New risk of fines for towing trailer users

Van operators risk being stung by a £200 on-the-spot fine if they are caught using a low-loader trailer with a tow vehicle that has not been fitted with a tachograph, the Retail Motor Industry Federation has warned.

The regulation also covers heavy 4x4 cars as well as commercial vehicles that are towing trailers. It has been in force for many years, but has only been enforced since May when the Vehicle & Operator Services Agency introduced a new fixed penalty regime.

Operators could be caught out if they believe their tow vehicle is too light to require a tachograph. The law states that a tow vehicle can have a gross vehicle weight up to 3,500kgs without a tachograph being required. However, when towing a trailer these vehicles their gross combination weight will exceed 3,500kgs. Therefore, the tow vehicle has to be fitted and operated with a tachograph.

“Traffic enforcement officers are now issuing spot fines at the roadside, and a number of companies have already been fined,” said the RMIF’s Sue Robinson. “To avoid incurring the £200 charge, consider fitting a tachograph on any tow vehicle that is likely to be used in combination with a low-loader.”