Towing Mirrors - The Law

Towing Mirrors - The Law - News 2022

This is an area that causes a lot of confusion amongst customers so we thought it would be a good idea to state the legal requirements when towing a caravan.

 Remember, when you are towing your Caravan or any other Trailer that is wider than the narrowest part of your vehicle, it is a legal requirement that you fit additional towing mirrors. These mirrors musted be E-Marked (Europe & Australia). As a very simple guide if you look at the rear of your vehicle (without a Caravan) and see the distance that the door mirror projects from the car. this is how far out you should be able to see your Towing Mirrors from behind when towing. You have all seen the sign "If you can't see my mirrors then I can't see you" . So if you can't see your towing mirrors from behind your caravan then you require wider mirrors.

The Law in the United Kingdom specifies you must be able to see clearly down both sides of the caravan, and see 4 metres either side of the caravan at a distance of 20metres behind the rear of the caravan.

This in reality means, if your caravan/trailer is wider than the rear of your tow vehicle you must fit towing mirrors to comply with the law. You can be fined up to £1000 (per side) and also receive 3 points on your licence for towing blind.

 On tow vehicles conforming to directive 2003/97 or sold after January 2007, the towing mirrors may project 25cms further than the widest part of the caravan. On tow vehicles pre-dating this directive, the mirrors may project 20cms further than the widest part of the caravan.

Since 12th of Decemeber 2005 it is a legal requirement that you have type approved (e-marked) mirrors on both sides of the tow vehicle.

We have duplicated this Towing Mirrors - The Law courtesy of Milenco Ltd.

Milenco offer the BEST range of quality Towing Mirrors available in the UK all the Aero Range comply with the law, are type approved and correctly e-marked. Homestead Caravans & Outdoor Leisure are a major stockists of Milenco and the Aero Range of Towing Mirrors.