Quite often there are situations when the engine in a car breaks down and it can no longer drive under its own power. In such cases, the only option is to either repair it on site or tow the vehicle to the repair site. In order to avoid any emergency situations, it is necessary that the vehicle is towed in accordance with traffic regulations.

In this article we will look at the rules that must be followed when towing cars, as well as the conditions under which this is prohibited.

First of all, it is necessary to clarify the main two terms, which are very similar to each other - towed and towed.

Towing vehicle- this is directly the vehicle that pulls another vehicle with its power. Simply put, the car that is in front.

Towed car- this is the vehicle that is pulled using a tow rope or a flexible or rigid hitch, i.e., which is behind and in most cases is broken.

For example, in this photo, the second car is being towed, and, accordingly, the first one is towing.

Immediately before towing a vehicle, the following rules must be followed:

• The vehicle being towed must have its hazard lights on at all times so that all participants behind can understand that it is broken and take additional measures when overtaking. If alarm does not work, then you need to install and secure the sign on the back side emergency stop.
• Previously, the rules stipulated that the towing vehicle must have its lighting, namely . Nowadays, all vehicles must always drive with their lights on, so this is no exception. Both fog lights and low beam can be used as light. On new and modern cars are installed, which can also be applied.
• Many people are interested in whether it is possible to tow a trailer; according to traffic regulations, towing a motorcycle with a side trailer is allowed. The use of a tug is prohibited without a side trailer.

Speed ​​while towing

During towing, you must maintain the speed limit, which is regulated by the rules. The speed of any vehicle must not exceed 50 km/h. Moreover, the sections of the road along which traffic occurs do not play a role - the speed requirements are the same absolutely everywhere.

TO important points It's worth considering towing on motorways. There are no prescribed requirements when moving along them. As you know from traffic regulations, the most permitted on highways is fast movement Therefore, they provide a minimum speed for all vehicles - at least 40 km/h. Due to this, towing on the motorway will not be prohibited if the speed is above this limit.

When is towing prohibited?

When towing a vehicle, it is worth keeping in mind that there are requirements under which this is prohibited. For such cases, only a tow truck can be used.

So, towing is prohibited in the following cases:

• On a section of the road where there is a sign prohibiting the movement of vehicles with a cart or trailer. This sign also applies to driving with a vehicle towed. If there is such road sign towing is prohibited.
• You cannot tow vehicles such as a motorcycle that does not have a side trailer, as well as scooters and mopeds, scooters and bicycles. It is worth noting here that this type of vehicle cannot be used in towing either number one or number two.
• It is prohibited to tow two or more trailers with a passenger car at the same time.

For violation - a fine

For violation of towing rules, the code of offenses provides for a fine for drivers. In 2018, the fine for improper towing was set at 500 rubles or best case scenario- warning.

How to avoid getting into an accident?

Despite the fact that the responsibility traffic violations related to towing is not essential, the requirements and rules should still be followed. During improper transportation, an accident may occur due to a mistake.

During such movement, the towed vehicle must first of all maintain a distance from the towing vehicle and keep the tow rope taut. He must not accelerate or get close, as this could result in a blow to the rear bumper. When changing lanes, you also need to control the situation. The towed one should start changing lanes first, and only after that the towed one. Otherwise, you may end up colliding with other participants.

If your vehicle breaks down or runs out of fuel while on the road, it may need to be towed. Towing procedure Vehicle governed by the Rules traffic(section 20 of the traffic rules, approved by Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of October 23, 1993 N 1090).

This consultation discusses the rules for towing not all, but only motor vehicles.

Reference. Motor vehicle

A motor vehicle is a vehicle driven by an engine. The term also applies to any tractors and self-propelled vehicles ( clause 1.2 of the traffic rules).

Requirements for the driver of a towing vehicle

When towing, control of the towing vehicle must be carried out by a driver who has the right to drive vehicles for at least two years (clause 20.2(1) of the Traffic Regulations).

Types of hitch for towing a motor vehicle

Towing a motor vehicle can be carried out on a rigid or flexible hitch.

A rigid hitch is the safest and most convenient for towing. With it, both vehicles are connected to each other by a special device with increased rigidity. It can be a triangle, a metal rod or a trapezoid with eyes.

A flexible coupling is a connection of vehicles to each other with a rope tape or cable. On a cable or tape, flags or shields (at least two) measuring 200 x 200 mm with alternating red and white stripes with a reflective surface (50 mm wide) located diagonally (clause 9 of the Basic Provisions, approved. Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of October 23, 1993 N 1090).

Having a driver behind the wheel of a towed motor vehicle

When towing a motor vehicle with a flexible or rigid hitch, the driver must always remain behind the wheel of the vehicle being towed. From of this rule There is an exception: if the design of a rigid coupling can ensure that the vehicle follows the trajectory of the towing vehicle when moving in a straight line, then there is no need for the driver to be behind the wheel of the towed vehicle (Section 20.1 of the Traffic Regulations).

Alarm and parking lights on a towed motor vehicle

When towing, the hazard warning lights must be turned on on the towed vehicle (Section 7.1 of the Traffic Regulations), and if it is faulty or absent, an emergency stop sign must be attached to its rear part (Section 7.3 of the Traffic Regulations).

IN dark time days, as well as in conditions insufficient visibility(regardless of the road lighting), as well as in tunnels on a towed motor vehicle, the side lights must be turned on (Section 19.1 of the Traffic Regulations).

Maximum permissible speed movement when towing

The maximum permissible speed on any roads when towing a motor vehicle is 50 km/h (Section 10.4 of the Traffic Regulations).

Availability of passengers

If a bus, truck or trolleybus is being towed, passengers are prohibited from being in it. In this case, people are allowed to be in the cabin truck mobile, but not in the back. When towing using the partial loading method, no people are allowed in the body or cabin of the towed motor vehicle, as well as in the body of the tractor. If a passenger car is towed on a hitch, passengers are allowed in it (Section 20.2 of the Traffic Regulations).

Distance between vehicles

The distance between the tractor and the towed vehicle must be (clause 20.3 of the traffic rules):

• with flexible coupling - from 4 to 6 m;
• with a rigid coupling - no more than 4 m.

If the distance is too small, the driver of the towed vehicle will be deprived of visibility; if it is too large, the trajectory of the towed vehicle may deviate greatly from the trajectory of the towing vehicle.

Towing Prohibition

Towing a vehicle is prohibited (clauses 20.4, 24.9 of the traffic rules; section 3 of Appendix No. 1 to the traffic rules):

• if the vehicle does not have steering(except for cases of towing by partial loading);
• simultaneous towing of several vehicles is planned;
• does not work for the vehicle brake system and wherein the actual weight of the towed vehicle exceeds half the actual weight of the towing vehicle. If the actual weight is lower, towing of such vehicles is allowed only with a rigid hitch or by partial loading.

Note. Systems that do not allow the driver to stop the vehicle or maneuver while driving even at minimum speed are considered inoperative;

• there is ice on the street and a flexible hitch is used;
• the tractor or towed vehicle is two wheel motorcycle without side trailer;
• the tractor or towed vehicle is a moped, except when towing a trailer intended for use with a moped;
• within the coverage area of ​​sign 3.7 “Moving with a trailer is prohibited.”

Note!

Violation of towing rules entails a warning or a fine of 500 rubles. ( Part 1 Art. 12.21 Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).

To deliver vehicles with faults that threaten traffic safety to the repair site, they must be towed by other vehicles.

"Road Rules" permit towing using a flexible or rigid hitch, as well as with partial loading of the towed vehicle onto a special support device of the towing vehicle (Fig. 54, a) or onto its loading platform(Fig. 54, b). The last method is usually used if there is special vehicles technical assistance, equipped with devices for securing the front or rear axle faulty car.

During any towing the speed should not exceed 50 km/h. Particular care should be taken when selecting speed when towing with a flexible hitch. This type of towing is dangerous because the driver of the towed vehicle is at a relatively close distance from the towing vehicle, but his visibility is limited. Therefore, when the towing vehicle is forced to brake sharply (and this is possible when an obstacle suddenly appears), it is difficult for the driver of the towed car to stop his car in a timely manner.

When towing with a rigid or flexible hitch, a suitably qualified driver must be behind the wheel of the towed motor vehicle, unless rigid coupling has a design that ensures precise tracking of the towed vehicle along the towing track. A flexible coupling should ensure a distance between vehicles within 4-6 m (Fig. 55, a), and a rigid coupling should be no more than 4 m (Fig. 55, b). The flexible connecting link should be marked every meter with signal boards or flags measuring 200X200 mm with red and white stripes applied diagonally to them (see Fig. 55, a) in order to improve the perception of the connecting link by pedestrians and drivers of other vehicles.

When towing with a flexible hitch The vehicle being towed must have working brakes and steering, and when towing with a rigid hitch, the steering. Naturally, under these requirements, vehicles with pneumatic brakes cannot be towed on a flexible hitch, since leakage and air consumption can lead to brake failure.

One more circumstance should be paid attention to when towing with a flexible hitch. Starting off should be smooth, without sudden tension on the connecting link. It must be borne in mind that the cable or rope may break, and therefore, in order to avoid an accident, people should be removed from this place.

If a power-driven vehicle has faulty steering, it must not be towed with a flexible or rigid hitch. Such a vehicle can only be towed by partially loading it onto a loading platform or a special support device for the towing vehicle.

For all towing methods at night and in other conditions of poor visibility, the rear red position lights must be on on the towed vehicle, and when towing on a flexible hitch, the front side lights must also be on. IN daylight hours day, regardless of visibility conditions, the towing vehicle must have low beam headlights on, warning drivers of oncoming vehicles about towing.

Towing is prohibited:

in icy conditions on a flexible hitch;

if the total length of the coupled vehicles, including the towed vehicle, exceeds 24 m;

more than one motor vehicle.

To ensure the transfer of vehicles, the "Road Rules" provide, as an exception, for the simultaneous towing of two motor vehicles with partial loading or on a rigid coupling. The procedure for such towing is determined by the transporting organization and agreed with the local State Traffic Inspectorate. Motorcycles without sidecars and bicycles are prohibited from being towed or used as a tow.

If a vehicle malfunction occurs, as a result of which independent movement becomes impossible, towing is used to transport the vehicle. On this moment current rules road traffic rules define the rules for towing a car, indicating directly the rules for its implementation, malfunctions in which it is prohibited to perform it, as well as the features of transportation in this way various types Vehicle.

The rules strictly prohibit the following actions:

• Towing vehicles in winter when there is ice. In such situations, it is quite difficult to drive a vehicle and towing can cause an accident;
• A faulty vehicle in which the nature of the violation is expressed in a faulty steering. In contrast, towing a vehicle with idle engine allowed;
• It is prohibited to tow a motorcycle without a sidecar. This limitation is due to the fact that it does not have sufficient stability, so faulty motorcycles are usually transported in the back of cars;
• It is prohibited to transport more than one device;
• It is prohibited to exceed the established maximum speed at which the towing vehicle can travel. This speed when towing is 50 km/h and does not change even when driving on those sections of roads where it is allowed to drive faster. Therefore, towing on a motorway should be carried out in a speed range of 40 to 50 km/h;
• Towing a trailer passenger car prohibited without special devices that will allow it to follow the trajectory of the towing vehicle.

Rules and nuances

Traffic regulations impose requirements for the safety designation when towing a vehicle. The towing vehicle must have its headlights on low beam, and the towed vehicle must have its emergency lights on.

Towing trucks must be performed when:

• The towing vehicle must weigh at least 2 times the mass of the towed vehicle.
• drivers are required to move at least right lane and leave it only in cases where you need to make a turn onto another road.

Violation of the rules entails a fine of 500 rubles., and both for the driver who tows the car and the one who drives the towed one.

Towing with a flexible hitch

When using a flexible hitch, you should be aware that it is the most dangerous in terms of possible collisions auto. However, within our country it is used most often. In this case, you should adhere to the following rules:

• Using special fastenings, the halyard is attached to one car and to another;
• A driver must be behind the wheel of a vehicle that will be towed;
• The gap between vehicles should be in the range of 4 to 6 meters;
• In the event that a truck, bus or other non-passenger vehicle is being transported, it is prohibited to transport passengers on them - only the driver can be in the vehicle.

A rigid coupling involves coupling two cars using fixed fasteners, which are mainly made of metal. This method is used quite rarely in our country, since such a design is rarely at hand. The main points that must be observed in this case are the following:

• The vehicle being towed must be driven by a driver;
• The transportation of passengers in a vehicle undergoing such transportation is prohibited;
• The maximum distance that can be between two cars is 4 meters - exceeding this figure is a violation and poses a danger to participants in the traffic accident.

Partial loading method

One of the towing methods is the partial loading method, which involves direct partial loading when the front of the driven vehicle is placed on the leading vehicle, and rear wheels will touch the surface of the earth. Compared to flexible and rigid transport this method is considered more complex because, first of all, a special freight transport or a crane with which loading can be carried out. In most cases, it is used for transporting freight vehicles. In this case, it is worth clearly distinguishing the method full loading– it no longer applies to towing.

With this method of transportation:

• It is prohibited to transport cars in which there will be people - this method even excludes the driver himself being in the car, since he is not required to perform any functions;
• When transporting a car, it is necessary to take into account the permissible maximum masses cars - in in this case The rule also applies that the weight of the towed vehicle is half that of the towed vehicle.

Many drivers believe that due to the high danger, towing at night is prohibited. In this case, it is worth noting that there are no restrictions on such a time - the only point is the need to turn on the side lights.

Cars with automatic transmission

Certain issues also exist when towing vehicles with automatic transmission transmission So, motorists need to consider:

• All-wheel drive vehicles can be towed only with full loading. That is, in fact, they are not allowed to be towed;
• If it is necessary to transport damaged vehicles over long distances the best option will use the services of a tow truck, since during the towing process, due to overheating of the car’s mechanisms, you can subsequently spend a fairly large amount on repairs;
• When towing such vehicles, it is imperative to monitor the temperature of the transmission - if it overheats, you will need to make stops to cool down;
• The recommended driving speed in this case should not exceed 40 km/h - this mode is the most optimal and will not contribute to overheating of components and their breakdown

Prohibited use high gears, in this case they begin to move from position “2”, and when the speed increases, they subsequently switch to “L”, while maintaining a smooth ride and without making sudden jerks.

Video: Towing vehicles

They say that you shouldn’t think about bad things, but you should always be prepared for this bad thing. This is especially true for drivers, because driving a car is an activity that involves a fairly large amount of risk. And if the car has become capricious, and the breakdown that has occurred does not allow you to get to the nearest service station on your own, then a tug in the person of your fellow motorist will come to your aid.

If we consider the issue of towing from the point of view of complexity, then this task is not the simplest, but also not the most difficult. However, there will always be nuances that can ruin the situation. And in order not to spill the tea of ​​surprise on the keyboard of the regularity of your life, we suggest you learn the basic rules of towing a car.

First, calculate your strengths

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There are three types of towing: rigid hitch, flexible hitch, partial loading method, and full loading method. In this article we will look at the rules related to the first two types of towing, because they can cause certain difficulties for inexperienced drivers.

Flexible solution of the same name hitch

Let's immediately simulate the situation, taking as a basis the worst-case scenario - towing a car with a non-working engine. In this case, the drivers of the vehicle being towed and the towing vehicle must agree as clearly as possible on their further movements, because an accident is a predator that loves to feast on towing participants.

Distance between vehicles when towing with a rigid hitch

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The driver of a towed car needs to be especially careful, because in the event of an accident, as a rule, he will be the culprit.

Do not forget that the power brakes and steering are not working on a towed vehicle with the engine turned off, which makes driving the vehicle much more difficult.

If you do not have a rigid hitch at your disposal, you can use a tow rope, the length of which should be 4-6 meters. Both a cable that is too long and too short is bad, because if the distance between the cars is less than 4 meters, then the likelihood of a collision increases, and if the clutch is too long, it will significantly complicate maneuvers when turning.

Distance between vehicles when towing with a flexible hitch

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The tow rope must be secured exclusively to those places that are intended for this purpose. Under no circumstances should you expect your bumper or tie rods to withstand such a test. In addition, the “tie,” which is what drivers call the tow rope, must be equipped with red flags, placing them a meter apart from each other. You are unlikely to find cable models with flags in the store, so most likely you will need to take care of this yourself.

Modern tow ropes began to be equipped with flags

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If you decide to ignore this rule, remember that the tow rope may become dirty and simply not visible at night. Other drivers will definitely try to squeeze between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle, and this can result in big trouble.

Light signals when towing

The driver of the towed vehicle must insert the key into the ignition before moving off. Otherwise steering wheel during towing it may become blocked, and then an accident cannot be avoided. The gear shift lever must be in the “neutral” position.

Make sure there is no slack in the tow rope

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Before you start driving, turn on the emergency lights; if it is faulty, make sure that an emergency stop sign is attached to the rear of the car. If you are being “dragged” in the dark or in a tunnel, then turn on the side lights. But the towing car, according to traffic regulations, must turn on the low beam.

Many drivers of towing vehicles also turn on the emergency lights. There is a certain reason for this, but it is still not worth doing. The point is that this can confuse other road users who may not see the signals indicating your intention to change lanes or make a turn.

Driving while towing

If you are driving a towing car, then remember that you need to move off as smoothly as possible, without sudden accelerations or jerks. You also need to slowly change lanes and brake.

The tow rope must be attached to special devices

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The traffic rules clearly stipulate maximum speed movement when towing - no more than 50 km/h. If you are a bookworm, you can “eat” this letter of the law, but we still advise you not to speed above 35-40 km/h. As they say, God writes an insurance policy to those who are careful. Besides, towing is not like the Monaco Grand Prix.

While driving, the tug driver must change gears as quickly as possible and use the clutch smoothly to avoid jerking and sagging. tow rope. In this case, the engine must operate at higher speeds.

During the towing process, the load on the engine and gearbox increases significantly, so the tug driver needs to be extremely careful about how hot the coolant is.

The most important task of the driver of a towed vehicle is to ensure that the cable is constantly in a taut position. This is achieved by constant braking.

It is better to tow cars with automatic transmission by full or partial loading.

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When towing is prohibited

There are situations when towing is prohibited by traffic regulations, and there are also times when it is better to refuse it voluntarily due to the prevailing circumstances.

Towing is prohibited if:

● there is a sign “Moving with a trailer is prohibited”, which also applies to towed vehicles;
● the actual weight of the towed vehicle is 50% greater than the weight of the tow;
● the steering of the towed vehicle is faulty (in this case, partial or full load towing is used);
● the distance between cars on a rigid coupling exceeds 4 meters;
● the distance between vehicles on a flexible coupling is less than 4 meters and more than 6 meters;
● towing is prohibited in icy conditions.

Experience shows that traffic police officers very rarely punish for such violations, but still, one should not forget that all traffic rules were once written in the blood of those who were in an accident. That is why compliance with them is primarily your interest.

It is not advisable to tow a car with an automatic transmission, because the “automatic” does not like this very much and can easily fail. If you have no other choice, then follow the “50 to 50” rule - tow the car for a distance of no more than 50 km and at a speed not exceeding 50 km/h.

We wish you never to find yourself in the place of the towed one, but at the same time never refuse to be in the role of the towed one, because tomorrow you may need help.