Driving with a trailer: speed, braking and stability

By the end of this topic you can

• You can state the speed limits for a car towing a trailer or caravan.
• You can explain which motorway lane you must not use when towing.
• You can allow for longer stopping distances and wider turns.
• You can recognise and deal with trailer snaking.
• You can decide when overtaking is safe with a trailer.

What you need to know and understand

• Cars towing caravans or trailers are limited to 50 mph on single carriageways and 60 mph on dual carriageways and motorways.
• In built-up areas the limit is 30 mph in England and Scotland, and 20 mph in most built-up areas in Wales, unless signs show otherwise.
• You must not use the right-hand lane of a motorway with three or more lanes when towing a trailer, except in prescribed circumstances.
• Stopping distances can increase significantly when towing.
• If the trailer snakes or swerves, ease off the accelerator and reduce speed gently. Do not brake harshly.
• Snaking is a sign you are going too fast or the trailer is loaded incorrectly.
• It may take longer to build up speed when joining or rejoining a main road.

Lower limits for towing

Speed limits for cars towing caravans or trailers are lower than for cars alone on faster roads: 50 mph on single carriageways and 60 mph on dual carriageways and motorways. In towns the usual limits apply. These are maximums, and bad weather, a heavy load or a gusty day may mean driving more slowly.

On a motorway with three or more lanes, you must not use the right-hand lane while towing, except in special circumstances such as when lanes are closed. Plan your position early so you are not forced into it.

Space for braking and turning

The extra weight means you need more distance to stop. Leave a much bigger gap than normal, start braking earlier and brake gently in a straight line where possible. Avoid braking hard on a bend, as this can make the trailer unstable.

The trailer's wheels cut in on turns, so go a little further forward before turning left and check your nearside mirror for cyclists and kerbs. On roundabouts you may need extra room, and other drivers are told to expect this. Give cyclists and motorcyclists plenty of room, especially when passing them.

Overtaking and being overtaken

Your outfit accelerates slowly and is long, so an overtake takes much more road than it would in a car. Only overtake when you can see a very long clear stretch, and if in doubt, do not. When you pull back in, leave plenty of room for the length of the trailer.

When large vehicles pass you, their air turbulence can push the trailer sideways. Keep a steady grip and avoid sudden steering. If a queue builds behind you on a narrow road, pull in somewhere safe to let it pass.

If the trailer starts to snake

1. Keep calm and hold the steering wheel steady. Do not try to steer against each swing.
2. Ease off the accelerator gently.
3. Let the speed fall gradually. Do not brake harshly.
4. When stable, pull over somewhere safe and check the load and nose weight before going on.

Common mistakes

• Driving at car speeds. The 60 mph motorway and dual carriageway limit and 50 mph single carriageway limit apply when towing.
• Moving into the right-hand lane of a three-lane motorway to overtake.
• Braking hard to correct snaking. Ease off gently instead.
• Cutting corners and clipping kerbs with the trailer wheels.
• Leaving a car-sized gap in front. You need far more space to stop.

Test yourself: Driving with a trailer: speed, braking and stability

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Less Common UK Road Signs
• Driving Through Road Works
• UK Speed Limits for Cars