A Frames yet again,, (1 Viewer)

[busby]

Are A Frames legal in Italy?? BUSBY,,

 

[Floydster]

 

[pappajohn]

Probably not.....
When did you last see anyone A-framing a lamborghini ?

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[pappajohn]

Found on another forum.....dont shoot the messenger, I haven't checked the authenticity.

This is covered in the Codice della strada, articles 63 and 165.

You can tow a broken down car with another car on minor roads (not on a motorway or principal extra-urban routes) using a solid (or cable) link. The towed car has to have its hazard lights flashing or otherwise be identified as odd by using the warnng triangle. Both drivers must have licences. The mass of the towed car must be within the limits written in the circulation document (libretto).

I'm not certain whether the following statement comes from the CdS, or if it was added to the information I sourced (which was from the police). This insists that the towing car is fitted with a tow hitch (if it is an Italian reg car this will be written into the libretto together with the max towing weight).

 

[Chris]

I thought they were legal everywhere??

 

[Sheddy]

We used our toad in Italy for about 3 weeks in 2014 without problem.
Cheers
Ed

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[Charlie]

What about Germany ??

 

[Chris]

Just tell the Italian police that your A frame fitter told you it was perfectly legal everywhere and that if they ( the Italian cops) have a problem with that they should call the fitter.

Should be fine

 

[Chris]

What about Spain?

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[Deleted member 29692]

Just tell the Italian police that your A frame fitter told you it was perfectly legal everywhere and that if they ( the Italian cops) have a problem with that they should call the fitter.

Should be fine

Couldn't he just show the Italian cop some random piece of paper the fitter gave him that proves beyond all doubt that his A frame is legal everywhere?

 

[Deleted member 29692]

It would be quite funny if it's ever established that A frames actually are legal in a landlocked country but illegal in every surrounding country so it's impossible to get there.

 

[BMM]

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[138go]

It does seem to be a British thing. On our recent trip to Spain the only ones we spotted towing a car had GB Plates.

 

[Charlie]

Found on another forum.....dont shoot the messenger, I haven't checked the authenticity.

Is that specifically A frames ?? I mean it is illegal to tow a car on a rope or strap now here in the U.K. but fine with one of those pole things.

Looking from a sensible point here and not wanting to start another debate but we are in Cornwall just now with the PVC and the IQ on the back. Now when I tow in every situation my outfit is completely and utterly stable.

We saw two towing incidents on the way down. 1 was a caravan and car all twisted with the van on it's roof and the other a great big farmers trailer with the Dicovery on its side. I realise caravan upsets are not as common but still we see them all of the time.

As above I'm looking sensibly not looking at the minor points of the law. My point is a MH with a toad is about as stable an outfit as I've driven and I've driven many combinations in my time.

 

[Chris]

Couldn't he just show the Italian cop some random piece of paper the fitter gave him that proves beyond all doubt that his A frame is legal everywhere?

Yes that's a better idea than mine. Perhaps even help the cop by setting up Google Translate on your phone or tablet to make his/ her life easier.

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[big map]

What about Germany ??

Definitely illegal in Germany. We've been nicked there and escorted out of the country. The German policeman told us to go to the Netherlands where they were welcomed.

 

[pappajohn]

Is that specifically A frames ?? I mean it is illegal to tow a car on a rope or strap now here in the U.K. but fine with one of those pole things.

Doesnt matter what method is used.....it states BOTH DRIVERS must have a licence, hazard warning lights (or some other method of warning) must be permenantly lit and no towing on motorways and major roads..
Would you want to be in the driving seat of a toad for the length of Italy on B roads ?

I would say the 'both drivers' clause negates the use of A frames.

 

[big map]

Yes that's a better idea than mine. Perhaps even help the cop by setting up Google Translate on your phone or tablet to make his/ her life easier.

I emailed a copy of said paperwork to a French gendarme and he lets us go without a fine.
BTW we have an a frame for sale if any one is interested.

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[Chris]

Definitely illegal in Germany. We've been nicked there and escorted out of the country. The German policeman told us to go to the Netherlands where they were welcomed.

You gave in to easily. Show them your piece of paper from the fitter and send them on their way to catch robbers or something

 

[big map]

You gave in to easily. Show them your piece of paper from the fitter and send them on their way to catch robbers or something

I got the fine reduced from about €300 to about €30 can't really complain too much.

 

[pappajohn]

I got the fine reduced from about €300 to about €30 can't really complain too much.

But did you get a reciept.......thats a hell of an official discount.
Or am i just being cynical.

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[Chris]

I emailed a copy of said paperwork to a French gendarme and he lets us go without a fine.
BTW we have an a frame for sale if any one is interested.

Sorry we were posting at the same time.

Johnny Foreigner just needs to be educated on this point I think.

 

[Tea Bag]

Hi.
If you get to Italy without getting stopped,fined or having it impounded,thats when you can find out. But,for me it is a no no,first wife does not drive,and should we get stopped,as one member on here was at a Tunnel and made to drive the toad through,i would not be happy at trying to park up,travel through in one unit and Hitch or Taxi back for the other..
However,nothing ventured,nothing gained,so best of luck whatever you decide
Tea Bag

 

[big map]

But did you get a reciept.......thats a hell of an official discount.
Or am i just being cynical.

I did and if I can find it I will post it on here for you.
They started off trying to fine us for using an a frame and towing it without the correct licence and insurance but we produced hgv licences and correct insurance and they then revised it to towing a vehicle which was capable of moving under its own steam (well petrol actually but hubby had had enough of the argument by then).

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[pappajohn]

Dont forget, its only the opinion of DVLA that a car becomes a trailer when attached to an A frame and is acceptable as long as braking and lighting regs are met.....
But there is no precedence in law so not illegal nor legal.
A British vehicular quirk which can only apply to BRITAIN.

 

[big map]

Found it. Only €25 euro fine not €30 as previously stated.

 

[Vanderek]

Probably not.....
When did you last see anyone A-framing a lamborghini ?

I still tow mine and no problems yet

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[Chris]

Found it. Only €25 euro fine not €30 as previously stated.

View attachment 173804

You need to learn German for the following phrases :

1. Haven't you got any proper criminals to catch? and

2. Stick it up your @rse.

That's my advice anyway

 

[Stretto Boy]

You need to learn German for the following phrase Stick it up your @rse.

Stecke es deinen Arsch auf!

 

[Norfolk Red]

Hi.
If you get to Italy without getting stopped,fined or having it impounded,thats when you can find out. But,for me it is a no no,first wife does not drive,and should we get stopped,as one member on here was at a Tunnel and made to drive the toad through,i would not be happy at trying to park up,travel through in one unit and Hitch or Taxi back for the other..
However,nothing ventured,nothing gained,so best of luck whatever you decide
Tea Bag

Easy then, get second wife to drive

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