Towing Lights... legislation??

[M@H]

HI All.

I want to tow a small trailer with the landrover.. all the Landrover rear cluster lights and numberplate will be visible over the top of the trailer, therefore do I need to put lights/plate etc. on the Trailer as well ??

Answers on a postcard (or here )

Cheers
Matt.

[smeagol]

I think the short answer is yes. As the trailer is an additional length/vehicle its needs lights.

[M@H]

Gutted...

[jon h]

We were told once, by a police officer, that we did not need to display lights if the lights on the car were visible. This was about 20 years ago, when I was a kid, but for some reason I remember it. We were pulled over in a volvo towing a small box trailer. The driver was expecting to be told off for some lighting problem, as the electrics had been playing up before we left. However, we were actually told off for doing 50 without displaying a 50 sticker (the limit for trailers is now 60) apparently we were only allowed to do 40 unless the appropriate sticker was displayed. (the police mist have been very bored that day!...)

Of course it may all be different now. Whe I am pulling my boat trailers, I tend not to put lights on when running empty as the entire rear of the car is still visible. I have never been pulled over for this, and have even had a police car following me, I am sure he would have said something if I was out of order.

Jon H

[M@H]

Interesting.... I just need to tow an old motorbike trailer down the M'way this weekend so I'd rather not have to go to the expense of getting lights etc for it... I'll have to ask the local plod I think...

Cheers
Matt.

[M@H]

ANd the answer is "No" (having asked local plod)

as the trailer is manufactured pre 1990 then it is exempt from stop lamps and indicators, and identification plates providing the main vehicle lamps can bee seen from 6m away.. there is also an exemption from positional lights (ie rear lamps) during the hours of sunrise to sunset... all thats required is some reflectors...


Cheers
Matt.

[davidy]

If the trailer has much overhang beyond the wheels, watch the back of it going over bumps. The towing bracket on by Land Rover on its lowest setting is still several inches above that on my Saab, meaning that any car type trailer is towed at an angle.

(In my case with a 4 wheel trailer, I'm saving tyre wear on the front two wheels as they are not in contact with the road - I need to go to a metal benders and get an additional lowering plate made)

davidy

[smeagol]

quote:
ANd the answer is "No" (having asked local plod)

as the trailer is manufactured pre 1990 then it is exempt from stop lamps and indicators, and identification plates providing the main vehicle lamps can bee seen from 6m away.. there is also an exemption from positional lights (ie rear lamps) during the hours of sunrise to sunset... all thats required is some reflectors...

Well you live and learn, its just I can remember a van being pulled over 'cos the lights on the trailer didn't work properly. Mind you it was "you're lights arn't working properly get them fixed" warning rather than a you're fined kind. Hope it didn't mislead you.

>> Edited by smeagol on Friday 28th June 15:35