A motorist is set for a day in court after Gardaí seized their jeep and trailer on the motorway yesterday (Tuesday, April 27th, 2021).
Dundalk RPU observed the jeep and trailer combination on the M1.
In a post on social media, a spokesperson for An Garda Síochána, said:
“That’s Weight Too Much! Dundalk RPU observed this jeep and trailer on the M1. The total weight was 7 tonnes which exceeded what the jeep could safely tow.”
“Driver also did not have [the] correct category of license to tow such large weights. Vehicles seized and proceedings to follow.”
Towing trailers and licence categories
According to the RSA, a category B driving licence permits you to drive a car, van or 4 x 4, which has a maximum mass (as specified by the manufacturer) of not more than 3,500kg and is designed and constructed to carry no more than eight passengers in addition to the driver.
Furthermore, you may tow a trailer with a maximum mass (again as specified by the manufacturer) not greater than 750kg, or where the maximum mass is more than 750kg, the combined maximum mass of the towing vehicle and the trailer is not greater than 3,500kg.
Meanwhile, a category BE driving licence authorises you to tow a trailer where the combined maximum mass of the towing vehicle and trailer is greater than 3,500kg.
A category B licence does not entitle the holder to tow a horsebox or a livestock trailer because the combined maximum mass would exceed 3,500kg.
If you do not hold a full category, BE licence, and you wish to tow trailers with a maximum mass exceeding 750kg or vehicle combinations where the combined maximum mass of the vehicle and trailer combination exceeds 3,500kg, you will need to pass a practical driving test.
The maximum speed limit for a vehicle towing a trailer is 80km/h. To note, this also applies on roads where the posted road sign speed limit is higher.
The RSA has produced a booklet covering road safety advice and driver licensing rules for drawing light trailers, which you can find here.
