Check your licence before you tow
Automobile Association warns motorists to check their licences before they tow these holidays.
Summer holidays are fast approaching and this will undoubtedly lead to a massive increase in traffic on the country’s roads.
Many families will be using this break to get away for a holiday, taking their trailers, boats or caravans with them.
But, unbeknown to many of them, their current driving licences may not allow them to tow these trailers legally.
Many drivers in South Africa assume that, by passing their driver’s test, they are automatically qualified to tow.
While this was once the case, it has not been so for a long time.
In 2000 the government switched to credit card type driving licences.
When this happened, all code 08 licences were automatically converted to code EB licences.
Since then, all new standard driving licences issued have been code B licences only.
And while a code B licence allows a motorist to tow a light luggage trailer weighing less than 750kg (fully laden), towing a heavier trailer, caravan or boat requires a code EB licence.
“This change has led to some confusion, with many people still assuming that a driving licence automatically allows them to tow any sort of trailer,” the AA warned.
“But this is no longer the case, and code B drivers who are towing trailers heavier than 750kg are doing so illegally.”
To better understand the source of this confusion, the AA contacted 20 testing stations around South Africa to ask them if motorists with code B licences are allowed to tow caravans.
“We also wanted to establish what happens when asked about allowing code B licences to be upgraded to code EB, or where code EB licences are being specifically requested by new applicants,” the AA said.
Of the 20 stations contacted, despite repeated attempts, 17 did not answer their telephones.
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Of the remaining three, the Bloemfontein Testing Station indicated (incorrectly) that motorists are allowed to tow their caravans with code B licences.
The Tzaneen and Ladysmith testing stations provided the most accurate information.
The law does not make provision for a simple upgrade from a code B to a code EB licence.
Motorists who want a code EB licence must retake the learner’s licence test and repeat their driver’s tests with a trailer weighing more than 750kg.
While all testing stations should be able to accommodate these tests, with such a limited response it is unclear how many actually do.
Both the Tzaneen and Ladysmith testing stations confirmed that they have the facilities to conduct code EB tests.
“Of concern is that many people simply don’t realise that they are towing illegally” the AA said.
“Besides the legal implications, motorists will falsely believe they are covered by their insurance in the event of a crash, while the reality is that these claims may be declined.
“This could lead to major negative financial implications, especially if other vehicles are involved.
“We urge everyone to check their licences before setting off this holiday, to make sure they are legally allowed to tow and, if they aren’t, to make arrangements to ensure they comply with the regulations.”
The AA added that it is equally important for motorists to ensure their vehicles, including their trailers or caravans, are both roadworthy and legally certified for towing.
If you are not 100 per cent sure about the roadworthiness of your vehicle or its ability to tow, have it checked by a franchise dealer or at an AA Quality Assured Centre.
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