Towing a coupled (empty) artic with a tractor unit

UK PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS FORUMS THE UK PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS FORUM (INTERACTIVE)
1

Back in a previous employment I was asked to recover a broken down empty artic (gearbox issues) by towing it along a motorway with a bar the type that fits onto the fifth wheel and the towing eye etc. The artic was empty and would of had a driver steering it and the engine was running to maintain air pressure.
Is this legal :question: A fitter who was to follow in a van with flashing beacons insisted it would be ok :question: I wasn’t convinced.
Coxer.

2

I have seen it done for a short distance. Don’t know the legalities.

3

Used to be a common occurrence, don’t know about today with all the Hand holding that has to be done.

4

Legal in an emergency situation

5

The journey was from point of breakdown back to the depot just under 30 miles :neutral_face:

6

I have towed broken down eight wheelers (often loaded) with a straight bar coupled to another part loaded eight wheeler back to our quarry near Ashbourne from Ipswich/Kent/Braintree/ Kendal/Winchester/Illminster/Monmouth and all points in between so can’t see a problem? :confused: Kept the speed down and cheaper than paying for a recovery vehicle.

Pete.

7

On one occasion when I had a broken down unit pulling a 40ft.flat trailer my boss sent out another unit with rigid bar to push my rig back to depot.Performed carefully of course but people assume the 2nd.unit is being towed.Fortunately didn’t have to discuss the matter with the powers that be.

8

There used to be many arguments about whether it is legal to tow a vehicle onto a motorway. I still don’t know the answer.

9

^^^^ I was led to believe that it’s ok to tow on a motorway using a straight or A bar, but not a flexible tow rope. Stand to be corrected of course.

10

^^^^
Not tow(ing) on a motorway. Tow onto a motorway rather than tow off it.

11

the maoster:
^^^^ I was led to believe that it’s ok to tow on a motorway using a straight or A bar, but not a flexible tow rope. Stand to be corrected of course.

Tow off a motorway or use as part of the route though which is what I think cav may mean :wink:

12

The vehicle was actually broken down on the hard shoulder of the motorway. I was required to tow it back to the depot for clarity :smiley: .