hello, does ayone know the legalities with towing donor cars? is it legal to tow a car with no tax or mot? and just out of interest, when i eventually get round to finishing the car, do you have to use a ca transporter to get it to the sva, or can you tow it again? I have no tow bar you see.... thanks gareth

Not absolutely certain on this, but I think you can tow what you like as long as the engine isn't running, it becomes classed as a trailer. Must display the plates of the tow vehicle on the back and brake lights should work.

As for SVA you can drive to it, insured against your chassis No.

Cheers
John

cheers John. Just been trying to find out if it is possible to tow a car long distances (>50 miles) by using the tow hooks, or are they esigned for emergencies? I have a 1.4 escort, does anyone know is this will tow a sierra?!? has anyone hadxperiences with long distace towng?

cheers gareth

towed stuff doesnt count as a trailer, if you are towing a vehicle it must be taxed, tested and insured. if the engine isnt running then the brakes will probably be poor and the lights wont work anyway!

think about it, insurance is an obvious requirement, and whos going to insure a car with no test?!

acording to the DVLA site:

http://www.dvla.gov.uk/drivers/dl_towing_trailers.htm

you could say you cant tow a car at all, because the MAM of the towed car will be greater than the unladen mass of the towing car. The exception is if the vehicle is in a hazardous position.

[Edited on 10/4/04 by JoelP]

Thanks JoelP,
I stand corrected, I've dragged cars all over the country in the past and never gave the legalities much thought, assumed it was just a trailer. Towing long distances is ok for the tow hooks but terrible for the por sod in the towed vehicle-shite brakes, no visability, no music....

John

If you are towing any distance get a solid bar. It's a lot easier for both drivers. The loops on most vehicles which people tend to refer to as towing points are not usually for this purpose but are tie down points for transport. I have seen them ripped off or bent when used for towing. Anchor to something structural like a chassis member if possible.

Looked into hassle of towing and as said the towed vehicle is not a trailer so must have tax/mot/insurance. You can hire a car transporter trailer for about £30 so might be worth the cost to be legal and get the car home without it breaking down.