Consumer Guides > Towing rulesTowing rules Content kindly supplied by consumer.org.nz.
If you're planning to buy a trailer, or a car with a towbar, you should be aware of towing laws.
Recent changes to WOF regulations mean there are some new rules for towing a trailer. Here's what you need to know.
Responsibility
The driver of the car towing a trailer (not another driver) is responsible for any damage that happens while towing. If the trailer has a safety problem or an expired WOF, the driver of the towing car is responsible.
WOF
Trailers must have a current WOF and registration.
Speed
You must not exceed 80km/h with a trailer on the open road.
Wheels
Trailer tyres now come under the same scrutiny as car tyres. They must have legal tread and be the same type and size on each axle. Wheel bearings are now also checked.
Tow ball
There are two sizes: the old inch and 7/8ths ball (47.5mm) and the newer 50mm ball. Be careful with using a smaller ball in a larger coupling, as they can come apart. Some couplings are designed to cope with both ball sizes. If your car has a 50mm tow ball, you won't be able to get it into a smaller coupling.
Coupling
The trailer must have a secure coupling, which should include a double-locking mechanism, or a locking pin. When hiring a trailer, ask the hirer to demonstrate the coupling works correctly.
Safety chain
The trailer must have an adequate safety chain, permanently attached. The LTSA prefers it to be bolted on. A shackle can be used only on the chain-to-towing-vehicle connection. Welding the chain onto the trailer is acceptable if done properly. There are additional requirements for trailers over 2000kg.
Lights
Trailers require working tail- and front-position lights. Hire centres should supply suitable connectors, but your car also needs a correctly wired socket.
A trailer doesn't need indicators and brake lights, provided the lights on the towing vehicle are visible to drivers behind you, or you can make visible arm signals out the window. If you do a lot of towing, it's best to have indicators and lights fitted.
Brakes
Trailer brakes aren't required unless the loaded weight is over 2000kg. Even without separate brakes, both car and trailer must be able to stop from 30km/h in less than seven metres. Over 2000kg, different rules apply.
Weight
Maximum load weight depends on the car and trailer. Some cars can tow less than 500kg. Check your car's handbook. We give towing limits for 67 models as part of the car profiles in our Car buying guide.
A typical trailer load of builders' mix is around 900kg - and a typical trailer will add another 200kg or so. It all stacks up.
Exceeding the limit may invalidate the warranty on a new car if you later have a problem with your gearbox or brakes.
Load security
The load must be secure. If necessary, use a net or tarpaulin in addition to ropes.
The load can overhang the rear by up to four metres - measured from the axle. If it overhangs by more than one metre, it must be flagged. At night red lights must be fitted to the rear. In daylight you should attach a fluorescent flag (white, red, orange or yellow), sized 400 x 300mm.
A load can extend sideways up to 1.25 metres from the centre line of the trailer, but must be flagged if it extends more than 200mm beyond the sides.
At night, you need to mark an extended load with white or amber lights to the front, red to the rear.
Load distribution
Stack your trailer so around 10 percent of the total weight pushes down on the tow ball. Put the heaviest items slightly forward of the axle, to reduce the tendency to sway.
Dimensions
You can tow a trailer that's up to 2.5m wide, 4.25m high when loaded, and 11.5m long, as long as the combined car and trailer length does not exceed 20 metres.
Insurance
Not all insurance policies cover a trailer while it's being towed. Check your policy.
This information is brought to you by Consumer Online.
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