{
 "name": "UK towing figures",
 "publisher": "Trailer Delivery",
 "page": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures",
 "readOn": "2026-10-10",
 "licence": "Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.",
 "figures": [
  {
   "id": "licence-1997",
   "group": "licence",
   "what": "Heaviest trailer on a car licence gained on or after 1 January 1997",
   "figure": "3,500kg maximum authorised mass",
   "source": "GOV.UK: towing with a car, what you can tow",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/towing-with-car",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#licence-1997"
  },
  {
   "id": "licence-pre-1997",
   "group": "licence",
   "what": "Vehicle and trailer together on a car licence gained before 1 January 1997",
   "figure": "8,250kg combined maximum authorised mass",
   "source": "GOV.UK: towing with a car, what you can tow",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/towing-with-car",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#licence-pre-1997"
  },
  {
   "id": "licence-c1e",
   "group": "licence",
   "what": "Vehicle and trailer together after passing the C1+E test",
   "figure": "12,000kg combined maximum authorised mass",
   "source": "GOV.UK: towing with a car, what you can tow",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/towing-with-car",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#licence-c1e"
  },
  {
   "id": "licence-be",
   "group": "licence",
   "what": "Category BE missing from a physical driving licence",
   "figure": "DVLA adds it the next time the licence is renewed",
   "source": "GOV.UK: towing with a car, what you can tow",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/towing-with-car",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#licence-be"
  },
  {
   "id": "unbraked",
   "group": "weight",
   "what": "Heaviest trailer with no brakes",
   "figure": "750kg when loaded",
   "source": "GOV.UK: towing with a car, trailers, caravans and towing equipment",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/towing-with-car/trailer-and-towing-equipment",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#unbraked"
  },
  {
   "id": "unbraked-half",
   "group": "weight",
   "what": "Unbraked trailer compared with the car",
   "figure": "No more than half the weight of the car",
   "source": "GOV.UK: tow a trailer with a car, safety checks",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tow-a-trailer-with-a-car-safety-checks",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#unbraked-half"
  },
  {
   "id": "train-weight",
   "group": "weight",
   "what": "Car and loaded trailer together",
   "figure": "No more than the gross train weight on the car's VIN plate",
   "source": "GOV.UK: towing with a car, weight and width limits",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/towing-with-car/weight-and-width-limits",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#train-weight"
  },
  {
   "id": "no-train-weight",
   "group": "weight",
   "what": "Car with no train weight on its VIN plate",
   "figure": "Should not be used for towing",
   "source": "GOV.UK: towing with a car, weight and width limits",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/towing-with-car/weight-and-width-limits",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#no-train-weight"
  },
  {
   "id": "width",
   "group": "size",
   "what": "Widest trailer, behind any vehicle",
   "figure": "2.55 metres",
   "source": "GOV.UK: towing with a car, weight and width limits",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/towing-with-car/weight-and-width-limits",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#width"
  },
  {
   "id": "length",
   "group": "size",
   "what": "Longest trailer behind a vehicle of up to 3,500kg",
   "figure": "7 metres, not counting the A-frame",
   "source": "GOV.UK: towing with a car, weight and width limits",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/towing-with-car/weight-and-width-limits",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#length"
  },
  {
   "id": "length-heavy",
   "group": "size",
   "what": "Longest trailer behind a vehicle of over 3,500kg",
   "figure": "12 metres, not counting the A-frame",
   "source": "GOV.UK: towing with a car, weight and width limits",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/towing-with-car/weight-and-width-limits",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#length-heavy"
  },
  {
   "id": "length-combined",
   "group": "size",
   "what": "Vehicle of over 3,500kg and its trailer together",
   "figure": "18 metres",
   "source": "GOV.UK: towing with a car, weight and width limits",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/towing-with-car/weight-and-width-limits",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#length-combined"
  },
  {
   "id": "speed-built-up",
   "group": "speed",
   "what": "Built-up areas",
   "figure": "30mph in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, 20mph in Wales",
   "source": "GOV.UK: speed limits",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/speed-limits",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#speed-built-up"
  },
  {
   "id": "speed-single",
   "group": "speed",
   "what": "Single carriageways",
   "figure": "50mph",
   "source": "GOV.UK: speed limits",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/speed-limits",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#speed-single"
  },
  {
   "id": "speed-dual",
   "group": "speed",
   "what": "Dual carriageways",
   "figure": "60mph",
   "source": "GOV.UK: speed limits",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/speed-limits",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#speed-dual"
  },
  {
   "id": "speed-motorway",
   "group": "speed",
   "what": "Motorways",
   "figure": "60mph",
   "source": "GOV.UK: speed limits",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/speed-limits",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#speed-motorway"
  },
  {
   "id": "motorway-lane",
   "group": "speed",
   "what": "Right-hand lane of a motorway with three or more lanes",
   "figure": "Not allowed when towing",
   "source": "GOV.UK: tow a trailer with a car, safety checks",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tow-a-trailer-with-a-car-safety-checks",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#motorway-lane"
  },
  {
   "id": "mirrors",
   "group": "equipment",
   "what": "Towing mirrors",
   "figure": "Needed when the trailer is wider than the back of the car",
   "source": "GOV.UK: towing with a car, trailers, caravans and towing equipment",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/towing-with-car/trailer-and-towing-equipment",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#mirrors"
  },
  {
   "id": "mirrors-penalty",
   "group": "equipment",
   "what": "Penalty for towing without proper mirrors",
   "figure": "A fine of up to £1,000 and 3 penalty points",
   "source": "GOV.UK: towing with a car, trailers, caravans and towing equipment",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/towing-with-car/trailer-and-towing-equipment",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#mirrors-penalty"
  },
  {
   "id": "breakaway",
   "group": "equipment",
   "what": "Breakaway cable or secondary coupling",
   "figure": "Must be used",
   "source": "GOV.UK: towing with a car, trailers, caravans and towing equipment",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/towing-with-car/trailer-and-towing-equipment",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#breakaway"
  },
  {
   "id": "plate",
   "group": "equipment",
   "what": "Number plate on the trailer",
   "figure": "The same number as the car towing it",
   "source": "GOV.UK: towing with a car, trailers, caravans and towing equipment",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/towing-with-car/trailer-and-towing-equipment",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#plate"
  },
  {
   "id": "tow-bar",
   "group": "equipment",
   "what": "Tow bar",
   "figure": "Type approved for the car, unless the car was first used before 1 August 1998",
   "source": "GOV.UK: towing with a car, trailers, caravans and towing equipment",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/towing-with-car/trailer-and-towing-equipment",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#tow-bar"
  },
  {
   "id": "tread",
   "group": "equipment",
   "what": "Tyre tread on car and trailer",
   "figure": "At least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the width, all the way round",
   "source": "GOV.UK: tow a trailer with a car, safety checks",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tow-a-trailer-with-a-car-safety-checks",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#tread"
  },
  {
   "id": "mot-powered-brakes",
   "group": "mot",
   "what": "Trailers that need an annual test",
   "figure": "Those over 1,020kg unladen with powered braking systems",
   "source": "GOV.UK: get an MOT for a heavy goods vehicle, bus or trailer",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/mot-for-hgv-buses-and-trailers",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#mot-powered-brakes"
  },
  {
   "id": "mot-semi",
   "group": "mot",
   "what": "Semi-trailers",
   "figure": "Need an annual test",
   "source": "GOV.UK: get an MOT for a heavy goods vehicle, bus or trailer",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/mot-for-hgv-buses-and-trailers",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#mot-semi"
  },
  {
   "id": "mot-a-frame",
   "group": "mot",
   "what": "A-frame trailers and converter dollies that need an annual test",
   "figure": "Those made on or after 1 January 1979",
   "source": "GOV.UK: get an MOT for a heavy goods vehicle, bus or trailer",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/mot-for-hgv-buses-and-trailers",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#mot-a-frame"
  },
  {
   "id": "mot-first",
   "group": "mot",
   "what": "First annual test for a trailer",
   "figure": "Usually one year after it was first sold or supplied",
   "source": "GOV.UK: get an MOT for a heavy goods vehicle, bus or trailer",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/mot-for-hgv-buses-and-trailers",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#mot-first"
  },
  {
   "id": "operator-plated",
   "group": "operator",
   "what": "Licence needed when vehicle and trailer are plated",
   "figure": "Over 3,500kg combined gross plated weight",
   "source": "GOV.UK: being a goods vehicle operator",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#operator-plated"
  },
  {
   "id": "operator-unplated",
   "group": "operator",
   "what": "Licence needed when they are not plated",
   "figure": "Over 1,525kg combined unladen weight",
   "source": "GOV.UK: being a goods vehicle operator",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#operator-unplated"
  },
  {
   "id": "operator-own-goods",
   "group": "operator",
   "what": "No licence needed for the trailer when",
   "figure": "It weighs under 1,020kg unladen and carries only your own goods",
   "source": "GOV.UK: being a goods vehicle operator",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#operator-own-goods"
  },
  {
   "id": "operator-fee-apply",
   "group": "operator",
   "what": "Application fee",
   "figure": "£257",
   "source": "GOV.UK: fees for goods vehicle licences",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator/fees-for-goods-vehicle-licences",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#operator-fee-apply"
  },
  {
   "id": "operator-fee-issue",
   "group": "operator",
   "what": "Fee to issue the licence",
   "figure": "£401",
   "source": "GOV.UK: fees for goods vehicle licences",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator/fees-for-goods-vehicle-licences",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#operator-fee-issue"
  },
  {
   "id": "operator-fee-continue",
   "group": "operator",
   "what": "Fee to continue it after five years",
   "figure": "£401",
   "source": "GOV.UK: fees for goods vehicle licences",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator/fees-for-goods-vehicle-licences",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#operator-fee-continue"
  },
  {
   "id": "operator-fee-interim",
   "group": "operator",
   "what": "Fee for an interim licence",
   "figure": "£68",
   "source": "GOV.UK: fees for goods vehicle licences",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator/fees-for-goods-vehicle-licences",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#operator-fee-interim"
  },
  {
   "id": "operator-decision",
   "group": "operator",
   "what": "Usual time to a decision",
   "figure": "7 weeks",
   "source": "GOV.UK: apply for a goods vehicle operator's licence",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/being-a-goods-vehicle-operator/apply-for-a-licence",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#operator-decision"
  },
  {
   "id": "registration-who",
   "group": "registration",
   "what": "Trailers that must be registered to go to or through most of Europe",
   "figure": "Every trailer over 750kg",
   "source": "GOV.UK: trailer registration",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trailer-registration",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#registration-who"
  },
  {
   "id": "registration-except",
   "group": "registration",
   "what": "Countries where the rule does not apply",
   "figure": "Ireland, Cyprus, Malta and Spain",
   "source": "GOV.UK: trailer registration",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trailer-registration",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#registration-except"
  },
  {
   "id": "registration-uk",
   "group": "registration",
   "what": "Trailers used only in the UK, or between the UK and Ireland",
   "figure": "No registration needed",
   "source": "GOV.UK: trailer registration",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trailer-registration",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#registration-uk"
  },
  {
   "id": "registration-fee",
   "group": "registration",
   "what": "Fee to register a trailer for the first time",
   "figure": "£26",
   "source": "GOV.UK: trailer registration",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trailer-registration",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#registration-fee"
  },
  {
   "id": "registration-fee-keeper",
   "group": "registration",
   "what": "Fee for a new certificate for a new keeper",
   "figure": "£21",
   "source": "GOV.UK: trailer registration",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trailer-registration",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#registration-fee-keeper"
  },
  {
   "id": "registration-fee-replace",
   "group": "registration",
   "what": "Fee to replace a certificate",
   "figure": "£10",
   "source": "GOV.UK: trailer registration",
   "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trailer-registration",
   "read": "2026-10-10",
   "url": "https://www.trailerdelivery.co.uk/uk-towing-figures#registration-fee-replace"
  }
 ]
}