Dan, ive just put a add up on Shiply for collection of car and delivery to my house, so i should get some quotes back in the morning. Still have to win the car yet, ends Sunday. Ive had my heart set on it for the past week so hopefully i will win it! But if you were around that area i wouldnt say no

 

[Bluebeard]

I'll help you out if I can mate, you know that.

 

[Alastair.]

I'll help you out if I can mate, you know that.

LEGEND!

 

[ben lee]

mate has a recovery truck that maybe able to collect it for you hes in trowbridge and always up for earning a few ££ ill give him a call tomorrow see what he says.

 

[Alastair.]

mate has a recovery truck that maybe able to collect it for you hes in trowbridge and always up for earning a few ££ ill give him a call tomorrow see what he says.

Cheers Ben, quote would be nice, its 29miles from Westbury to Salisbury, so 58miles overall.

Just had a quote back and it was £78

 

[James105]

Cheers Ben, quote would be nice, its 29miles from Westbury to Salisbury, so 58miles overall.

Just had a quote back and it was £78

Going on experience I have had. When I've put a late night request into shiply, normally get some half decent quotes coming in the next morning

 

[Ian_182]

Daniel your a good man.

One of the things that keeps me on here is the way people get helped out.


If all else fails try one of these...http://www.erento.co.uk/hire/vehicl...ilers/trailer/4809005663.html?location=340343

 

[Alastair.]

	private listing - bidders' identities protected	£720.00	26-Feb-12 21:48:40 GMT
	Member Id: alibailey88 ( 383 )	£700.00	26-Feb-12 21:48:37 GMT

Got outbid in the last 3 seconds of the auction FFS

 

[Heez]

Harsh.

 

[Bluebeard]

So I mainly won't be going to salisbury then.

 

[Alastair.]

So I mainly won't be going to salisbury then.

Yer, pissed off, went to see it today, was properly tidy, and in a properly posh area.

Cheers anyways Dan.