Automotive Discussion

Post a Response

Vehicle recovery

Posted by Steve Sneap on June 13, 2008, 8:16 am
Steve Sneap

Morning all,
I have just been told that it is now illegal to recover breakdowns using a tow rope!A fine and 3 points for this can can be the result.Is this true?

Re: Vehicle recovery

Posted by Steven Paterson on June 13, 2008, 10:02 am, in reply to "Vehicle recovery"

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.

Direct.gov.uk/Highwaycode

Certainly not heard anything else to suggest otherwise.
Note: I do believe there are restictions for towing vehicles (with a rope) on motorways, allowed but only till the nearest exit is reached.

Re: Vehicle recovery

Posted by Paul Foster on June 16, 2008, 6:38 pm, in reply to "Re: Vehicle recovery"
Paul Foster

So far as I am aware (being an ex RAC Patrol) towing with a rope is a short distance only method. Certainly only to the next available junction on a motorway!
On other types of road I don't think you could be prosecuted unless the vehicle you are towing is not taxed or insured; has bald tyres or does not meet the requirements of 'construction & use' regulations; is being driven (steered) by someone not holding an appropriate licence or is being towed in a dangerous manner.
The RAC (again, as far as I know) still use a tow strap when other methods are unavailable but only for short distances.
I can't see how the use of a strap/rope is so different from the straight bar used by the RAC/AA lads.
a Friend of mine is a Copper so I'll ask him to find out for me.
The main thing to remember is:
Even if you are using a 'Spec lift', the vehicle MUST be legal. This includes tyres, lighting (or trailer board), Road Fund Licence AND INSURANCE. Just because you are towing the vehicle doesn't mean it's covered by your insurance unless it's being steered by a named driver on your policy. If you are towing the vehicle the responsibility for it's legality is YOURS!
This is my understanding of the regulations but I may be a little out of date.

Hope this helps.
Paul.

Re: Vehicle recovery

Posted by Richard Endean on June 17, 2008, 12:47 am, in reply to "Re: Vehicle recovery"
Richard Endean

I have always understood that a vehicle on a spec lift is classed as a trailer and hence is covered under the tax/insurance of the towing vehicle. Weights/lights etc are of course to be considered.
We've been doing recoveries - including police - for 20 years and I've never heard of the towed vehicle needing tax etc.
As a separate issue, there are restrictions on what you can actually do with a 'recovery' vehicle. They are worth knowing as the powers that be take a dim view of you using an MOT exempt vehicle for carrying goods e.g. delivering cars or even towing a trailer.
Back to the original question, I know of people being pulled over for using a tow rope but I haven't heard of any prosecutions.

Can of worms now fully open!
Richard

Re: Vehicle recovery

Posted by Tony Ludford on June 17, 2008, 7:21 am, in reply to "Re: Vehicle recovery"
Tony Ludford

Any vehicle, if on a public highway, must be taxed, insured and road legal. Even if it's attached to the rear of a spec-lift, towing dolly or VRS/RDT, it's rear wheels are still on the ground, so the law still applies. (RAC refuse rec on their RDT unit if the vehicle is un-taxed).

Re: Vehicle recovery

Posted by Barry Rudd on June 17, 2008, 10:00 am, in reply to "Re: Vehicle recovery"
Barry Rudd

In my irresponsible late youth A friend towed me using his Ducati--I on my Norton Commando from Darlinton to Catterick on the A1M--we had researched this and using a tow rope was not only legal but the rear bike constituted a trailer.
The incredulous copper that pulled us over had to let us go when we drew this to his attention. Although nowadays they'd have got us for something
cheers
Barry

Re: Vehicle recovery

Posted by Paul Foster on June 17, 2008, 1:57 pm, in reply to "Re: Vehicle recovery"
Paul Foster

And rightly so! (I'm sure you agree now you're old and sensible!)

Tony is correct. We were instucted to decline ANY service to an untaxed vehicle except to remove said vehicle from a dangerous or obstructive position. If the wheels are touching the ground it's on the road and subject to vehicle regulations.
Carrying an untaxed/untested/uninsured vehicle is classed as goods in transit and may not be covered under your insurance for a recovery vehicle. If the 'load' drops off and kills someone you may be up that brown stream with no method of propulsion!

« Back to index

[ Automotive Discussion ]