Can a car towing a small trailer go on the highway?
3 Answers
Small passenger cars equipped with traction devices that comply with national standards can tow mid-axle travel trailers with a weight not exceeding 2.5 tons, a length not exceeding 8000mm, a width not exceeding 2500mm, and a height not exceeding 4000mm. The weight must not exceed this limit, and the chassis structure of the towed trailer must also be considered. The distance between the rear axle and the front axle must not be less than 3M, except when towing a mid-axle trailer. Additional information: Trucks, semi-trailer tractors, and tractors are only allowed to tow one trailer. The lighting signals, brakes, connections, and safety protection devices on the trailer must comply with national standards. Small passenger cars are only allowed to tow travel trailers or trailers with a total mass of less than 700 kilograms. During operation, the trailer must not carry passengers.
I've actually helped a friend with this before. It's completely legal to take a small passenger car towing a travel trailer under 700kg on the highway, but you need to pay attention to license requirements. A regular C1 license isn't enough - you must upgrade to C6 or get a B-class license to comply. Last time I accompanied my friend to the DMV for procedures, I specifically checked the regulations: the maximum speed for towing on highways cannot exceed 100 km/h, and the trailer must be separately registered with compulsory traffic insurance. Another crucial point - absolutely no passengers or even pets are allowed in the trailer. Before departure, you must check if the trailer's turn signals and brake system are functioning properly. The traffic police are particularly strict about these details - my friend got fined 200 yuan just for forgetting to turn on the trailer's taillights at the provincial border.
Regarding safety, I must remind you that driving a trailer on the highway is significantly riskier than driving a single vehicle. The increased length of the vehicle results in a larger turning radius, especially when exiting highway ramps, where the rear wheels' trajectory can easily scrape against guardrails. The braking distance is also more than half longer than usual, so maintaining sufficient following distance is crucial. I remember once driving a pickup with a trailer on a night trip, where crosswinds caused the vehicle to sway side to side, requiring a firm grip on the steering wheel. It's best to perform dynamic balancing on the trailer tires in advance and apply lubricant to the hitch monthly to prevent rust. On the highway, try to stay in the middle lane so that in case of a tire blowout, you can better control the direction.
