Scottish towing laws affect both towed vehicles and tow operators. Here's what Dundee and Angus drivers need to know to stay on the right side of the law.
Towing Laws in Scotland — What You Must Know
Whether you're towing a caravan through Tayside or being recovered by a breakdown service in Dundee, Scotland's towing laws apply to you. Understanding them can prevent fines, points on your licence, and liability issues.
Who Can Tow Another Vehicle?
Under UK law, only licensed towing operators or the vehicle owner using a proper A-frame or tow bar can tow another vehicle on public roads. Towing with just a rope between two cars is illegal in Scotland and can result in a fine and penalty points.
Speed Limits When Being Towed
- Motorways and dual carriageways: 60mph maximum
- Single carriageway roads: 50mph maximum
- These limits apply to the towing vehicle, not just the towed vehicle
Lights and Safety When Towing
The towed vehicle must have working rear lights — brake lights, indicators, and tail lights. If the towed vehicle's electrical system is dead, a lighting board attached to the tow truck is legally required on Scottish roads.
Weight and Tow Bar Ratings
Your vehicle's tow bar must be rated to handle the weight of what you're towing. Using an underrated tow bar is a safety offence. Professional towing companies in Dundee such as Discovery Towing use properly certified equipment that meets all legal requirements for towing in Scotland.
When Police Instruct a Tow
If Police Scotland instructs your vehicle to be towed from an accident scene or obstruction on Dundee roads, you are legally obligated to cooperate. Discovery Towing works with Police Scotland across Tayside for authorised vehicle recovery.
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