Towing a Mini Digger in the UK

To legally tow a mini digger in the UK, you need to meet several requirements:

1. You must have a vehicle that can tow up to 3.5 tons.
2. Your insurance coverage should be comprehensive and include provisions for towing.
3. Unless you passed your driving test before January 1, 1997, you need a BE trailer license.

If you passed your driving test before January 1, 1997, you can drive a vehicle and trailer combination with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) up to 8,250kg.

If you need to tow a load heavier than your standard license permits, you must obtain a category C1E license.

The weight you can tow with your car driving license depends on when you got your license. However, your tow weight should never exceed the trailer’s MAM or your car’s maximum towing capacity.

Towing Equipment and Safety

To tow a mini digger, you’ll need appropriate towing equipment, including a suitable tow bar and a secure method for attaching the digger. It’s crucial to ensure that the digger is properly balanced and secured to avoid accidents or damage to your vehicle.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) recommends drivers to get training before towing for safety reasons. It’s also important to consult with a plant professional or the digger manufacturer to ensure that the digger can be safely towed with your vehicle and that all legal requirements are met.

Further Information

For a detailed guide on towing with a trailer, please visit the government websites:

• Towing rules
• Towing with a car

Key Takeaways from Towing a Mini Digger Rules and Regulations

License and Age Requirements

The weight you’re allowed to tow depends on when you got your license. If you got your driver’s license before 1 January 1997, you could drive a vehicle and trailer with a combined weight of up to 8,250kg MAM. If you got your driver’s license on 1 January 1997, you could tow a trailer that weighs up to 3,500kg MAM.

Training

The DVSA urges drivers to seek training before towing for safety reasons. You can find a training provider or course through the National Register of LGV Instructors, Safe Towing Scheme, or Skills for Logistics.

Towing Heavier Vehicles

To tow combinations that are heavier than what’s allowed by your current license, you need to apply for a provisional license for a medium-sized lorry and trailer (category C1+E), pass the lorry theory test, and pass the C1+E driving test. If driving a medium-sized lorry is the main part of your job, you must take extra Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) tests. Once qualified, you can drive vehicles and trailers with a combined weight of up to 12,000kg MAM.

Weight Restrictions

You need to know the vehicle’s and trailer’s weight, also known as the ‘maximum authorised mass’ (MAM). You can find the MAM listed in the owner’s manual, and it typically appears on a plate or sticker on the vehicle or trailer.

Equipment

To tow a mini digger, you’ll need appropriate towing equipment, including a suitable tow bar and a secure method for attaching the digger. It’s crucial to ensure that the digger is properly balanced and secured to avoid accidents or damage to your vehicle.

Legal Requirements for Towing a Mini Digger in the UK

This article was written by our panel of experts with over 70 years of plant hire experience.

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