Towing Weights Increased – Good news for caravanners

Great news for those towing a trailer or a caravan as new towing weight increase laws brought in by the Government means more drivers will now be able to tow heavier caravans and trailers as of the 16th  December 2021

The move will have a big impact on caravanners, who previously had to pass a test before they could pull a caravan over a certain weight. It meant many were limited regarding the choice of caravan and having to consider the combined weight of the towing vehicle and the caravan or trailer. Now, all drivers will be able to tow a trailer or caravan weighing up to 3,500kg without an additional test.

Obviously you still need to check your car’s handbook to find out its gross train weight (GTW). This is the total allowable weight of the car plus the trailer plus the load and shouldn’t be exceeded.
The DVLA will update your driving licence record to show that you’re allowed to tow trailers. You don’t need to contact DVLA for this to happen. It will be done automatically. You’ll get category BE added to your driving licence when you next apply to get a new driving licence.

If you passed your car driving test before 1 January 1997, you are not affected by the change.