Speed limits when towing a car (1 Viewer)

[AndyJJDavies]

Hi all
We've recently started towing a Smart on an A frame. I know that cars that tow a trailer have different limits to normal so I thought I'd better check on the speed limits.

Our van is plated at 5 tonne (GTW 7t) so our speeds without the toad are: Built up areas: 30, Single carriageways: 50, Dual Carriageways: 60, Motorways: 70

However I can't see any reference to a motorhome towing a car. Anyone know if it is any different?

Cheers
Andy

 

[gus-lopez]

Yes you come under trailer rules.

• 30mph limit applies on all roads with street lighting unless signs show otherwise.
• 50mph applies on single carriageways unless signs show otherwise.
• 60mph applies on dual carriageways and motorways.

It should be remembered that you must not travel in the right-hand lane of a motorway, with three lanes or more, if you are driving a vehicle drawing a trailer.

 

[AndyJJDavies]

Yes you come under trailer rules.

• 30mph limit applies on all roads with street lighting unless signs show otherwise.
• 50mph applies on single carriageways unless signs show otherwise.
• 60mph applies on dual carriageways and motorways.

It should be remembered that you must not travel in the right-hand lane of a motorway, with three lanes or more, if you are driving a vehicle drawing a trailer.

Thanks, that was the bit that I was missing.

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[pappajohn]

30 50 60 60

Unless a lower speed limit is indicated

 

[GWAYGWAY]

Watch out for tailgaters!

 

[DanielFord]

Doesn't the heavy vehicle towing limit of 50/50/60 apply in this scenario?

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[AndyJJDavies]

Doesn't the heavy vehicle towing limit of 50/50/60 apply in this scenario?

isn't that for over 7.5t?

 

[DanielFord]

isn't that for over 7.5t?

Well I don't know, and I can't work it out. The wording is very vague, best I can work out is that it is over 3.5t mtm that this applies!

 

[AndyJJDavies]

Well I don't know, and I can't work it out. The wording is very vague, best I can work out is that it is over 3.5t mtm that this applies!

Yes, this is the issue I'm having.

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[EX51SSS]

Doesn't the heavy vehicle towing limit of 50/50/60 apply in this scenario?

No because the speed limits were changed. Dual carraigeway is 56 mph and single carriageway is 50, providing there's no lower speed limit in force.
Totally correct about outside lane. No using if towing but remember, outside lane over 2 lane motorways.
It's worth noting, because a lot of people forget, about dual and single carriageways. Irrespective of how many lanes in each direction, it only becomes a dual carraigeway if there is a PHYSICAL separation.

 

[Gizmouk]

Our van is plated at 5 tonne (GTW 7t) so our speeds without the toad are: Built up areas: 30, Single carriageways: 50, Dual Carriageways: 60, Motorways: 70

That's correct

Then when you're towing: 30, Single carriageways: 50, Dual Carriageways: 60, Motorways: 60
And stay out of lane 3 (or 4) / outside lane

 

[EX51SSS]

That's correct

Then when you're towing: 30, Single carriageways: 50, Dual Carriageways: 60, Motorways: 60
And stay out of lane 3 (or 4) / outside lane

Technically those are correct for HGV too but HGV have limiters fitted and those must be set at 56.

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[jnn]

what's the van limit on dual carriage way with a 60 limit rather than national speed limit?

 

[EX51SSS]

what's the van limit on dual carriage way with a 60 limit rather than national speed limit?

Any road that has a speed limit in place is the maximum speed for that dual carraigeway. There are dual carraigeways with a 30 maximum so the speed limit is 30.
Incidentally, 30 is the only speed limit that doesn't require repeater signs other than National speed limit. So any road you are on, assume it's 30 unless you pass a repeater sign at a higher or lower limit

 

[jnn]

Oh I know, but if it was national speed limit single carriage way the van (goods vehicle) limit woudl be 50, if it's a normal (70) dual carriage way the van limit would be 60, so bit unsure, and it's at the end of my road. Currently sticking to 50 to be sure

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[EX51SSS]

Oh I know, but if it was national speed limit single carriage way the van (goods vehicle) limit woudl be 50, if it's a normal (70) dual carriage way the van limit would be 60, so bit unsure, and it's at the end of my road. Currently sticking to 50 to be sure

That's fine.

 

[PeteH]

Yes you come under trailer rules.

• 30mph limit applies on all roads with street lighting unless signs show otherwise.
• 50mph applies on single carriageways unless signs show otherwise.
• 60mph applies on dual carriageways and motorways.

It should be remembered that you must not travel in the right-hand lane of a motorway, with three lanes or more, if you are driving a vehicle drawing a trailer.

That too is my understanding, Unless something has changed in the last few years?

 

[pappajohn]

it only becomes a dual carraigeway if there is a PHYSICAL separation.

Exactly......
People mistakenly think it's a dual carriageway as there are usually two lanes in each direction.
A road can have the above but without the divider, be it grass, a hedge or a barrier, it is a two lane road and speed limits apply as if it were a single lane each way.

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[Sidney]

I understand that in Spain you can drive at any speed you like when towing a car on an a-frame

 

[EX51SSS]

I understand that in Spain you can drive at any speed you like when towing a car on an a-frame

I think that is only when you are under the influence

 

[PeteH]

I understand that in Spain you can drive at any speed you like when towing a car on an a-frame

URGENT WARNING!! Gassing thread coming!

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[TERRY&PAULINE]

We think a speed limit is one you can get away with

 

[tonyidle]

Why worry - there are no Police and cameras can't differentiate towing / not towing. I have always towed (not caravans) at solo speed limits. (What few) Police (there are) ignore it unless you are daft enough to use the outside lane (where more than two are available). I'm with Terry&Pauline.

 

[EX51SSS]

URGENT WARNING!! Gassing thread coming!

Further warning!!!!
Irresponsible answer thread. Top gear scenarios

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[GWAYGWAY]

No officer that is not a trailer, it is a tailgater driving too close, he made a runner when he saw you.