Rules for towing vehicles: on a flexible and rigid hitch
Very often in our time you can see how the vehicle is transported in tow.
Towing is carried out when one driver for some reason loses the ability to independently control his vehicle and he has to ask for help from other vehicles. This can happen for various reasons: say, if the car stalled, broke down, or ran out of gas.
The main thing is to take into account all the rules for towing a car. Without this, towing can be dangerous and result in an accident. In addition, the driver risks getting a fine.
Towing Rules
To avoid unwanted situations, the driver must remember some mandatory rules:
- You can not take a car in tow in ice;
- The brake system must work correctly;
- There must be reflectors on the cable;
If transportation takes place on a rigid hitch, then it is worth remembering the following rules:
- If a car is transported with an inoperative brake system, then its weight should be a couple of times less than that of a tug;
- Do not tow a vehicle that does not have steering control.
The highest permissible speed when towing a car is 50 km / h. It is important to understand that this restriction is valid for both city roads and roads outside the city. When driving around the city in winter, it is necessary to reduce the speed to 30 km/h. But at the same time, you should not drive too slowly, so you will impede the movement of other vehicles.
According to the traffic rules, towing is also allowed on the motorway. Vehicle speed must be greater than 40 km/h. Otherwise, it will be considered a violation.
The car that moves first should have low beam headlights on. The vehicle behind must have emergency lights on. This requirement is met by everyone. It must be understood that in the evening without lights on, it will be difficult for other drivers to understand that the car is in tow.
In what situations is towing prohibited?
Not many motorists know that towing a vehicle is not always allowed. For illegal transportation of a car, the driver can be punished.
Here are the situations when towing a car is prohibited:
- If a road sign "Movement with a trailer is prohibited" is installed;
- If you need to tow more than one vehicle at the same time;
- If you own a motorcycle. It is forbidden to tow a car using these vehicles without a side trailer. Also, these vehicles are not allowed to be taken in tow. If they break, transportation must be carried out using a tow truck.
Vehicle towing options
Today, there are a large number of ways in which you can transport a car. If you have a friend who can take you in tow, then it is better to use his help. But if there is no such acquaintance, then the driver will have to call a tow truck. It may cost more, but the vehicle will be delivered to a certain point without much hassle.
On a flexible hitch
The flexible hitch is the most common vehicle transportation option. To make it, you need a soft cable with fasteners. Under heavy load, it will stretch. This will reduce the risk of vehicle damage.
A place for mounting such a device is present in all cars. The cable is hooked to the rear of the vehicle moving ahead. The other end of the cable is attached to the front of the car in tow.
On a rigid hitch
In this variant, a metal construction is used, which also has a mount on both sides. The clutch has a different structure. There are also quite complex options that have two points for fastening at one end at once. This type of hitch is very rare. And such a metal structure is not in all cars. But if towing a truck is carried out, then it is necessary.
With partial loading
To carry out towing in this way, you need a cargo vehicle and a crane for partial transfer of a car. Basically, only trucks are transported this way. Passenger cars are also impractical to transport.
Subtleties of towing a car with automatic transmission
In modern times, most people buy cars with automatic transmission. So for some, this topic is quite relevant.
Transportation of such transport can be done using 2 ways:
- With a flexible hitch. Before you perform the process, you need to know how much weight the cable is designed for. It is important to check that its length is not less than 4 and does not exceed 6 meters;
- With the help of a tow truck. This method is the most popular for this type of transport. The transport services themselves are responsible for damage to the vehicle during transport. The disadvantage of this method is the high price;
- On a hard hitch. This method is perfect if the brakes are broken. The cable must be no longer than 4 meters.
All vehicles must be transported at a speed not exceeding 40 km/h for a distance not exceeding 40 km.
Truck towing
Towing a truck is quite difficult, so only experienced drivers should do it. In this case, all rules must be observed. Towing can be performed only when the car cannot move and cannot be promptly repaired.
It is possible to transport a truck only on a rigid hitch.
The driver who is driving a truck must have a license with a category that allows driving this vehicle. If a triangle design is used, then the presence of the driver will be optional. In this option, you can tow a car with broken brakes.
