How to drive with a trailer: rules, restrictions, fines
Buying a trailer and driving with it does not require special knowledge and skills, but there are a number of legal and practical nuances that must be kept in mind. To begin with, it is worth remembering that a trailer is a vehicle that is not equipped with an engine and is designed to move in conjunction with a power-driven vehicle, and a car with a trailer is called a road train.
In general, trailers are divided into light (with a maximum permissible weight of not more than 750 kg) and heavy (more than 750 kg), and the latter must be equipped with a braking system. Bodies of light trailers can be metal welded or prefabricated, there are models with a wooden floor and fixed or folding sides. Most often, the trailer is equipped with a removable frame and tarpaulin awning. Passenger car trailers can be single-axle or two-axle, with or without a front support wheel. Drawbar can be straight or V-shaped.
A separate category is dump trailers and trailers for boats and boats with special cradles, rollers or runners. These can have a fiberglass roof and mechanisms to facilitate the loading and unloading of equipment. In the upper price category there are car transporter trailers, caravan trailers, as well as commercial vehicles of various types.
In most cases, to operate a light trailer, it is enough to have a standard passenger category “B”, but there are nuances: the trailer must have a maximum weight of no more than 750 kilograms. Also, category “B” is sufficient if the permissible maximum mass of the trailer is more than 750 kg, but does not exceed the vehicle’s unladen weight, and the total permissible maximum mass of the train does not exceed 3.5 tons. That is, a one-ton trailer can be easily hooked up to a two-ton SUV.
If the maximum mass of the road train exceeds 3.5 tons, or the trailer is heavier than the car, then the driver will need a license of the “BE” category. Simply put, you should not cling a two-ton house on wheels or a heavy boat to the runabout.
The trailer is a vehicle, therefore it must be registered with the traffic police within 10 days after purchase. For registration, the owner’s passport and title to the trailer are enough. Also, the traffic police may ask for a copy of the sales contract and the act of acceptance and transfer. After registration, the owner receives the usual registration certificate, which must be carried with him, and a license plate.
As in the case of a car, changes in the design or color of the trailer must be registered with the traffic police. But insurance for the trailer is not needed. an MTPL policy for the car is enough. over, if the trailer belongs to an individual, it is not required to put the mark “Used with a trailer” in the policy of the tractor, this rule applies only to organizations. Inspection for private trailers is also not required.
The installation of a towbar on a passenger car is provided by the manufacturer, so there is no need to register changes in the traffic police. It should be borne in mind that the towbar itself must have a certificate of conformity and a passport, and it must be installed strictly according to the instructions without interfering with the design of the car. You do not need to submit documents for it to the traffic police.
The rules for vehicles with trailers differ only in terms of the maximum permitted speed. If in urban conditions the speed limit for a road train does not change, then outside settlements it will have to go slower than the flow: no more than 90 km / h on highways and no more than 70 km / h on simple country roads. But there are two nuances.
The first concerns toll highways with a speed limit of 130 km / h, on which a car with a trailer must travel the same 90 km / h as required by paragraph 10.3 of the SDA. But the Moscow Ring Road with a speed limit of 100 km / h is an urban road, which is not subject to paragraph 10.3, so there the road train can develop the same 100 km per hour.
Contrary to the common misconception, road cameras working “in the back” perfectly recognize the number of the trailer and issue a fine if the road train travels faster than it should be. The same applies to violations of lane markings and driving on the side of the road, and the camera can write out fines for both the tractor and the trailer, but these doublings can be easily challenged.
As in the case of a car, the regulations require the use of parking lights on a trailer at night. No people can be transported in the trailer, the weight of the cargo must not exceed the established values, the cargo must not obstruct the view and lighting devices, and if it protrudes beyond the size (no more than 1 m at the rear and 0.4 m on the sides), it is indicated by signs “Oversized cargo”. and in the dark also a red reflector.
The trailer must not be operated in the event of a malfunction of the hitch, without safety chains, with inoperative trailer brakes (if any), as well as with unconnected lighting equipment.
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In paid parking, you will have to pay for both the car and the trailer. According to the official position of Mosparking, a trailer is a vehicle, and you need to park it on a general basis, paying for parking. The trailer number can be entered in the parking payment application. In addition, you can also issue a residence permit or a subscription for a trailer.
Driving with a trailer does not require additional training, unless it is about opening the “BE” category. Driving schools offer separate courses on how to drive a trailer, where they teach you how to properly place cargo, maneuver with a trailer and drive on the highway.
Features of the choice of trailers for motoblocks
All carts have the same principle of coupling mechanisms with walk-behind tractors, so there is no need to choose in this matter. However, when choosing a trolley, one should pay attention to the quality of the installed brake system, its carrying capacity and the availability of additional functions. When choosing a trolley, be sure to consider the power of the walk-behind tractor itself. Often, trolley manufacturers give recommendations on options for motoblocks acceptable for operation.
When choosing a trolley, pay attention to the material used for its production. The trolley trailer for the walk-behind tractor can be steel, galvanized or plastic. The first options are more durable and functional, and the latter can be used to transport only light loads. Galvanized are considered the most reliable and at the same time the most expensive. For their production, metal of various thicknesses is used. The smaller the thickness of the metal, the less resistant they are to mechanical damage and cannot be used to transport heavy loads. The numbers in the name of the trolley indicate their carrying capacity.
With frequent use and constant load of the trolley, it is better to choose models with folding sides. this greatly speeds up and facilitates the work. There are options with dump tipping, the fastening of such a model is made in such a way that it allows unloading the maximum weight without unnecessary problems. When using trolleys with a self-tilting mechanism, it is necessary to disconnect the single-axle tractor when working with very heavy and bulky loads.
Choosing trolleys with a carrying capacity more than 350 kilograms make sure they have a mechanical braking system. The trailer itself can be supplied without wheels, so you need to see which hubs are installed: cast iron quickly fail when the bogie is used on bad roads, and steel ones last much longer. The hubs may vary significantly on different models. You also need to take into account the dimensions of the trolley for the walk-behind tractor. It is impractical to choose a large trolley for a machine with a maximum pulling capacity of 300 kilograms. The cart is selected for a certain weight of the walk-behind tractor, which it can transport. At the moment, there are walk-behind tractors with a pulling force from 300 to 1000 kilograms.
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How to choose the right trolley trailer for a walk-behind tractor?
The trolley for the walk-behind tractor is designed to facilitate labor and speed up the work of farmers and gardeners. It can be used to transport materials, vegetables, fruits, feed and so on. But before buying it, you need to know how to choose a trolley and which model will fit your single-axle tractor. The trailer must have a special mount, braking system and a seat.
Advantages of trolleys for motoblocks
The use of trolleys gives a number of indisputable advantages and additional functionality during the operation of walk-behind tractors:
- the stability of the unit increases;
- ease of movement;
- transportation of goods on different road surfaces;
- sufficiently high speed of movement;
- the possibility of using the cart at any time of the year.
The selected trolley trailed for the walk-behind tractor must fully meet your requirements. One of the best options is the choice of a walk-behind tractor, which is already included in the manufacturer’s kit with a trolley. However, you can always choose the appropriate option for a technique that was sold separately.
Before purchasing a particular trolley model, decide for what purpose you need it. If you have any difficulties in choosing a trailer, then feel free to contact the specialists of “StroyBazar”. They will advise you on all issues and help you make the most correct and optimal choice.
Do I need “rights” for a single-axle tractor, and is it possible to move on it along the roads
At the height of the season, having shot first, the owners of mechanized assistants are not averse to making some extra money. They can often be seen scurrying between summer cottages and neighboring villages on public roads on horseback on their motorized cultivators with a trailer. But is it legal, and how will a visiting traffic cop react to such movements of equipment??
Let’s start with the rights. A call to a couple of dealerships of similar equipment not only did not give an unambiguous answer, but also, as it should, confused. Sales managers unanimously said that the rights to this equipment are not required. And this is, in principle, true, because a motorized cultivator is not a vehicle. The same was confirmed by the traffic police.
However, in the future, the opinion of traffic cops and sellers, in particular, on the possibility of using such equipment on public roads, diametrically diverged.
The sales manager’s argument in favor of the fact that the owner can drive wherever he wants and is not in danger is that the owner of the walk-behind tractor does not drive on the road, but moves along the side of the road. What the law enforcement officers strongly object to!
In other words, if a motor-cultivator-trailer can drive on a hitch, then only in its own garden and where there is no movement of other vehicles and control by the traffic police is not carried out. Simply put, off-road, fields, forests and deserted glades.
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However, for some reason, many owners of motoblocks persistently continue to adhere to the mistaken opinion of sales managers and drive along the roadsides along the highways, or even right along the highway, thereby violating the law.
If such a traffic cop notices, then he has every right to apply to the offender paragraph 1 of Art. 12.11 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation “Violation of traffic rules on motorways”. The fine will be 1000 rubles.
However, there is also a loophole. You can avoid problems with the law if you get a tractor driver’s license with category A or A1, as well as when using a walk-behind tractor with a trailer, category D; register a single-axle tractor with Gosseltechnadzor; register the trailer itself with the traffic police, and also undergo an annual inspection on it. Of course, issue an OSAGO policy for the trailer; install rear-view mirrors, lighting optics, or reflectors on the unit; and also carry an atechka and a fire extinguisher with you. But is it worth it?
Do I need a license for a single axle tractor? Traffic rules for a walk-behind tractor in Ukraine.
Today we decided to touch upon the following topic: do we need a license for a single–axle tractor and if so, which category? And we also want to talk about traffic rules and safety when using a walk-behind tractor as a vehicle.
Traffic rules for a walk-behind tractor
a single-axle tractor often performs a transportation function: to transport crops, building materials, garbage, go to a river or to a neighboring village. At the same time, it is often necessary to drive onto the roadway, onto roads and highways, where it may be unsafe. How to behave correctly while driving a walk-behind tractor? And in general, is it possible to drive on public roads or not? I think the topic is interesting, so let’s figure it out! We will rely on the rules of the road and we will be able to draw a conclusion on how to behave correctly.
First, we need to understand if a single-axle tractor is generally a vehicle? And if so, what class of transport?
The factory operating instructions for any walk-behind tractor clearly indicate that it is not intended for transporting people, is not a vehicle and cannot be used on communication roads of destination. And it doesn’t matter if we are talking about a walk-behind tractor of air or water cooling. Such equipment in its basic configuration is designed for land cultivation.
In the traffic rules of Ukraine, a single-axle tractor does not appear anywhere at all, there is not a word about it. The traffic rules indicate that a vehicle is a device designed to transport people and (or) cargo, as well as special equipment or mechanisms installed on it.
This means that a single-axle tractor is not a vehicle, and registration and state registration are not required for it.
If, nevertheless, try to consider a uniaxial tractor as a vehicle, then it can be attributed to several categories. Naturally, a single-axle tractor should not have two wheels, but four, that is, be used with a trailer or adapter.
For example, a single-axle tractor can be classified as a self-propelled machine. Then it can be equated with animal-drawn transport and move freely along the side of the road. According to the traffic rules, the shoulder is a structurally or solid line of road marking element of the road, adjacent directly to the outer edge of the carriageway, located at the same level with it and not intended for the movement of vehicles. The shoulder can be used for stopping and parking vehicles, movement of pedestrians, mopeds, bicycles, horse-drawn carts (sledges).
Another category, which theoretically can be attributed to a uniaxial tractor. power-driven vehicle. The traffic rules indicate that this is a vehicle driven by an engine. This term applies to tractors, self-propelled machines and mechanisms, as well as trolleybuses and vehicles with an electric motor of more than 3 kW.
Power-driven vehicles, as well as self-propelled vehicles, are prohibited from driving on public roads, so the conclusion is simple: to which category a single-axle tractor should not be assigned, but the rules still do not allow its movement on public roads.
a single-axle tractor was originally invented for tillage and all kinds of work on the ground. Therefore, on his site, in the country or in the field, each owner unconditionally disposes of his own equipment without restrictions as he considers necessary. You can drive on field and country roads. But if the equipment to the place of work needs to be delivered via general roads, then this can be done in the trunk of a car, trailer or trailer. This option will be the most correct from the point of view of the law.
Homemade tractor and traffic rules of Ukraine
Well, well, you don’t need to register a single-axle tractor and you can’t drive it on the roads. But what about a homemade tractor? For example, converted from the same walk-behind tractor? After all, factory tractors are registered, they receive a license plate and insurance. Is it possible to ride a homemade tractor?
Agricultural machinery that is completely self-assembled or converted from machinery of lower power is eligible for movement on public roads. This means that in order for this to be possible, it is necessary to register the tractor with Gostekhnadzor, or as it is also called. Agricultural inspection, and get a license plate. In addition, the rights of category “B” or “C” are required (in fact, category “B” is sufficient to drive a self-propelled agricultural machine), the license of the tractor driver and the technical condition of the unit must be satisfactory. If these conditions are met, a homemade tractor can be a full-fledged participant in the movement, and you do not violate anything by driving it onto the road.
The conclusion we can draw: a single-axle tractor can only become a vehicle if it is converted into a tractor and registered.
rules for driving a walk-behind tractor
Naturally, a huge number of people move on a walk-behind tractor in a village or between villages. So, let’s talk about how to safely move on a walk-behind tractor.
- Only persons who have turned 18 years old can operate the walk-behind tractor for transportation. The instructions for the walk-behind tractor often indicate that people who have reached the age of 14 can use it, but this refers exclusively to operation on a land plot.
- If possible, do not use general roads, rather move in the fields. If this is not possible. pull over to the side of the road, it’s more correct.
- If you are driving along the road behind the wheel of a walk-behind tractor, then the police officer who stopped you has the right to demand a check and an invoice for a single-axle tractor, so it is better to carry these documents with you.
- If you are using a trailer or two-wheel adapter, be sure to install reflective elements, side lights and a rearview mirror on them. With such a set, your equipment is most similar to a full-fledged vehicle and you will not interfere with other road users.
- Pass on a license of category “A” (motorcycles) or “A1”. So you will prove that you have knowledge of traffic rules and you can be on the road as a driver.
- And never drive out of the field or village with a walk-behind tractor without a driver’s license. This alone may be enough so that the guardians of the law have no questions for you.
- You can make insurance for a single-axle tractor, as well as carry a first aid kit.
- In any case, the police officer has powers that, according to the law, will allow him to write you a fine, and you can only appeal it in court. If possible, explain to the employee as politely as possible that you understand your rights and obligations, you left for a very short time and are already moving off the road and realize all the responsibility.
- Remember that the driver of a vehicle cannot operate equipment in a state of alcoholic, drug intoxication and in a sick state or under the influence of medications that can affect attention and reaction speed
And do not forget the main rule when driving any equipment, whether it is a vehicle or not. actions or inaction of road users and other persons should not create a danger or obstacle to traffic, threaten the life or health of citizens, cause material damage.