Vehicle in International Traffic – Legal Position & Compliance Statement
The towed vehicle is intended solely for personal use when the motorhome is stationary (e.g. at a campsite) and will be returned to the United Kingdom upon completion of travel.
This vehicle combination:
- Is owned by a natural or legal person normally resident in the United Kingdom
- Is registered in the United Kingdom
- Is temporarily imported into another State
and therefore qualifies as a vehicle in international traffic under the provisions of the
Vienna Convention on Road Traffic 1968
Trailer Classification (UK Law)
In accordance with guidance from the UK Department for Transport:
When an A-frame is attached to a motor vehicle and towed by another motor vehicle, the A-frame and vehicle together form a single articulated unit.
As such, the unit is classified as a trailer under UK legislation.
Braking System Description
The trailer braking system incorporates power-assisted braking (servo-assisted or full power).
To ensure correct operation:
- A remote vacuum pump, powered by the towing vehicle, maintains servo assistance
- A dual-sensing electronic control system activates braking only during deceleration
- The system allows safe reversing without sustained brake drag
- Engagement and disengagement are fully automatic
All braking force originates from the towing vehicle and is applied proportionally.
Trailer Identification & Compliance
The trailer (towed vehicle) is compliant with UK trailer requirements and is clearly identified by:
- Display of the towing vehicle registration number
- Display of the distinguishing sign of the State of registration (UK)
- Fitment of red reflective warning triangles
- Fully synchronised lighting system compliant with trailer regulations
Vehicle Category
The unit falls within:
Category O2 — Trailers with a maximum mass exceeding 0.75 tonnes and not exceeding 3.5 tonnes
Applicable Legislation
The system is designed and operated in accordance with:
- Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 (as amended)
- Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 (as amended)
- UNECE Regulation 13
- UNECE Regulation 55
- Directive 71/320/EEC (and amendments)
- Vienna Convention on Road Traffic 1968
International Legal Recognition
Under the Vienna Convention:
- Vehicles in international traffic must be recognised as compliant if lawful in their country of registration
- A host country may not reclassify the vehicle contrary to its domestic classification
Therefore:
The A-frame system, when compliant with UK law, must be recognised as a trailer system in international use.
Enforcement Note
Local enforcement authorities may not always be familiar with international traffic provisions.
For clarity, Tow A Frame Ltd provides:
- Multilingual documentation
- Technical system descriptions
- Legal and legislative references
to support understanding of the system’s classification and compliance.
Company Details
Tow A Frame Ltd
Company Registration: 08230851
Website: www.towaframe.com