What are the rules of towing a vehicle on a motorway?

In this blog, we break down what you can and can't do, including the speed limit for towing, motorway lane rules, and what counts as legal towing. 

Can you tow a vehicle on a motorway?  

The answer to your question is no, towing a car on the motorway is generally not allowed. It’s considered illegal and highly dangerous to tow another vehicle with a rope or bar on a motorway unless it's an emergency situation where a vehicle has broken down and needs to be moved a very short distance to safety. Even then, the law only permits towing to the nearest safe place off the motorway, such as the next exit or hard shoulder. 

In any other case such as towing a car that hasn’t broken down on the motorway you must use a professional recovery vehicle, such as a flatbed truck or car transporter. 

What Restrictions Apply When Towing a Trailer on a Motorway? 

If you're towing a trailer or caravan with a car, there are several rules to follow: 

• You must not exceed a speed of 60mph on motorways and dual carriageways. 

• You must not use the right-hand lane of a motorway with three or more lanes. 

• Your trailer must be in a roadworthy condition, with working lights and tyres that meet the minimum tread depth of 1.6mm. 

• Your number plate must be visible and match the towing vehicle. 

• Towing mirrors must be used if your view is restricted. 

Failing to meet these requirements can result in fines and penalty points on your licence. 

Speed Limit for Car Towing Trailer on Motorway 

The maximum legal speed limit for towing a trailer or caravan on the motorway is 60mph. Even if the road signs show a higher speed limit, this reduced speed limit still applies. It's also very important to reduce your speed further in bad weather conditions or in heavy traffic. 

Can I Use a Towing Dolly on the Motorway? 

Using a towing dolly (a small trailer that lifts only the front or rear wheels of a vehicle) is not permitted for motorway use unless the vehicle being towed is fully roadworthy. In most cases, a towing dolly is designed for short distance use only, such as moving a car within a private area or for recovery off a main road. It is not suitable or legal for high-speed motorway travel unless both the dolly and the vehicle meet all safety requirements. 

Safe Towing Alternatives 

If your vehicle has broken down on a motorway, do not attempt to tow it yourself.  

Instead: 

• Move to the hard shoulder safely. 

• Switch on your hazard lights. 

• Exit the vehicle using the passenger-side door. 

• Call a breakdown service to recover the vehicle professionally. 

Should You Tow a Vehicle on a Motorway?  

No, leave it to the professionals.  When in doubt, please call a professional and avoid putting yourself and others at risk. For more professional advice or to check your tyres and towing equipment, visit your local Merityre branch. 

Book a tyre check or browse our range of safe and durable tyres here.