Main penalties and fines for improper use of a motorcycle trailer

Trailers for vehicles or loads are always a suitable option when circumstances require it. It is a safe and guaranteed measure when you want to expand the cargo on a trip and do not have the necessary space or conditions to do so in your vehicle. However, the use of any trailer is subject to compliance with clear traffic regulations.

If this is not the case, you could be breaking the law and may face fines of hundreds of euros and loss of points. To prevent this from happening or catching you off guard, we have compiled the main penalties for improper use of your trailer.

Light or Heavy Trailer

What type of trailer can you tow with your car? The first thing you need to consider is the weight of the trailer itself. In this regard, there are two main scenarios. The first takes into account vehicles with a Maximum Authorized Mass (MMA) of up to 750 kilograms, meaning that the loaded vehicle does not exceed 750 kilograms. In these cases, they are considered light trailers and do not require a special permit for use, beyond a standard driving license (category B).

On the other hand, if the MMA exceeds 750 kg, a special permit is required to tow these heavier trailers. Additionally, you need to have a supplementary registration and special insurance. If not, you could be fined.

Special Permits

To ensure everything is in order, it is advisable to know what type of permits you need for transporting vehicles of different weights. You should consider the following classification:

• Permit B: To drive with a light trailer (up to 750 kg).
• Authorization B-96: This authorization, together with the standard driving license (B), allows the use of trailers with a MMA exceeding 750 kg, provided the vehicle does not weigh more than 3500 kg.
• Permit B+E: This type of driving license is valid for using trailers that can carry up to 3,500 kg, as long as the vehicle towing it does not exceed that same MMA weight.

What Fines Can You Face?

Regarding the question of what the most common penalties are for drivers of motorcycle trailers or vehicle trailers, there are several very common fines we will highlight to help you avoid them at all costs.

Towing a trailer is subject to the same limits and regulations as any type of driving. In addition to these regulations, you should also pay attention to the following indications to avoid getting fined for towing a trailer. Do you know how many euros each fine amounts to?

Speed Limit

It should be remembered that using a vehicle with a trailer is subject to reduced speed limits. In this case, the limits for driving with a trailer on highways are 90 km/h, on conventional roads 80 km/h, and in urban areas, it remains at 50 km/h. Exceeding these speed limits can result in fines ranging from 100 to 600 euros, depending on the severity of each case.

Failing to Pass the ITV

As we mentioned, a trailer classified as ‘non-light’ has special regulations, including passing the ITV (Technical Inspection of Vehicles) to certify its use. Failing to do so could lead to a fine of around 200 euros.

It is necessary to register any new coupling system (like the trailer) in the ITV. Ignoring this requirement can also result in a fine of around 200 euros.

Excess Weight

Other common penalties are related to excess cargo weight. Depending on how much weight is exceeded, you could be committing a more serious violation, and the fine will increase accordingly. Serious violations can exceed thousands of euros.

Towing Ball Visibility

For vehicles equipped with a towing ball for trailers, you must ensure that it does not obstruct or hinder the visibility of a license plate, as this is considered a serious offense and may result in fines of around 200 €.