Author: Gary WhiteDid you know that it's a legal requirement in the UK to use additional towing mirrors when towing a caravan or trailer that's wider than the narrowest part of your vehicle's rear? These mirrors must be E-Marked, which is a standard found in Europe and Australia. Here's a quick tip for finding the right mirror size: if you stand at the rear of your car and look at the door mirror's distance from the car, that's about how far out you should be able to see your towing mirrors from behind the caravan when towing. You've probably seen the sign that says "If you can't see my mirrors, then I can't see you." If you can't see your towing mirrors from behind your caravan, you'll need wider mirrors. If you're towing with narrow car/wide caravan combinations, consider getting extra wide arms for your caravan towing mirrors.
Remember, if you're towing without proper towing mirrors or using mirrors that are too narrow, you could be prosecuted by the police and receive a fine of up to £1000 per offense, as well as 3 points on your license. Stay safe and legal out there!
Towing Mirrors - The UK Law
According to UK law, when you're towing a caravan or trailer you must be able to see clearly down both sides of your vehicle as well as 4 meters on either side of the caravan at a distance of 20 meters behind the rear. This means that if your caravan or trailer is wider than the rear of your tow vehicle, you'll need to fit towing mirrors to comply with the law. If you don't, you could face a fine of up to £1000 and 3 points on your license.
If your tow vehicle conforms to Directive 2003/97 EC or was sold after January 2007, the towing mirrors can project up to 25cm further than the widest part of the caravan. For tow vehicles sold prior to this directive, the mirrors can extend up to 20cm beyond the width of the caravan. It's also important to note that as of December 12, 2005, it is a legal requirement in the UK to have type-approved (e-marked) mirrors on both sides of the tow vehicle.
Is it illegal to tow without towing mirrors?
The UK law states that you must have a clear field of vision around and behind your caravan while towing, without any blind spots. This means that if your caravan or trailer is wider than the rear of your tow vehicle, you will need to fit extension mirrors in order to comply with the law. If you don't, you could face a fine of up to £1000 and 3 points on your license.
Are towing mirrors a legal requirement UK?
Towing mirrors on vehicles conforming to Directive 2003/97 EC or sold after January 2007 can project up to 25cm further than the widest part of the caravan. For tow vehicles sold prior to this directive, the mirrors can extend up to 20cm beyond the width of the caravan. Additionally, it is a legal requirement in the UK that you have type-approved (e-marked) mirrors on both sides of the tow vehicle as of December 12, 2005.
