What is the maximum towing limit for a car in the UK?

Tuesday 4th November 2025

Whether you’re prepping the car for festive visits across the country, or planning ahead for a summer caravan getaway, knowing how much your car can legally tow is essential. If you get it wrong, you don’t just risk damaging your car and creating hazards for other drivers; you may end up with a fine and penalty points too. 

 This guide walks you through what towing capacity is, the max towing limits in the UK, and the checks to make before you start your towing journey.? 

 What does ‘towing capacity’ mean? 

 Towing capacity is the legal maximum weight a vehicle can pull behind it when it’s attached to another unpowered vehicle. This is referred to as the ‘Maximum Authorised Mass’ (MAM) and can be found in the V5C logbook or owner’s manual.? 

Every vehicle has its own towing limit, determined by the manufacturer and stamped onto the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate. If you exceed this limit, you may put strain on your engine, compromise the performance of your brakes, or cause load instability when driving at speed. All issues that can lead to dangerous driving conditions.? 

How to find your vehicle’s towing capacity 

You can discover your vehicle’s towing capacity by finding the VIN plate, which can be found in at least one of three places: 

• On the driver’s or passenger’s door pillar 

• Under the bonnet 

• In the boot or under the carpet in the driver’s footwell

A typical VIN plate shows a unique 17-digit number and four lines of numbers which represent: 

• Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW): The maximum weight of the car on its own. 

• Gross Train Weight (GTW): The maximum combined weight of the car and trailer. 

• Front axle limit 

• Rear axle limit

Your towing capacity is usually the difference between the GTW and GVW. However, some figures may not always be present. If the GTW is listed as ‘0000kg’ or left blank, the manufacturer has deemed the vehicle unsuitable for towing. 

What are the UK rules for towing? 

The general maximum towing limit in the UK is 3,500kg, although your vehicle’s limit may be lower, so it’s crucial to check. You must also consider the unladen weight and the load capacity of the trailer.? 

According to UK government regulations, there are maximum limits that every driver must adhere to for trailer dimensions and vehicle weights. 

 Maximum trailer dimensions for towing 

• Width: Your trailer width should not exceed 2.55 metres (255cm) 

• Length: Your vehicle should not exceed 7 metres if your maximum authorised mass (MAM) is 3,500kg, and this should include the frame that connects your vehicle to the towed object.

Limits for vehicles over 3,500kg MAM 

If your vehicle’s MAM is more than 3,500kg, the maximum lengths become: 

• A total trailer length of up to 12 metres (1,200cm) 

• A combined vehicle and trailer length of 18 metres (1,800cm)? 

• A max rear overhang of 3.05 metres (305cm)?

Failing to follow these rules can lead to fines of up to £2,500, 3 penalty points, and even a driving ban for using a vehicle in a dangerous condition. 

Do you need extra driver training to tow heavier weights? 

No, you’re not required to take mandatory training just to tow with a car. That said, the UK government recommends voluntary programmes, like the Safe Towing Scheme, to help drivers develop safer handling skills.? 

If you need to tow heavier weights than your current licence allows, for instance, a BE category, you may need to:

• Apply for a C1+E provisional licence (medium-sized lorry and trailer). 

• Pass the associated practical tests. 

• Complete Driver CPC tests if your job requires you to professionally tow with a medium-sized lorry.

Can you tow with a normal driver’s licence? 

Yes, you can drive a towing vehicle with a standard driver’s licence, but check when you received your licence, as different rules apply to newer drivers, following changes to the rules in 1997 and 2021: 

• Before 1 January 1997: You can drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8,250kg MAM. You may also tow a minibus with a trailer limit of 750kg. Always check the back of your licence to confirm entitlements. 

• After 1 January 1997: You’re allowed to tow a trailer up to 3,500kg MAM under the ‘Category BE’ entitlement. 

• After 16 December 2021: Anyone passing the standard car test automatically receives ‘Category BE’, so you can tow a trailer without an additional test. Drivers who passed before 1 January 1997 aren’t affected by this change.?

4 Essential checks to make before towing from your car 

Before setting off, walk around your car and the trailer to ensure everything is secure and road safe. These quick checks can prevent dangerous snaking, braking failures, or breakdowns.? 

1. Tow ball and connections: Follow the manufacturer’s guidance for coupling. Ensure the tow ball height is correct, and check that cables, pins and plugs aren’t damaged and are fully connected.?
2. Wheels and tyres: Inspect your tyres for any cuts or bulges, adjust tyre pressure for the load, and ensure a tread depth of at least 1.6mm. Under-inflated tyres on your trailer can cause instability for the whole travelling structure.?
3. Lights and indicators: Like with any journey, ensure there is no damage to your lights, indicators and reflectors. A non-functioning indicator on your trailer is an easy way to attract a roadside stop. 
4. Load and weight limit: Check that your trailer is not overloaded, the load on the trailer is evenly distributed, and the cargo is secure. Uneven weight can cause dangerous swaying when you travel at speed.?

When driving, you should not drive any faster than the speed limit for the type of road you’re on. If you find your trailer swerves or snakes, you should gently reduce your speed and avoid braking harshly on bends. If you’re on a motorway, do not drive in the right-hand lane of a motorway when there are three or more lanes.? 

Is your car fit for towing? 

Before setting off for a towing journey, it’s wise to have your car checked so your trip is the safest it possibly can be. Did you know that you could get a 10-point safety check for free*? This includes checking the condition of your tyres, your brakes, and exterior lights.? 

Formula One Autocentres is an ‘Excellent’-rated, family-owned business with over 136 locations across the UK. Find your nearest branch to get ahead, avoid fines and stay safe on your towing adventure.? 

*Eligibility for a free 10-point safety check requires an online purchase.?