Legislation is in a constant state of review and renewal, especially with regard to motoring and vehicle laws. Many revisions revolve around punitive measures and sentencing, but in December 2021 a major change to driver’s licenses came into effect, regarding the towing of trailers.
The New Legislation on Towing Trailers
The new legislation, originally set to take effect in November 2021, makes a significant change to driver’s licenses awarded since the 1st January 1997. Those license holders can now tow trailers up to a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of 3,500kg. License holders from before 1997 are unaffected by the legislation, by virtue of already being licensed to drive a vehicle and trailer up to a combined MAM of 8,250kg.
Previously to the announced changes, license holders from 1997 to 2013 were licensed only for trailers up to an MAM of 750kg, or up to the unladen weight of their vehicle. Licenses awarded from 2013 onwards differed only slightly, in that they could tow a trailer up to a combined car-trailer MAM of 3,500kg. In order to tow trailers carrying heavier loads, they were expected to pass an additional test.
Delays to the New Legislation
Though the legislation was due to take effect on the 15th November, the rollout was delayed by the government – eventually coming into effect on the 16th December. The delay came after concerns regarding the safety of the rollout, and of new drivers pulling much heavier loads. Jonathan White, legal and compliance director of no win no fee solicitors, National Accident Helpline, said: “We welcome the delay in the introduction of these changes and hope that the Government makes use of the extra time to consider them in more detail, ensuring that the safety of drivers is considered as the top priority.
“The changes will see millions of drivers simultaneously given the right to tow a trailer of considerable weight, without needing any previous experience or training in driving while towing a load – all at a time of year when visibility and conditions are at their poorest, bringing an increased element of risk to drivers.”
The Importance of Following New Legislation
Keeping up with changes in vehicle-related legislation is crucial for motorists; changes can have significant effects on road safety, and can directly affect the circumstances of much of the driving population. Inattentiveness to rule changes can, at worst, result in preventable accidents on UK roads. With regard to this specific change in legislation, it is not only important that motorists are aware of the change. It is also important that best practice for safe towing is researched and understood by drivers intending to begin pulling heavier trailers.
