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Is A-Frame Towing Legal in the UK?

Conditional

Towing a car on an A-frame behind a motorhome is legal in the UK within conditions: the towed car must have working rear lighting, and once it is over a weight threshold it must have a functioning braking system that operates when you brake.

Why?

An A-frame turns a car into a towed load behind a motorhome. It is allowed, but the towed car is treated much like a trailer, so it has to meet trailer-style rules. The rear lights, brake lights, indicators and number plate must all work and be visible, usually via a wired or add-on lighting kit.

Braking is the key threshold. A light towed car may be towed unbraked, but once the towed weight is over the limit the outfit must have a working braking system that applies the towed car's brakes as the motorhome slows. The overall combined weight also has to stay within the towing vehicle's rating and your driving-licence entitlement.

So an A-frame is legal when the lighting, braking and weight rules are all met and the frame itself is secure and rated for the car. Skip the braking or lighting requirements and it is not.

What decides if it's legal

  • The towed car must show working lights (brake, indicators, plate) at the rear.
  • Above a weight threshold the towed car needs a working braking system.
  • The combined outfit must stay within towing weight and licence limits.
  • The A-frame and attachment must be secure and rated for the load.

Does it depend on your car?

Whether a braking system is required depends on the towed car's weight against the limits, so the heavier the car the stricter the rules. The lighting and security requirements apply to every A-frame outfit.

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Sources

This page is general guidance, not legal advice, on the rules in the UK for A-frame towing. The detail varies by exact vehicle and changes over time - confirm with your insurer and the latest DVSA and GOV.UK guidance before modifying.