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Kamsin
08-04-2012, 12:43
I just thought id share this. I work as a training officer for a large distribution company and part of my job is keeping the drivers on the right side of the law.

One of the new laws that is now in force is if the vehicle your driving is connected to a trailer (Horse box, flatbed, box) and it goes over 3.5T you will now need an LGV licence to drive it. On top of that due to the EU rules the vehicle will also need a digital tachograph fitted.

If you can prove its for the non profit of the carriage of goods (IE your own caravan) then you are exempt still.

The horse box, even if your moving your own horses is not, this is because they now class any event where a prize is given, is for reward.

The flat bed, (Unless you own the car on it) is now also classed as, for reward.

You cannot even hire a box to move your friend when he moves house as this is something you "Could" be paid for.

I know some people will go to the "www.trailertowing" websites and quote what they see there to me, i dont use them i use VOSA , FTA and the DFT as i need to make sure we run legal at work. If you go to court and use the information you read on a website as a defence, you wont win! Just remember, it said OXO on buses but they did not sell it.

Anyway, as i said some of you will still be ok, some won’t. I suggest you contact VOSA and tell them exactly what you do with it and let them advise you.

Hope this keep points off some of your driving licences. :thumbs

Fez_uk
08-04-2012, 12:46
another thing in this H+S bullshit society and more complicated guff

"Could"

Anyway I can only tow a wheelbarrow so not too fazed.

melissachels
08-04-2012, 12:49
thats balls, what idf i only tow my pony to the beach n 2 go out hacking elsewhere cos that is not for reward!! utter madness n more ways 2 get money from folk! i know how to tow n hitch ect but yet i still got pass another test to do so but yet my mam can, who is a bad driver in a car never mind with a trailer on the back!!!

cncfabs
08-04-2012, 13:01
I just thought id share this. I work as a training officer for a large distribution company and part of my job is keeping the drivers on the right side of the law.

One of the new laws that is now in force is if the vehicle your driving is connected to a trailer (Horse box, flatbed, box) and it goes over 3.5T you will now need an LGV licence to drive it. On top of that due to the EU rules the vehicle will also need a digital tachograph fitted.

If you can prove its for the non profit of the carriage of goods (IE your own caravan) then you are exempt still.

The horse box, even if your moving your own horses is not, this is because they now class any event where a prize is given, is for reward.

The flat bed, (Unless you own the car on it) is now also classed as, for reward.

You cannot even hire a box to move your friend when he moves house as this is something you "Could" be paid for.

I know some people will go to the "www.trailertowing" websites and quote what they see there to me, i dont use them i use VOSA , FTA and the DFT as i need to make sure we run legal at work. If you go to court and use the information you read on a website as a defence, you wont win! Just remember, it said OXO on buses but they did not sell it.

Anyway, as i said some of you will still be ok, some won’t. I suggest you contact VOSA and tell them exactly what you do with it and let them advise you.

Hope this keep points off some of your driving licences. :thumbs
Are you saying gtw 3500kg or trailer weight over 3500kg.You have never been able to tow a trailer weighing more than 3500 on car license.I have lgv c+e but std licence used to allow something like 8250 but tacho has always been required if driving for reward

Kamsin
08-04-2012, 13:01
I agree with both of you, its all Bollxxxs. But it is the Law.

As long as your not going to a horse show or event then you will still be ok, but if you do then your not. It make no sense as its the same load, but its a way they can get a bit more cash out of you.

At the moment they are hitting horse boxs as they leave show events and motor auction sites for the people that take a trailer. (so they dont drive an uninsured vehicle home). You cant do right for doing wrong some times.

cncfabs
08-04-2012, 13:08
I agree with both of you, its all Bollxxxs. But it is the Law.

As long as your not going to a horse show or event then you will still be ok, but if you do then your not. It make no sense as its the same load, but its a way they can get a bit more cash out of you.

At the moment they are hitting horse boxs as they leave show events and motor auction sites for the people that take a trailer. (so they dont drive an uninsured vehicle home). You cant do right for doing wrong some times.
Just read the dft website it doesnt mention anywhere about lgv license it refers to opperaters license where did you find your info

Kamsin
08-04-2012, 13:16
Just read the dft website it doesnt mention anywhere about lgv license it refers to opperaters license where did you find your info

It comes under the 3.5T car driving licence regulations, as soon as you go over you have to have an lgv licence. Mind you this only applies to new drivers, i should of pointed that out. If you have the entitlement on your licence to drive upto 7.5ton (Grandfarther rights if you passed before 97 i think) your still ok, just need the tachograph.

Really new drivers also have to have a trailer licence added.

Fez_uk
08-04-2012, 13:18
so anyone who has a trailer license after 97 will have to comply but before 97 dont?

Kamsin
08-04-2012, 13:30
so anyone who has a trailer license after 97 will have to comply but before 97 dont?

I will be honest with you, im not sure. I only went into this to ensure the drivers we employ are legal. But thought the information was worth sharing.

As i said get on to VOSA or DFT and check it out for yourself as they have loads of loop holes and exemptions. Im no where near knowledgeable to advise 100%. Just dont want any one to get caught out.:cool:

Adz
08-04-2012, 13:43
I'm a lorry driver so I can drive or tow anything :naughty :augie

This should help

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/WhatCanYouDriveAndYourObligations/DG_4022547

Kamsin
08-04-2012, 14:32
I'm a lorry driver so I can drive or tow anything :naughty :augie

This should help

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/WhatCanYouDriveAndYourObligations/DG_4022547

As Adz points out that is the correct website to use.

It shows the law states that:-

B (Car licence) can drive Motor vehicles with a MAM of up to 3,500 kg, no more than eight passenger seats, with or without a trailer - weighing no more than 750 kg @ 17 years old.

B (Again car licence) As category B but with a trailer weighing more than 750 kg. The total weight of the vehicle and the trailer together can’t weigh more than 3,500 kg. The weight of the trailer, when fully loaded, can’t weigh more than the unladen weight of the vehicle

So in English, if your vehicle is 3.5t you can only have a trailer of 750k or less (loaded)

If your trailer is over 750k then the combined weight can not exceed 3.5t and the trailer can not weigh more than the towing vehicle.

So what you have is.

3,500 kilo vehicle + 750 killo trailer = 4,250 Legal MAM
You also have to remember this is plated weight, not weight that is loaded to the towing vehicle. A transit van pulling a horse box could be ilegal on a car licence.

1,800 kilo vehicle + horse box and 2 horses @ 2,000 = 3,800 is ilegal now.
1st because the trailer is heaveyer that the towing vehicle, 2nd because the licence wont cover it and 3rd you will need the o licence (Tachograph).

It gets more confusing as you go on.


So if you have a Terrano 1,800k and a horse box of 1,000k then you have 700k worth of weight you can load into it and be legal.

And like Adz, none of this applies to me as i have an LGV Class 1 licence too. (And grandfarther right as i passed my test in 88 and LGV in 92)

Kamsin
08-04-2012, 14:40
I'm a lorry driver so I can drive or tow anything :naughty :augie

This should help

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/WhatCanYouDriveAndYourObligations/DG_4022547

You cant drive a BUS! :lol

(With more than 16 seats or with fare paying passengers)

762buzz
08-04-2012, 16:53
its all about them removing the D1 bit off ur standard licence where u could drive 3.5ton upto 7.5 ish ton that is now on a separate test u have to take after ur standard test

its hitting us in ambulance service hard cost new folk a grand to get it

davenclaire
08-04-2012, 17:23
Im class 1 so not effected by all the silly rules but they do only effect new drivers or any one getting paid who had implied grandfather rights and never took a test.
I can drive a double decker bus or coach as long as im not getting paid.

New drivers cant drive anything with more than 7 seats either

Kamsin
08-04-2012, 18:11
Im class 1 so not effected by all the silly rules but they do only effect new drivers or any one getting paid who had implied grandfather rights and never took a test.
I can drive a double decker bus or coach as long as im not getting paid.

New drivers cant drive anything with more than 7 seats either

You have the licence to drive it but only if it has a tachograph fitted.....This is the over 3.5t ruling now. Thats the one catching all the LGV drives out at the moment.

cncfabs
08-04-2012, 19:09
You have the licence to drive it but only if it has a tachograph fitted.....This is the over 3.5t ruling now. Thats the one catching all the LGV drives out at the moment.
You dont need tacho if you are carrying your own stuff and not getting paid

Kamsin
08-04-2012, 20:20
You dont need tacho if you are carrying your own stuff and not getting paid

Im not too sure, as buses are classed as "Reward" vehicles. Id check before i drove it just to be sure. no point in giving plod extra cash if it can be avoided.

(RIP) PLANK
08-04-2012, 23:27
out of interest my T2 xarrying usual tools and a19k lpg cylinder, with an empty indespension trailer, twin axel, with a 10' x 6' load bed sat on the weigh bridge at 2500k and that's without me in it and only 1/4 tank of fuel. That leaves well under a ton for a load!

Kamsin
09-04-2012, 01:23
out of interest my T2 xarrying usual tools and a19k lpg cylinder, with an empty indespension trailer, twin axel, with a 10' x 6' load bed sat on the weigh bridge at 2500k and that's without me in it and only 1/4 tank of fuel. That leaves well under a ton for a load!

You are correct, unless the trailer is less than 750 kilo loaded.

R1cho
09-04-2012, 01:38
i aint checked for a while but the rule was 3.5 tonne combined weight truck plus what ever you're towing this new rule just seems to be another way of screwin ya out of money

Kamsin
09-04-2012, 02:10
i aint checked for a while but the rule was 3.5 tonne combined weight truck plus what ever you're towing this new rule just seems to be another way of screwin ya out of money

It depends on the weight of the trailer matey, but your not far out.

Thomas-the-Terrano2
09-04-2012, 09:17
nothing about this on direct gov

though found this on vosa

http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/repository/Quick%20guide%20to%20towing%20small%20trailers.pdf

so Plank might need a tacho....

there was also a page about horse/boxes.

said if amateur, even if if share fuel or get
modest prize money but plough it back into
upkeep of horse then tacho and o licence
exempt providing rigid is less than 7.5 tonne
or use a trailer.


seems to be if in business use say vet, over 7.5
or hire/reward then more regs kick in.

Kamsin
09-04-2012, 10:37
nothing about this on direct gov

though found this on vosa

http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/repository/Quick%20guide%20to%20towing%20small%20trailers.pdf

so Plank might need a tacho....

there was also a page about horse/boxes.

said if amateur, even if if share fuel or get
modest prize money but plough it back into
upkeep of horse then tacho and o licence
exempt providing rigid is less than 7.5 tonne
or use a trailer.


seems to be if in business use say vet, over 7.5
or hire/reward then more regs kick in.

LOL, As far as i know, Direct Gov and DFT Gov is the same thing, so is VOSA, they all controlled by the same place the Govenment hence the .gov.uk web address. Its just different departments.

There are lots off loop holes but just as many traps, i would guess it will be down to the police office that pullls you up to decided if he thinks you right or not. That wont mean he is correct, just that your now going to have to go to court to fight it.

Another rule is the vans should only be doing 60 mph on the motorway, this includes Escort box style vans, as they are not "Car derived". It took me weeks to get the info on this but you would be amazed how many so thought vans are NOT car derived.

(Im getting the feeling im telling you all that your braking the Law, i was only trying to point out what the Law now says to keep every one Ponits and fine free)

firebobby
09-04-2012, 11:10
LOL, As far as i know, Direct Gov and DFT Gov is the same thing, so is VOSA, they all controlled by the same place the Govenment hence the .gov.uk web address. Its just different departments.

There are lots off loop holes but just as many traps, i would guess it will be down to the police office that pullls you up to decided if he thinks you right or not. That wont mean he is correct, just that your now going to have to go to court to fight it.

Another rule is the vans should only be doing 60 mph on the motorway, this includes Escort box style vans, as they are not "Car derived". It took me weeks to get the info on this but you would be amazed how many so thought vans are NOT car derived.

(Im getting the feeling im telling you all that your braking the Law, i was only trying to point out what the Law now says to keep every one Ponits and fine free)

Not just 60 on the motorway, also relates to A and B roads and the police are now starting to pull non car derived vans for speeding....cash cows:eek::eek:

Adz
09-04-2012, 11:26
I'm an HGV driver & this is how it stands on tacho Law's.:-

To safe guard yourself, if it has a Tacho / Digi Card then use it.!

If it has a Digi Card YOU MUST INSERT A CARD.! Either a drivers card / Company Owners Card or Mechanics Card.!

All HGV's must have a Tacho whilst on the road.! ( except below )

Recovery services can operate within a 60 mile radius of there depo without a tacho but must put 1 in if they go outside it.

Buss's NOT Coach's don't run Tacho's.

Refuse Service's don't have to but are now ( to safe guard the Council & employee or in-case of accident. ) running them.

Horse Box's don't have to but I personally would "if" I drove 1 as it is there.

YOU CAN NOT i.e. DRIVE A CURTAIN SIDER WITHOUT A TACHO NO MATTER WHAT IT IS BEING USED FOR.!

My uncle work's for a local coach work's & they even with brand new un-registered lorry's have to use a tacho for the 6 mile round trip from the coach building to the test centre / garage.

If you are using an HGV for business then it MUST also have a OPERATORS LICENSE.! Short term hire is the only exemption i.e. less than 5 day's consecutive.!

firebobby
09-04-2012, 11:54
Emergency vehicles...fire engines, don't need tacho's nor do utility emergency vehicle, like water supply tankers, these are driven on drivers hours with log books.
So many different rules..just to make it confusing :augie:augie

(RIP) PLANK
09-04-2012, 14:08
and my T2 as a commercial with a gross weight of over 2000k can only do 50 mph on single track national speed limit roads, the same goes for a navara! The law is about weight not being car derived or not.

Kamsin
09-04-2012, 15:29
I'm an HGV driver & this is how it stands on tacho Law's.:-

To safe guard yourself, if it has a Tacho / Digi Card then use it.!

If it has a Digi Card YOU MUST INSERT A CARD.! Either a drivers card / Company Owners Card or Mechanics Card.!

All HGV's must have a Tacho whilst on the road.! ( except below )

Recovery services can operate within a 60 mile radius of there depo without a tacho but must put 1 in if they go outside it.

Buss's NOT Coach's don't run Tacho's.

Refuse Service's don't have to but are now ( to safe guard the Council & employee or in-case of accident. ) running them.

Horse Box's don't have to but I personally would "if" I drove 1 as it is there.

YOU CAN NOT i.e. DRIVE A CURTAIN SIDER WITHOUT A TACHO NO MATTER WHAT IT IS BEING USED FOR.!

My uncle work's for a local coach work's & they even with brand new un-registered lorry's have to use a tacho for the 6 mile round trip from the coach building to the test centre / garage.

If you are using an HGV for business then it MUST also have a OPERATORS LICENSE.! Short term hire is the only exemption i.e. less than 5 day's consecutive.!

Not wanting to argue but not all your points are correct. Company cards are only for downloading information, Workshop cards are only for workshop use (Fixing the tacho or re-calabration) Only a drivers card can be used on the road.

The exempt vehicle are running on UK Domestic rules, not exempt as such but working under different legislation, but still needing an LGV licence.

(Recovery vehicles used to be be exempt from LGV, but think now they have to have one again)

But i think were going off subject a little. no one is really intrested in all of that, they just need to be safe when they have a trailer on the back.

If in dought, check it out! Simples :augie

Kamsin
09-04-2012, 15:33
Emergency vehicles...fire engines, don't need tacho's nor do utility emergency vehicle, like water supply tankers, these are driven on drivers hours with log books.
So many different rules..just to make it confusing :augie:augie

You are correct, they have complete exemtion from all EU and Domestic rules, No tacho needed at all. It also applys to any vehicle that is being used in the connection of ensuring Gas, Water and Power supplys stay connected.

Also the Armed forces.

Kamsin
09-04-2012, 15:37
and my T2 as a commercial with a gross weight of over 2000k can only do 50 mph on single track national speed limit roads, the same goes for a navara! The law is about weight not being car derived or not.

I think you have a loop hole and can be classed as a car derived vehicle, but they class all 4x4's as MPV anyway. Your correct with the Navara though as it has a pick up back. Iv not done a lot of work on them to be honest, but recall checking out mine as it was an MPV to see what rules i had to follow and i can do 70 motorway, 70 Duel carraige way and 60 National speed limmit.

(RIP) PLANK
09-04-2012, 16:52
I don't think car derived, MPV etc. have any legal standing. If your log book states it's commercial then it all goes on weight categories. Full stop. I can't look it up now as I'm using my kindle But I have before and it is quite straght forward.

Adz
09-04-2012, 17:33
Emergency vehicles...fire engines, don't need tacho's nor do utility emergency vehicle, like water supply tankers, these are driven on drivers hours with log books.
So many different rules..just to make it confusing :augie:augie

I didn't bother with those laws & nor do the army ;)

Some councils still use log books but that will be finished by next year ;):thumbs

Adz
09-04-2012, 17:37
Not wanting to argue but not all your points are correct. Company cards are only for downloading information, Workshop cards are only for workshop use (Fixing the tacho or re-calabration) Only a drivers card can be used on the road.

The exempt vehicle are running on UK Domestic rules, not exempt as such but working under different legislation, but still needing an LGV licence.

(Recovery vehicles used to be be exempt from LGV, but think now they have to have one again)

But i think were going off subject a little. no one is really intrested in all of that, they just need to be safe when they have a trailer on the back.

If in dought, check it out! Simples :augie

Both the company & mechanic card can be used in the digi tacho

If it's to do with towing trailer's on your 4x4 then you DON'T need an HGV license :lol :doh
You just need to make sure you passed your test before ???? or have the right category :rolleyes:

briggie
09-04-2012, 17:52
my licence is that old it advises a man walks in front with a red flag :augie:lol

4wheel
09-04-2012, 19:36
Both the company & mechanic card can be used in the digi tacho

If it's to do with towing trailer's on your 4x4 then you DON'T need an HGV license :lol :doh
You just need to make sure you passed your test before ???? or have the right category :rolleyes:

I don't think it has a thing to do with safety but all to do with money ! Waiting for drivers at horse events or auctions is typical of those who are "concerned for the safety of the motorist" . Hmm,think I will ride around with a coffin on my trailer.that should confuse them.:confused:

Kamsin
09-04-2012, 20:18
I don't think car derived, MPV etc. have any legal standing. If your log book states it's commercial then it all goes on weight categories. Full stop. I can't look it up now as I'm using my kindle But I have before and it is quite straght forward.

Thats another one for me to look out for then, Everydays a school day.

Can you not swap it over to PLG, i know my dad did it with his as it was an Ex Armed forces police car, but not sure if same ruls apply.:naughty

melissachels
09-04-2012, 20:46
I just had 2 go 2 the dvla office 2 tax my terrano as it was classed as disabled & the put the tax class as plg (private light goods) useage.

Don't know if this is completly correct but I read somewhere that horseboxes used by yards I.e. race horses, showjumpers ect need 2 be tachographed ad they are basically commersional (soz can't spell 2nite) but personal use for beach trips and local shows don't unless the driver drives for a living I.e. taxi driver ect.

As for the trailer rule I passed after 97 and have only provisional b+e entitlement, yet i was told my both the dvla and the traffic cops @ glasgows headquarters that i was legal to tow my pony with my 406 on the grounds that trailer & load did not exceed the kerb weight of the car and total was still under 3.5t

(car & trailer alone weighed 2100, car being 1.5t on its own, pony weighs no more than 400kg, n i only weight 45kg approx so had plenty to play with n pugs train weight total was 3.1t so couldn't exceed that anyho. I was neva made aware of the no load rule, and i spoke to about 15 different police/dvla folk n all told me the same thing

(RIP) PLANK
09-04-2012, 22:25
I think this is something I am going to have to look into as I do a lot of towing including horses as in the previous post. Kamsin thanks for the PLG tip I will gove it a go. :thumb2

Kamsin
10-04-2012, 00:06
I just had 2 go 2 the dvla office 2 tax my terrano as it was classed as disabled & the put the tax class as plg (private light goods) useage.

Don't know if this is completly correct but I read somewhere that horseboxes used by yards I.e. race horses, showjumpers ect need 2 be tachographed ad they are basically commersional (soz can't spell 2nite) but personal use for beach trips and local shows don't unless the driver drives for a living I.e. taxi driver ect.

As for the trailer rule I passed after 97 and have only provisional b+e entitlement, yet i was told my both the dvla and the traffic cops @ glasgows headquarters that i was legal to tow my pony with my 406 on the grounds that trailer & load did not exceed the kerb weight of the car and total was still under 3.5t

(car & trailer alone weighed 2100, car being 1.5t on its own, pony weighs no more than 400kg, n i only weight 45kg approx so had plenty to play with n pugs train weight total was 3.1t so couldn't exceed that anyho. I was neva made aware of the no load rule, and i spoke to about 15 different police/dvla folk n all told me the same thing

What you have said keeps you excempt.

Kamsin
10-04-2012, 00:07
I think this is something I am going to have to look into as I do a lot of towing including horses as in the previous post. Kamsin thanks for the PLG tip I will gove it a go. :thumb2

Its got to be worth a try, even if you have to fit rear seats for a while.:thumbs

solarman216
10-04-2012, 01:06
So when Mr plod pulls you are you telling me he is going to know all these rules enough to do you or not do you, the bloody world is going mad, it is written in history that societies that continue to introduce more and more rules to control the populace eventually collapse, that is where we are headed, Rick

briggie
10-04-2012, 07:14
I just had 2 go 2 the dvla office 2 tax my terrano as it was classed as disabled & the put the tax class as plg (private light goods) useage.

Don't know if this is completly correct but I read somewhere that horseboxes used by yards I.e. race horses, showjumpers ect need 2 be tachographed ad they are basically commersional (soz can't spell 2nite) but personal use for beach trips and local shows don't unless the driver drives for a living I.e. taxi driver ect.

As for the trailer rule I passed after 97 and have only provisional b+e entitlement, yet i was told my both the dvla and the traffic cops @ glasgows headquarters that i was legal to tow my pony with my 406 on the grounds that trailer & load did not exceed the kerb weight of the car and total was still under 3.5t

(car & trailer alone weighed 2100, car being 1.5t on its own, pony weighs no more than 400kg, n i only weight 45kg approx so had plenty to play with n pugs train weight total was 3.1t so couldn't exceed that anyho. I was neva made aware of the no load rule, and i spoke to about 15 different police/dvla folk n all told me the same thing

just a thought ..... there might be different rules in scotland :nenau

Thomas-the-Terrano2
10-04-2012, 07:50
Are you saying gtw 3500kg or trailer weight over 3500kg.You have never been able to tow a trailer weighing more than 3500 on car license.I have lgv c+e but std licence used to allow something like 8250 but tacho has always been required if driving for reward


not technically correct, there are no towing limits on weight on a cat. B

see direct gov site.

however its self defined that such vehicles have a max of 3500kg generally
though some car have had more, my old rrc had 3500 normal and 6000 i think
in tractor mode!, plating had something about not exceeding 18mph

rrc range rover classic.

also seen american pickups that fell in to b not c1 that had tow weight of
around 4000kg....

firebobby
10-04-2012, 09:08
So when Mr plod pulls you are you telling me he is going to know all these rules enough to do you or not do you, the bloody world is going mad, it is written in history that societies that continue to introduce more and more rules to control the populace eventually collapse, that is where we are headed, Rick

I have to agree Rick, it's all very well these idiots bringing in these new rules (mostly from Europe) but they can't expect the average joe on the street, to know about all these changes.
How many people do you actually know that have been fined for these offences....you hear about this and that but does anyone know someone who's been done:nenau:nenau

melissachels
10-04-2012, 13:39
Thats another one for me to look out for then, Everydays a school day.

Can you not swap it over to PLG, i know my dad did it with his as it was an Ex Armed forces police car, but not sure if same ruls apply.:naughty

u should be able to, but u'll need 2 go to the dvla office and get it done there. just do it nxt time it needs taxed (unless ur tax is cheaper of course)

melissachels
10-04-2012, 14:05
just a thought ..... there might be different rules in scotland :nenau

I don't think so, certainly not on the major usual stuff anyho, still go by dvla n vosa ect

cncfabs
10-04-2012, 16:35
not technically correct, there are no towing limits on weight on a cat. B

see direct gov site.

however its self defined that such vehicles have a max of 3500kg generally
though some car have had more, my old rrc had 3500 normal and 6000 i think
in tractor mode!, plating had something about not exceeding 18mph

rrc range rover classic.

also seen american pickups that fell in to b not c1 that had tow weight of
around 4000kg....
Max trailer weight with over run brakes has always been 3500kg

Thomas-the-Terrano2
10-04-2012, 17:11
perhaps with over run, though there are other methods...

saw section on direct gov other day, can't now, typical, though
did find this in relation to new regs from 1 jan 13

Category BE
If your trailer weighs over 750 kg and the combined trailer and towing vehicle weight is more than 3,500 kg, you’ll need to pass a further test. The trailer you tow must not be heavier than 3,500 kg. This test will be shown on your driving licence as category BE.
Category C1E
To tow a trailer weighing more than 3,500 kg with a car or small vehicle (category B), you’ll need to pass a test for category C1E.


So note there must be some sub 3500kg vehicles with option to tug more.
even though i agree typical car gross trains are based on 3500 mam for trailer.

I'm thinking these mini fifth wheels where in a sense you are not just towing
but also carrying a large nose weight. so trailer weight is over 3500. the trailer
axles carry so much of its weight, the tug the other.

theres also a section saying there are no ratios of weight for BE class, so 85%
is only a recommendation as is usually more than enough for a caravan a flat
bed or tipper trailer is easy to get to say 2800kg for a terrano, or 3500kg for
a patrol.
ironically a vosa leaflet extols the virtues of 85% for all trailer types.

cncfabs
10-04-2012, 18:42
perhaps with over run, though there are other methods...

saw section on direct gov other day, can't now, typical, though
did find this in relation to new regs from 1 jan 13

Category BE
If your trailer weighs over 750 kg and the combined trailer and towing vehicle weight is more than 3,500 kg, you’ll need to pass a further test. The trailer you tow must not be heavier than 3,500 kg. This test will be shown on your driving licence as category BE.
Category C1E
To tow a trailer weighing more than 3,500 kg with a car or small vehicle (category B), you’ll need to pass a test for category C1E.


So note there must be some sub 3500kg vehicles with option to tug more.
even though i agree typical car gross trains are based on 3500 mam for trailer.

I'm thinking these mini fifth wheels where in a sense you are not just towing
but also carrying a large nose weight. so trailer weight is over 3500. the trailer
axles carry so much of its weight, the tug the other.

theres also a section saying there are no ratios of weight for BE class, so 85%
is only a recommendation as is usually more than enough for a caravan a flat
bed or tipper trailer is easy to get to say 2800kg for a terrano, or 3500kg for
a patrol.
ironically a vosa leaflet extols the virtues of 85% for all trailer types.
I think you will find overrun brakes with auto reverse are the only legal option on car trailers under 3500kg trailers over 3500 fall into completly different catagory and are towed by lgv's