Towing a plant trailer legally in the UK

Drivers who passed their car test after 1 January 1997 can now tow trailers over 750 kg on a standard category B licence following the 2021 rule change in Great Britain.

You are still legally responsible for staying within your vehicle's towing limits and the combined train weight on the VIN plate.

Check the towing capacity in your vehicle handbook, the trailer's gross weight, the noseweight limit of your towbar, and the total train weight. The lowest number is your real limit.

Aim for the machine sitting slightly forward of the trailer's axle centre so noseweight stays positive — a tail-heavy trailer snakes at speed.

Use a minimum of four rated ratchet straps or chains to the trailer's lashing points, pulling in opposing directions. Lower the digger's blade and boom onto the bed and engage the track locks.

Walk round and re-check the straps after the first few miles — loads settle.

Towing speed limits are 50 mph on single carriageways and 60 mph on dual carriageways and motorways, and you may not use the outside lane of a three-lane motorway.

Allow far more braking distance and take roundabouts wider than you think you need.

The LM166 is available for hire from our Norwich depot and can be booked online alongside a machine.