Can you tow a car with an A frame in mainland Europe?

Get ready for the debate: can you tow with an A-frame in mainland Europe? For years, there's been a cloud of uncertainty hanging over this issue, so this week Matt and Keith are here to set the record straight... right?
Tim Booth from the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service sheds light on the legal and safety concerns surrounding A frames in Europe. From the intricacies of vehicle type approval to the perspectives of law enforcement across the continent, Tim provides valuable insights that highlight the common views on this topic.
Next up, we're joined by Leigh from LNB Towbars to unpack existing legislation and explore the implications of using A-frames abroad. Does the Vienna Convention hold any sway for the British? How does type approval factor into the current legal landscape? And what are you going to do when faced with that officer telling you to unhitch the car you're towing?
We also hear about your experiences of towing in Europe, some successful and stress-free and others less lucky. Who knew that using an A frame could be so complicated?
In the news segment, Keith and Matt tackle the passport confusion plaguing British travellers post-Brexit. With new validity requirements in place, it's essential to stay informed to avoid any hiccups on your holiday adventures.
Scroll down this page to see LNB Towbars' compliance letters and documentation 👉 www.lnbtowbars...
Read the full transcript here:
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Tim Booth → navcis.police.uk
Leigh Bryant → www.lnbtowbars.co.uk
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[@gtvgranberg]

You can tow with a a-frame in sweden, people with forrestry machins do it. Or if you are towing home a untaxed unispected parts car. Its like towing something unregistrated like a hunting cabin, cement mixer, skylift, compressor. Max speed is 30km/h.

[@MotorhomeMatt]

Top tip thank you!

[@davidashton2011]

After watching your podcast i would like to clarify some things : First i hold a CPC for international road transport. The law in Europe is if you are stoped at the road side and issued with a fine the fine is classed as a bond if you wish to appeal agains the fine you will have to go to court the problem is that you will be classed as guilty and it is up to you to prove you are not guilty as was said in the pod cast there is no law defining the law as the unit you are using has no type approval and it would not be posable to prove you are not guilty. The cost of this would be a lot more than the fine as you would need a translator and a solicitor and you would be found guilty and the fine would be more than the original fine. So as a conclusion it’s up to an individual to chose , if you get stopped which you will sooner or later you would have a few options use a second driver to move the car or be fined. I have had this happen to me with an A frame and in other situations my option was to try and sort it at the side of the road with correct documents if not posable pay the fine and leave it at that.

[@MotorhomeMatt]

I think that’s the point and conclusion we reached too. It’s the consumers choice l. Thanks for commenting

[@davebrown555]

I use at trailer for my "tow car in mainland Europe and UK "did look at the Aframe . Trailer alot cheaper less hassel with the tow car ie do this do that before towing . As stated no issues abroad with a trailer. Yes pain in the you know what puting it on an off but no worries in mainland europe.

[@MotorhomeMatt]

Makes reversing easier too! 😊🧡

[@the_trailer_lady]

Great podcast this week. It's opened my eyes more to the debate. I think it could be a case of pub talk about my mates brother once got stopped and its spiralled from there. I also think it is lack of knowledge and understanding from the European Traffic Officers. I completely agree a recovery device shouldn't be used but our A-frames are far more advanced than that. The debate rumbles on.......

[@MotorhomeMatt]

What’s clear is it’s not clear! But always a great topic to discuss

[@davidgroat3625]

In France it is illegal to use an A frame, to the point that none of the insurance companies will cover you if you try to use one.

[@MotorhomeMatt]

Not true sorry. My insurers cover me

[@davidgroat3625]

@@MotorhomeMatt I’m talking about French Insurance companies covering French vehicles, sorry I didn’t make it clear.

[@MotorhomeMatt]

Yes, then that would be true as A frames are not legal for French citizens, therefore they wouldn't get insured. Our point in this episode is that they are legal in England and therefore we should be legal to use them on the continent.

[@Pigeon-Legs]

Why not take a type sample car and a-frame with conversion and get the combination type approved as a trailer. Then when stopped one would be able to say this is my trailer - look it is type approved.

[@MotorhomeMatt]

This would have a significant cost and due process. Probably not viable!

[@Pigeon-Legs]

Yes, not like the supplier is going to sell big enough numbers to justify it. Also, they would need to get type approval for the "trailer" configuration as well as the "vehicle" configuration and I suspect that that second form would be even harder to achieve because of the addition of the bits that the A-frame attaches to.

[@TonyMaris-TowLegal-TowSafe]

On the face of it, that’s a valid point. Even a single trailer now has to go through the inspection & certification process so it would be no different for a-frame suppliers. The likely difficulty is that the car already has a VIN number (a unique identifier) and could not have a second identity with another VIN number!

[@micksparrow8214]

It’s about clear as mud. Before I would begin to think about purchasing an A frame I would need to know if I’m legal what’s clear to me it isn’t clear. Perhaps the EU don’t like them because most EU motorhomes are big to begin with and they carry electric bikes or scooters in their large garages.

[@MotorhomeMatt]

The issue is an A-Frame is seen as a recovery device and can only be used by registered recovery companies. The reality is the A-Frames we use in the uk are far more than this and legal to use in the uk. Therefore should be recognised in the EU. I’d say it’s a case of your choice to use one or not.

[@davidgroat3625]

Here is a link stating the law. Sorry but you’ll have to do a google translate. Hope this helps.

[@MotorhomeMatt]

No link. Happy to receive it

[@tradecarsdirectltd2344]

Matt presumably you have to have a corresponding number plate on the tow car/toad, as my pal doesn't do this 🤷‍♂️ Cheers Sam

[@TonyMaris-TowLegal-TowSafe]

Yes you do. As the DfT accept an a-frame towed car as a trailer, it has to conform to trailer regulations, though none do 100%.

[@MotorhomeMatt]

Yes you do as you do on anything being towed

[@OurWedding2012]

Excellent Podcast

[@MotorhomeMatt]

Thanks for listening and your kind words

[@happymotorhoming]

I put a comment with the link up yesterday for Spain but it’s vanished

[@MotorhomeMatt]

That’s odd I didn’t see it. Can you repost? Thanks

[@michaelstanley3961]

Already sent matt the relevant European regs. Looks like I'll send them again

[@MotorhomeMatt]

Have you? Please do!

[@MotorhomeMatt]

Haven't received this yet, Michael. Where did you send it?

[@michaelstanley3961]

@@MotorhomeMatt The link is in the comments. Mike

[@MotorhomeMatt]

@@michaelstanley3961 sorry Michael, I’m not seeing where the link is. Any chance you can add it again?

[@Coolagreen16]

9 years and 9 mths left on it, what are you talking about?

[@MotorhomeMatt]

Passport expiry term to return to the uk - from your start date. You must have 3 months left but some passports were issued with 10 years and 9 months lifespan. A customs officer only looks at the issue date

[@kenfleming3476]

Don’t bother towing a car. Get a car and caravan

[@MotorhomeMatt]

That’s certainly one option but is not the same as a motorhome towing a car. It’s all about choice and best fit for you.