UK Classification & Legal Basis
The UK Department for Transport recognises that a motor vehicle connected via a suitable A-frame, when fitted with an appropriate braking and lighting system, may be classified as a trailer for the purposes of UK law.
Accordingly, when correctly configured, the towed vehicle is not treated as a separate motor vehicle in use, but as a trailer under control of the towing vehicle.
Applicable Legislation (UK & International)
As a trailer, the system is required to comply with relevant UK and international legislation, including:
- Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986
- Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 (as amended)
- UNECE Regulation 55 (mechanical coupling requirements)
- UNECE Regulation 13 (trailer braking requirements)
- Vienna Convention on Road Traffic 1968
UNECE Regulation 13 (braking) has been mandatory for applicable vehicle categories since November 2014.
Trailer Compliance Characteristics
When installed and used correctly, the TowGlide system ensures the towed vehicle meets trailer classification requirements by:
- Displaying approved reflective rear warning triangles
- Displaying the towing vehicle’s registration plate at the rear
- Providing fully synchronised lighting compliant with UK trailer lighting regulations
- Delivering proportional braking performance via the vehicle’s original braking system
- Ensuring braking performance meets or exceeds DVSA MOT-equivalent trailer standards
Position in Non-UK Jurisdictions
Some non-UK jurisdictions operate local laws restricting the towing of motor vehicles by other motor vehicles, except in recovery scenarios.
However, when using a compliant A-frame system:
- The towed unit is not operating as a motor vehicle
- It is operating as a trailer under UK classification
International Traffic Protection
Where a UK-registered vehicle is used in another country:
- The vehicle is considered to be in international traffic under the
Vienna Convention on Road Traffic 1968 - Under this convention:
- A vehicle must be recognised as legal if compliant in its country of registration
- A foreign state cannot reclassify the vehicle contrary to its home legislation
Practical Enforcement Note
Local enforcement officers may not always be familiar with international traffic provisions and may instead apply domestic interpretations.
For this reason, Tow A Frame Ltd provides:
- Multilingual technical documentation
- Translated legal explanations
- System operation and compliance summaries
to assist in clarifying the legal status of the system when required.
Statement of Compliance
The TowGlide A-frame system is designed and operated in accordance with applicable UK trailer legislation and relevant international regulations governing:
- Mechanical coupling
- Braking performance
- Lighting requirements
- Trailer classification