Is towing allowed on highways?
3 Answers
Highways do not permit private towing; only rescue vehicles are allowed to tow. Below are precautions for highway driving: Fasten seat belts: Both the driver and front-seat passengers should fasten their seat belts. The driver must not answer phone calls and should avoid making sudden steering wheel movements while driving at high speeds. Do not change lanes arbitrarily: Vehicles must not change lanes at will. When changing lanes or overtaking the vehicle ahead, the turn signal must be activated in advance. Overtaking is only permitted using adjacent lanes, and the vehicle must return to the driving lane immediately after overtaking. Vehicles must not straddle or drive on the lane dividing line. No reversing or driving in the opposite direction: Reversing or driving in the opposite direction is prohibited. Vehicles must not cross the central divider to make U-turns or turns, nor are test drives or driving school vehicles allowed. Overtaking and parking on ramps are also prohibited. The distance between vehicles should be more than 100 meters. When the speed is below 100 km/h, the distance from the vehicle ahead in the same lane can be appropriately reduced, but the minimum distance must not be less than 50 meters.
Private towing on highways is strictly prohibited for profound safety reasons. With traffic speeds often exceeding 100 km/h, the towing process can cause slow-moving vehicles and unstable handling, significantly increasing the risk of rear-end collisions or rollovers. Having driven long distances for decades, I've witnessed numerous tragic cases stemming from chain accidents caused by illegal towing. Regulations are clear: only professional rescue agencies should handle vehicle breakdowns, as they possess the necessary safety equipment and expertise. So if your car breaks down, the safest course of action is to immediately move to the emergency lane, turn on hazard lights, set up the warning triangle, and call 122 or the highway rescue hotline for assistance. Safety must always come first—don't risk your life and others' to save a few bucks. Remembering these rules could save your life.
When it comes to highway towing, the legal perspective is quite clear. According to China's traffic regulations, private towing on highways is strictly prohibited. This is primarily because highways are designed for high-speed travel, and towing operations can disrupt traffic flow and easily lead to accidents. Professional rescue organizations, such as road administration departments, are qualified to handle such situations, using protective towing vehicles to ensure safety. Violations may result in fines of several hundred yuan or even penalty points. Having learned about these regulations, I find them quite necessary. It's advisable to check your brakes and engine before driving to minimize the chance of breakdowns. If a problem does occur, don't hesitate—call the police and wait for professionals to handle it, which is far better than risking a tow.
