Towing Trailers in Spain and the Law

So what do you need to know about towing a trailer in Spain and the law ?

The very subject of bringing a trailer to Spain, or buying a trailer whilst you are here and then towing it legally is of course closely associated with the subject of the legality of tow bars on cars, and as such it is strongly recommended that anyone interested in this subject firstly familiarises themselves with such regulations by clicking the link HERE.

NOTE : This process below applies to trailers purchased in Spain - A UK bought trailer can not therefore be legally towed by a Spanish Car - If brought from the UK they will need to either (in the case of less than 750kg) have the Fichas drawn up and be homologated, or (in the case of More than 750kg) be Homologated, then legally imported and registered with the Spanish DGT, as with a car - Not a quick, easy or cheap process to have to go through !

Trailers up to 750kg (Loaded)

- All trailers in Spain in this category are not required to be registered.

- Are required to have their own Fichas Tecnicas, separate to the towing vehicle.

- Are also required to hold a valid ITV in order to be road legal.

- Are not required to hold their own insurance.

- Are required to have the manufacturers plate affixed close to the Tow hitch.

*This applies to trailers for personal use only and not commercial use, which will be treated as below, regardless of weight.

Trailers Over 750kg (Loaded)

- All trailers in Spain in this category are required to be registered independently of the Towing Vehicle, showing red coloured plates.

- Are required to hold a valid ITV.

- Are required to clearly display the registration plates of the towing vehicle.

- Are required to have Insurance separate to the towing vehicle.

- Are subject to payment of road tax.

- Are required to have the manufacturers plate affixed close to the Tow hitch.

*Cars towing a trailer of any size are limited to 80km/h (50 mph) on dual carriageways and motorways, and 70km/h (44 mph) on all other roads.

*Any vehicle stopped by the Guardia for towing a trailer that does not comply with the law will not only have the appropriates fines and penalties applied to it, but the trailer will be unable to continue it's journey with the car and as such accrue fees with the GRUA for forward delivery.

*In case of a car towing a caravan/trailer exceeding 12m, there must be two yellow reflectors at the rear of the towed caravan or trailer.

*Using an 'A-Frame' to Tow another car is strictly forbidden.

Bringing a trailer to Spain that was manufactured and purchased in the UK can be hugely problematic, complying with the law on towing trailer in Spain can be a little confusing, but it is important to be aware of the differences between UK and Spanish law. Ignorance is no argument in the eyes of the authorities and the Guardia can and will stop and fine anyone that they see to be towing a trailer that is in breach of the law.

The DGT have recently proposed changes to the General Traffic Regulations which will enable certain motorcycles to tow trailers. Further details Here...