Can you legally tow? It’s not as simple as you think
Since change to credit card type licenses, motorists may be towing their caravans, boats and heavy trailers illegally
Unbeknownst to many motorist who plan family holidays with their trailers, boats or caravans is the fact that their current driving licences may not be legal to tow these trailers.
In 2000 the government changed to the credit card type driving licences. All code 08 licences issued before this date were automatically converted to EB code licences. Since then, all new licences issued are only code B licences. A code B licence allows a motorist to tow a light luggage trailer weighing less than 750 kilograms fully laden. To tow a heavier trailer, caravan or boat, a code EB licence is required.
Confusion regarding this stems from the assumption that a driving licence automatically allows a motorist to tow any sort of trailer. But this is not the case, and B code drivers who tow trailers heavier than 750kgs face two problems – they may be fined for breaking the law, and if they are involved in a crash, their claims may be repudiated by their insurers because they are not legally allowed to tow heavier items.
The Automobile Association (AA) urges everyone to check their licences and make sure they are legally allowed to tow and, if they aren’t, to make arrangements to ensure they comply with the regulations.
the law does not make provision for a simple upgrade from the B code to the EB code licence. Motorists who want an EB code licence must retake the learner’s licence test and repeat their driver tests, with a trailer weighing more than 750kgs
Interestingly, when the AA contacted 20 testing stations in SA to ask if motorists are allowed to tow caravans with their code B licences, the responses were varied. Of the 20 stations contacted, 17 did not answer their telephones, despite repeated attempts. Of the remaining three, the Bloemfontein Testing Station indicated (incorrectly) that motorists are allowed to tow their caravans with code B licences. Tzaneen Testing Station and the Ladysmith Testing Station provided the most accurate information, referencing that only code EB licences can be used to tow vehicles.
The AA confirms that the law does not make provision for a simple upgrade from the B code to the EB code licence. Motorists who want an EB code licence must retake the learner’s licence test and repeat their driver tests, with a trailer weighing more than 750kgs. It is unclear how many testing stations make provision for this.
Of concern is that many people don’t realise they are towing illegally. Besides the legal implications, motorists will falsely believe there are covered in the event of a crash while the reality is that these claims may be declined. It could lead to major negative financial implications for these drivers, especially if other vehicles are involved.
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