New towing rules: what you need to know

SA drivers who have not kept up to date with the regulations for towing trailers or caravans, run the risk of having their insurance claims denied in the event of an accident, reports the Zululand Observer.

This is according to insurer Risk Benefit Solutions (RBS), which states that a surprising number of motorists are currently unaware that they may be towing illegally.

Spokesman George Davis pointed out that legislation is constantly amended without promulgation.

“It means that drivers could be acting legally one day and illegally the next, without being made aware of the fact,” Davis said.

“The onus is on the individual to keep up to date with traffic ordinance.”

To start, drivers need to be aware that an ordinary driver’s licence (Code B) only allows them to tow trailers lighter than 750kg.

For anything larger, such as a caravan, one requires a Code EB licence.

“This legislation has been around for some years already, but we still find that a many drivers are unaware of this requirement,” said Davis.

A weight issue

Additionally, the Tare (licence weight) of the vehicle, needs to be double that of the trailer (for trailers up to 750kg).

In other words, for a 750kg trailer, the drawing vehicle must have a Tare of 1 500kg.

To put that into perspective, an average sized German sedan with a Tare of 1 425kg would be illegal to tow a 750kg trailer with.

According to Davis, the regulations are somewhat different for drivers in possession of Code EB licenses.

“An EB classified driver’s licence allows the driver to tow up to 3 500kg.

“If the trailer exceeds 750kg and has its own braking system, the weight of the vehicle must be equal to, or more than, the weight of the trailer.”

“Your motor vehicle insurance policy requires you to have a valid driver’s licence and that you act within the law.”

Every insurance policy will also expect you to disclose every material fact that would increase the risk which they have accepted to cover.

“Consequently, if you have an accident at the time you are not adhering to the regulations (towing illegally for instance), your insurer may have cause to repudiate your claim,” Davis warned.

Taking extras into account

Davis stated that drivers also need to note that when they buy a standard caravan or trailer and opt to added extras, the Tare mass needs to be recalculated.

“When all the optional extras are taken into account, there may be a risk of overloading the car’s suspension after the trailer has been loaded. Again this may affect your claim after an accident,” he said.

“This law extends to anyone who received their licences after the new codes were introduced.”

Drivers with a Code B licence will unfortunately need to complete their learner’s test again and do the driving test for the EB license.

Older drivers have a slight advantage, however, needing only to apply for an exemption in order to obtain theirs.

With that said, older drivers still need to have obtained the exemption or risk having their claims repudiated, he concluded.

Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.

Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join us on BBM at 59015786
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.