What You Must Do When You Hitch an Unbraked Trailer to a Towing Vehicle

Towing a trailer that doesn’t have its own braking system requires careful preparation to ensure safety and compliance with UK regulations. From checking your vehicle’s towing capacity to understanding the legal towing speed limits, proper hitching and safety inspections can prevent accidents and avoid penalties. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you on the road safely.

Understanding towing regulations in the UK

In the UK, towing an unbraked trailer comes with strict rules to protect drivers and other road users. Your driving licence, towing capacity, and gross vehicle weight (GVW) all dictate what you can legally tow. UK towing laws specify maximum weight limits for unbraked trailers, and exceeding these limits can result in penalty points or fines.  Always consult your vehicle handbook for guidance on coupling height, tow ball specifications, and towing mirrors.

UK requirements & safety standards:

• Trailer gross weight: max 750kg or no more than 50% of towing vehicle’s kerb weight
• Must display number plate matching the towing vehicle
• Secondary coupling (e.g. breakaway cable) required
• Load must be secure, evenly distributed, and within vehicle towing limits
• Tyres: at least 1.6mm tread, no cuts/bulges, correct pressure
• Category B (standard UK car) licence covers towing unbraked trailers
• Perform safety checks: coupling, lights, tyres before each trip
• Speed limits: 30mph built-up areas, 50 mph single carriageways, 60 mph dual carriageways/motorways
• No outer lane use on 3+ lane motorways

Preparing your towing vehicle for an unbraked trailer

Before hitching your trailer, make sure your towing vehicle is ready with this checklist:

✅	Step	What to do	Why it matters
⬜	Confirm towing capacity	Check the vehicle handbook to ensure it can handle the trailer’s maximum weight.	Prevents overloading and mechanical strain.
⬜	Add towing mirrors	Fit them if the trailer blocks your rear visibility.	Improves safety and keeps you road-legal.
⬜	Inspect tow ball & tow bar	Look for wear, cracks, or damage.	Ensures a secure and safe connection.
⬜	Check number plate	Make sure it’s clean, clear, and visible.	Avoids fines and improves road safety.

Inspecting and preparing the trailer

Before using the trailer, perform a thorough inspection.

1. Check tyre tread depth, air pressures, and condition. Make sure that the lights and suspension are working correctly.
2. Check that the main coupling and secondary coupling are secure, and attach the breakaway cable according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Next, ensure the load does not exceed legal weight limits. Adjust the trailer’s coupling height to match the tow ball to ensure stability and minimise swaying during transport.
4. Verify that all trailer lights and electrical connections are working correctly.
5. Make sure that the load is properly secured, wheel nuts are tight, and any exterior towing mirrors are positioned in a way that provides enough visibility.

Correctly hitching the unbraked trailer to your vehicle

To correctly hitch an unbraked trailer in the UK, check your vehicle’s maximum dimensions and weight limits. Align the primary hitch with the trailer’s coupling, adjusting towball height for a level connection. Lower the trailer onto the towball using the jockey wheel and secure it using the latch and safety pin(/fasteners). You’ll also need to make sure that the breakaway cable and additional coupling are securely attached. Connect the electrical plug and perform a final check by pulling gently.

Driving tips for ensuring safe towing with an unbraked trailer

Before you embark on your journey with an unbraked trailer in tow, follow these key safety tips to ensure a smooth towing experience:

• Reduce speed and allow extra stopping distance.
• Observe towing speed limits.
• Avoid sudden acceleration or harsh braking.
• Take corners slowly to prevent trailer swaying.
• Maintain a consistent speed on hills.
• Use towing mirrors and a reversing sensor (if fitted) to monitor the trailer’s position when parking or manoeuvring.
• Ensure the trailer tracks safely behind your vehicle.
• Avoid overloading and distribute the load evenly for balance.

Legal and safety implications of towing an unbraked trailer in the UK

Towing an unbraked trailer in the UK comes with clear legal responsibilities. Drivers must ensure that the trailer’s maximum authorised mass (MAM) does not exceed limits relative to the towing vehicle’s gross vehicle weight and towing capacity. Even without a brake system, proper attachment using the secondary coupling and breakaway cable is mandatory to maintain control if the trailer detaches.

Following established safety practices and EU regulations, such as correctly distributing weight and checking tyre pressures, reduces the risk of accidents. While it is legal to transport both an unbraked trailer and a roof rack or other accessories at the same time, it may not be advisable as you can easily overload your car and make it unstable. It will also increase fuel consumption.

For professional advice on trailer couplings, automotive accessories, and car parts, visit the AUTODOC website or download the app. You can find everything from child seats to ratchet straps to make transportation easier.

FAQ

Can I tow an unbraked trailer with a standard car licence?

A: Yes, but only if the trailer and vehicle meet legal weight limits. Always check your licence category before towing.

How often should I check my unbraked trailer during a journey?

A: Stop periodically to inspect tyre pressure, lights, and the security of couplings and the breakaway cable.

Are trailer towing mirrors legally required in the UK?

A: They’re mandatory if your view is blocked, ensuring safe lane changes and compliance with UK regulations.