Which trailer can I tow?
Maximum towing capacity for your car or driving licence
Are you heading out with a trailer and unsure whether you are allowed to tow it? This depends on several factors. The weight of your own car plays a role, but so does the weight of the trailer you want to tow and the driving licence you hold. Below, we list the key factors you need to consider when determining which trailer you can tow.
Which factors determine which trailer your car can tow?
1. Towing capacity of the car
To determine which trailer you can tow, you need to look at the towing capacity of your car. Towing capacity depends on the weight of the car, its dimensions and the drivetrain. Your vehicle registration document shows how much your car is allowed to tow, both braked and unbraked. At Hapert, we mainly sell braked trailers, so with a Hapert trailer you will usually look at the braked towing capacity.
2. Weight of the towing vehicle
The trailer including the load you want to transport must not be heavier than the car towing it. You can find the weight of your car on your vehicle registration document. If you are going to transport a car or machine with a car transporter, keep in mind that the weight of the trailer plus the vehicle must not exceed the weight of the car towing the trailer.
3. Driving License
Everyone who is allowed to drive a car holds a category B driving licence. With a category B licence, you are also allowed to tow a trailer under certain conditions. For example, you may tow a trailer if the maximum weight of your car and trailer combined stays below 3,500 kg. In addition, you are always allowed to tow a trailer up to 750 kg, even if the total weight then exceeds 3,500 kg.
Are you driving a combination heavier than 4,250 kg? Then you need a BE or B+ driving licence.
View our guide below to determine which trailer you can tow with your driving licence, and click to enlarge it:
All trailers at a glance
Frequently asked questions about which trailer I can tow
Which trailer can I tow with my car?
That depends on the maximum towing capacity of your car and the maximum authorised mass of the trailer. Always check your vehicle registration document before choosing a trailer.
How do I know how many kilos my car is allowed to tow?
You can find your car’s towing capacity on the vehicle registration document or in the vehicle details. Pay attention to the difference between braked and unbraked towing capacity.
Which trailer can I tow with a category B driving licence?
With a category B driving licence, you can often drive with a lighter trailer or a combination up to 3,500 kg maximum authorised mass. If the combination is heavier, you may need a B+ or BE driving licence.
When do you need a BE driving licence for a trailer?
You often need a BE driving licence when the maximum authorised mass of car and trailer together exceeds the limit for a category B or B+ licence. Always check the official rules and the details of your vehicle and trailer.
What is the difference between braked and unbraked towing capacity?
Braked towing capacity applies to trailers with their own braking system and is usually higher. Unbraked towing capacity applies to trailers without their own braking system and is often limited to lighter loads.
Can I tow a heavier trailer if it is empty?
For driving licence rules, the maximum authorised mass usually counts, not only the actual weight at that moment. Therefore, always check the maximum permitted weight of the combination.
Which Hapert trailer suits my vehicle?
That depends on the towing capacity of your vehicle, your driving licence and the load you want to transport. A Hapert dealer will help you choose a trailer that safely matches your car or van.
