2024 Trailer Hire Laws: What You Need to Know

With recent updates to the UK trailer laws, trailer users face a blend of new freedoms and responsibilities, depending on the trailer type and towing vehicle. These changes have been designed to boost safety following increased users towing larger trailers without prior experience.

If you plan on hiring a trailer, you need to be sure you know everything there is to know about the 2024 trailer law updates. Fortunately, we’ve had a deeper look into these to keep you compliant on the road.

Latest UK Trailer Laws

Anyone who passed their driving test after January 1, 2024, is now able to tow trailers up to 3,500kg without the additional B+E License that was previously required. Before this update, additional testing was required in order to tow anything over 750kg.

Now, as long as you have the right vehicle and a standard licence, you can legally tow a wider range of trailers. However, the new regulations encourage drivers to fully understand their vehicle’s towing capacity and remain within safe weight limits to avoid penalties and ensure road safety.

How do the new rules impact hiring TFM trailers?

If you’re hiring one of the trailers we have to offer, you’ll be pleased to know that there is now more flexibility without the need for additional licensing. However, safety is still paramount.

Double Horse Trailer
Perfect if you’re in need of a spacious solution for transporting two horses. The 3.5-tonne limit means drivers with a standard license can now tow this trailer without needing additional qualifications as long as your vehicle can safely handle the weight.

14’ 3.5 Tonne Trailer
Ideal for heavy loads and general transportation, this versatile trailer still fits the new regulations, making it a great option for many different tasks. This is great for moving some larger equipment without worrying about surpassing the legal weight limits.

Single Horse Trailer
Designed to safely and comfortably transport your horse, this is now ideal for anyone without needing any additional qualifications on your licence. Giving you more freedom when it comes to transporting your horse.

All of our trailers are rigorously safety tested and maintained regularly to give you peace of mind.

Things for new trailer drivers to consider

If you’re new to towing, it’s vital to be in the know about the essentials. Here are some of the important things to keep in mind:

• Know your vehicle’s towing capacity: with the change in laws, it can be easy to think you can automatically tow heavier weights. However, you’ll need to check your vehicle’s manual or use the VIN plate to find out its exact towing limit. Remember, this includes the weight of the trailer as well as the load.
• Understand load distribution and weight limits: proper weight distribution in trailers ensures balanced handling and reduces strain on the towing vehicle. Overloading a trailer, even within towing weight limits, can make the vehicle harder to control and puts you, as the driver, at risk.
• Speed limits: speed limits for towing trailers differ from standard driving limits. In the UK, they are 60mph on motorways and dual carriageways and 50mph on single carriageways.
• Regular trailer safety checks: fortunately, all of the trailers we offer are regularly maintained and checked to ensure optimal safety. That being said, it’s still a good idea to double-check key aspects like tire pressure, lighting, and breaking systems each time before you take to the roads.

The recent trailer law updates provide greater freedom for UK drivers; however, with this flexibility comes the responsibility to tow safely and stay within the law. Our range of trailers is designed to meet these standards, offering you convenience and safety whether you need trailers regularly or occasionally.

Contact our experienced team who are here to offer you help and advice to ensure your towing legally and safely.