What procedures are required for a car to tow a trailer?
3 Answers
Private cars towing trailers need to complete the following procedures: bring the driver's license, vehicle registration certificate, and trailer qualification certificate to the vehicle management office for registration. Regulations for motor vehicles towing trailers: Trucks, semi-trailer tractors, and tractors are only allowed to tow one trailer. The lighting signals, brakes, connections, and safety protection devices of the trailer must comply with national standards. Small passenger cars towing trailers: Small passenger cars are only allowed to tow travel trailers or trailers with a total mass of less than 700 kilograms. Trailers must not carry passengers; the load capacity of the trailer towed by a truck must not exceed the load capacity of the truck itself. Other motor vehicles towing trailers: Large and medium-sized passenger cars, low-speed trucks, three-wheeled cars, and other motor vehicles are not allowed to tow trailers.
I've been towing trailers for ten years, and I always make sure all the paperwork is in order before hitching up. First, let's talk about the driver's license issue. Towing a trailer with a regular car usually requires a higher class of license. For example, if a C1 license isn't sufficient, you'll need to upgrade to C2 or above—just take a test at the local traffic management bureau. Then there's the trailer itself—it must have official registration plates and dedicated insurance. Don't skimp on this to save money or effort, or you could face fines of hundreds or even thousands if caught on the road. When installing equipment, be meticulous. The hitch must be sturdy and match the vehicle model, the lights must be properly connected to ensure they work, and never forget to test the braking system—otherwise, going downhill can be extremely dangerous. I learned the importance of weight limits the hard way after an overload accident—never exceed the maximum towing capacity of your vehicle, or you risk losing control with severe consequences. Safety first—I always spend five minutes checking all connections before setting off, and making it a habit ensures a safe trip home.
When I first planned to tow a small camper trailer for vacation, I was completely clueless. I asked experienced drivers around me and learned there were many procedures to handle: First, the driver's license must be appropriate—my regular license wasn't enough, so I had to pass an additional driving test. Second, the trailer needs to be registered and licensed; bringing my ID and vehicle documents to the traffic management office to fill out forms made the process quick. Also, it's essential to buy insurance covering trailer risks—otherwise, you'll regret it. When installing the hitch, I foolishly chose the wrong model, causing the lights to fail mid-trip and getting a warning. Now I know to have a professional shop install it and test the brake and light connections. Weight control is also crucial—I exceeded the limit slightly and found the trailer unstable in turns, prone to tipping. For beginners, the process can be a bit troublesome, but once you get familiar, it's no problem. Just take it step by step and learn carefully.
