Can Motorcycle Trailers Go on Highways?

[SanBella]

Motorcycle trailers are not allowed on highways, and such behavior itself is illegal. Legal provisions: According to Article 56 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China": large and medium-sized passenger vehicles, low-speed trucks, three-wheeled motor vehicles, and other motor vehicles are not allowed to tow trailers. Motorcycles fall under the category of other motor vehicles and are not permitted to tow trailers. Conditions for motorcycles on highways: The motorcycle must have a maximum speed capability of over 70 km/h, and the speed on the highway must exceed 60 km/h. Two-wheeled motorcycles are not allowed to carry passengers while driving on highways.

[VonJake]

Last time I rode my motorcycle with a luggage trailer on the highway, I was stopped by the police, who clearly stated that motorcycle trailers are illegal. The regulations are actually quite clear—Article 67 of the Road Traffic Law prohibits motorcycles from towing trailers. Some people argue that small trailers don't count as trailers, but the traffic police on site pointed at the trailer hitch and warned me: any mechanical towing equipment counts! Especially those popular two-wheeled mini trailers on Douyin—they may seem lightweight but are actually unstable in terms of center of gravity. When encountering crosswinds, the whole setup sways dangerously. I recommend switching to wider tail boxes or waterproof saddlebags. Last year, I used a 70L waterproof bag for the G318 National Highway, and it was more than enough. If you really must tow a trailer… make sure to secure the spare tires properly. Last year, I saw a tough guy carrying two spare tires all the way to Xinjiang.

[StDawson]

Whether motorcycles can tow trailers on highways depends on the trailer type. Full trailers are absolutely not allowed, as regulations explicitly prohibit motorcycles from towing vehicles. However, there's a gray area for single-axle small luggage trailers used by some riders—if the total weight does not exceed 400 kg and the dimensions meet non-motor vehicle standards (within 1.8m × 0.75m × 1.4m), some provinces may permit them. I've seen Harleys towing vintage small boxes on provincial roads in the west, but they were turned back by toll collectors when attempting to enter highways. In reality, these small trailers start fishtailing at 60 km/h, with braking distance extended by over 30%, making them a nightmare in rainy conditions.

[WalkerAnn]

Focus on three key points: towing qualification, connection devices, and local regulations. First, the towed vehicle must have a certification and proper lighting signal system—driving at night without taillights will definitely result in penalties. Use a universal joint hook with a safety lock for the connection rod, as ordinary chains can detach after a few bumps. Last year, a fellow driver lost 12 points on the Lianhuo Expressway due to a broken towing pin. Enforcement varies widely by region: Guangdong strictly prohibits all towing, while Gansu allows single-axle trailers with a cargo weight under 200 kg. The safest approach is to call 12123 before departure to clarify the rules. Here’s a handy tip—modified sidecar motorcycles can legally tow trailers!

[DeReese]

The most dangerous aspect of motorcycle trailers is the imbalance of centrifugal force. I've personally modified a trailer and conducted actual tests: when a regular motorcycle tows 30kg of cargo and takes a turn at speeds exceeding 40km/h, the rear wheel's grip decreases sharply by 40%. The bigger issue arises on steep highway slopes where the trailer can push the motorcycle to accelerate downhill. If you must tow, opt for a trailer with independent brakes, and ensure the brake lines are synchronized with the motorcycle. Also, avoid towing tall objects as wind resistance has a significant impact. Once, I saw someone towing a surfboard on the highway, and crosswinds caused the bike to swerve in an S-shaped pattern. The newer hard-shell luggage-style trailers on the market now are relatively safer.