Stay Safe on The Road: Our Guide to Caravan Speed Limits and Other Regulations

When you’re towing your new caravan from Wandahome on a UK road it’s essential to understand caravan speed limits and towing regulations. Doing so will ensure your safety, and the safety of other road users, and means that you’ll be compliant with the law. This edition of the Wandahome blog covers key aspects of caravan road safety and offers practical tips.

Understanding Speed Limits

Speed limits for towing caravans are different than those for regular vehicles. These limits are set so that drivers can keep control while they’re towing. They account for the increased stopping distances required when towing a heavy load (ie. a caravan).

• Motorways and dual carriageways: When you’re towing a caravan, the speed limit is 60mph. This is lower than the 70mph limit for cars without trailers.
• Single Carriageways: On single carriageway roads, the speed limit for vehicles towing caravans is 50mph, compared to 60mph for standard vehicles.
• Built-up areas: In towns and cities, the limit remains 30 mph (unless it is otherwise indicated by signage).

Be mindful of local speed restrictions, such as those on rural roads or near schools. Always pay attention to road signs, as they take precedence over national limits.

Towing Regulations

Towing a caravan is subject to specific laws and regulations which have been designed to promote road safety.

Driving Licence

Your licence determines the type and weight of the caravan you can tow.

• Cat B: If you passed your driving test on or after 1st January 1997, you are licensed to tow a combined vehicle and trailer weight of up to 3,500 kg Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM).
• Cat B+E: If the weight (MAM) of your towing combination exceeds 3,500 kg you’ll need a B+E licence. Make sure you know your licence’s towing limits. Every vehicle has a maximum towing capacity specified by the manufacturer. Check your car’s handbook or its identification plate for these details.

Caravan weight and loading

• Nose: The downward force the caravan exerts on your car’s tow ball is known as the ‘nose weight’. You must make sure that this falls within the limits specified for both your car and caravan.
• Payload: You should load heavier items over the caravan’s axle to ensure stability and avoid overloading the rear of the caravan.

Tow bars and accessories

Tow bars must comply with regulations and be type-approved for your vehicle. If you’re using accessories such as stabilisers, make sure they’re fitted correctly.

Mirrors

Extended towing mirrors are a legal requirement if your caravan is wider than your car. These mirrors allow for a clear view of the road behind you, and they will help you to monitor ‘blind spots’.

Practical Tips to Stay Within the Law

Sticking to caravan speed limits and towing regulations is vital for safety and legality.

• Route: Use caravan-friendly satnavs to plan your route avoiding narrow roads or low bridges. Familiarise yourself with potential rest stops and refuelling points.
• Manoeuvres: Before a long journey, make sure you have practiced reversing and parking your caravan. Do so in a safe area. This will build confidence and ensure better control.
• Tyres: Inspect both your car and caravan tyres for wear, damage, and correct pressure etc. Proper tyre maintenance helps to prevent blowouts and enhances stability.
• Stabiliser: Stability aids help to prevent any snaking and sway when you’re towing, especially at higher speeds or in windy conditions.
• Checks: Make sure that lights, indicators, and the brakes on both your car and caravan are working as they should. Double-check the caravan hitch is securely attached.

Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced caravanners can make mistakes when they’re out on the road. Taking these steps will help you to avoid them and will keep you safe and within the law.

• Overloading: Exceeding the caravan’s weight limit, or improperly distributing onboard weight, can cause instability when you’re towing. Always check the Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM) and make sure you load heavy items low and closest to the axle.
• Speed limits: Failing to stick to caravan speed limits can lead to fines, penalty points or worse - accidents. Stay vigilant and adjust your speed based on the road conditions.
• Maintenance: A poorly maintained caravan is a hazard on the road. Schedule regular servicing and check brakes, suspension and electrical connections.
• Weather: Towing in high winds, heavy rain or icy conditions requires you to be extra cautious. Reduce speed, increase following distances and avoid sudden manoeuvres.
• Mirrors: Not using towing mirrors severely limits visibility and is dangerous, increasing the risk of traffic collisions. Make sure you have towing mirrors fitted and that they are correctly adjusted to provide a clear view along the length of the caravan.

Road Safety Tips

Staying safe on the road isn’t just about following the applicable laws. Practical safety measures can mean that your journey is smoother and more enjoyable.

• Breaks: Driving while you’re tired impairs reaction time and decision-making. Stop every couple of hours to rest, stretch and take a comfort break.
• Signal: Make sure you signal early so that you give other road users plenty of warning when you intend to change lanes or turn.
• Lane: On motorways, vehicles towing caravans are prohibited from using the outside lane of three-lane carriageways (unless there’s a lane closure).
• Monitor: Use your mirrors frequently to monitor your caravan and check for signs of swaying or issues with tyres.
• Patience: Accept that towing a caravan means travelling at a slower pace than with other vehicles. Allow faster traffic to pass you (when safe to do so).

Understanding caravan speed limits and towing regulations is absolutely critical for journeys to be safe and lawful. By following the guidelines we’ve provided in this edition of our blog (as well as performing routine maintenance and avoiding common mistakes), you can ensure your own safety and that of other road users. Whether you’re in a brand new or used caravan, everyone at Wandahome wishes you ‘happy and safe caravanning’!