Each driver, one way or another, faced with the towing of a vehicle, when one of the motorists needs the help of another for certain reasons. In your car, in addition to a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, a spare wheel and a sign emergency stop, the presence of which is mandatory, the towing cable will also be useful. To tow a car, the driver needs to know the general rules for towing a vehicle. Actually, about this, about the features of towing with automatic transmission, as well as about the types of towing, we will talk below.
1. General rules for towing vehicles
The machine, which, due to certain circumstances, had to be taken in tow, must be indicated by an emergency light signaling or, which can be used in the event of a malfunction of the emergency light signaling. Then the emergency stop sign is fixed on rear bumper towed vehicle. If you are towing your vehicle in dark time days, then on the towed machine you need to turn on parking lights.
In addition, all moving vehicles must have either dipped beam headlights, or fog lights, or daytime running lights. running lights. Max speed, at which the vehicle can be towed, is 50 km / h - this also applies settlements, and tracks. The towing cable must be constantly taut, otherwise sharp jerks it can be cut off, and a slack cable can be run over by the wheel of a towed vehicle.
To the tow rope there are clear traffic rules: the distance between two cars on a flexible hitch should be from four to six meters, and with a rigid hitch - no more than four meters. Rules traffic prohibit towing a vehicle in the following cases:
- if a flexible hitch is used during icy conditions or on slippery roads;
Towing by a vehicle with a trailer, or when several Vehicle at once;
Towing trailers of any type by buses;
If the weight of the towed vehicle with a damaged braking system exceeds half the weight of the towing vehicle;
In case of poor visibility due to weather conditions;
If the length of the entire structure of coupled machines exceeds 22 meters, and in the case of route transport- 30 meters;
Towing motorcycles without an attached side trailer;
Towing of mopeds and bicycles.
For ignoring the rules of towing vehicles, you can get administrative penalty or a warning.
2. Types of vehicle towing
There are three most common ways of towing: on a rigid hitch, on a flexible hitch, partial loading method. The most common method is considered to be towing on a flexible hitch - it does not require special training no car, no driver; and in the rarest way - the method of partial loading, it is practically not used by motorists. As for the rigid hitch, it is used mainly for trucks and large-capacity vehicles.
To tow a car on a flexible hitch, a cable made of metal or a special elastic material, such as nylon, is used. It must be of sufficient length and equipped with a fixing device - a ring, a bracket, a hook.
A lot of restrictions are imposed on this method of towing: the towed vehicle must be driven by experienced driver; the carriage of passengers in a towed vehicle is strictly prohibited; you can not tow the car with faulty brakes; the distance between cars must be at least four meters and not more than six; the towing cable must have reflective elements with a diagonal pattern in the form of alternating red and white stripes, at least two, and measuring 20 by 20 centimeters.
Towing is carried out with a special rigidly fixed coupling device, and its design can be in the form of a simple metal pipe or beam with lugs, or in the form of complex devices that allow the towed vehicle to move along the trajectory of the tow. Such a hitch is safer and more reliable due to the fact that it provides a stable distance between the machines, and therefore eliminates jerks and convergence, also has fewer restrictions, but at the same time requires more skill from the tug driver.
But there are still restrictions: the driver must be behind the wheel of the towed vehicle; the distance between cars should be up to 4 meters; transportation of people in a towed vehicle is prohibited; towing with defective brakes and steering system is prohibited.
This type of towing is more complicated, for its implementation you need a towing truck and a crane that will carry out partial loading. This method is most often used for hauling new trucks; it is not very advisable to use it for cars. It should be said that the full loading of a car into the body of another is not a towing method - this is a cargo transportation, in this case vehicle.
Partial load towing also has some limitations: it is not allowed to transport people in a towed vehicle and in the back of a towing vehicle; It is forbidden to tow cars with a faulty brake system. But at the same time, towing with inactive steering is allowed, which is strictly prohibited when towing on a flexible and rigid hitch.
3. Features of towing with automatic transmission
Towing a car with automatic transmission is carried out with the engine running, because oil pump, which serves the gearbox, works only when running engine, otherwise the transmission parts will function without lubrication. The gearbox must be put in the "N" position. The speed when towing a car with an “automatic” cannot exceed 50 km / h, or specified in the operating manual, and the towing distance should not exceed 50 km.
In the event that the vehicle is automatic transmission gear acts as a tug, you must adhere to the following rules: the towed vehicle must not exceed the weight of the towing vehicle; towing speed limit 40 km/h; the gearbox in position "2" or "3", and in no case in position "D"; and towing on a rigid hitch. Towing cars with automatic transmission is not very safe, and if possible, it is better to avoid it and use the services of a tow truck.
We bring to your attention several key conditions for ensuring the safe towing of your car or the towing of a third-party car by you in case of need.
First, let's refresh our memory of what is said about towing in the SDA.
Towing of motor vehicles
Towing on a rigid or flexible hitch should be carried out only if there is a driver behind the wheel of the towed vehicle, except when the design of the rigid hitch ensures that the towed vehicle follows the trajectory of the towing vehicle during straight motion (Section 20, paragraph 20.1 of the SDA).
When towing on a flexible or rigid hitch, it is prohibited to transport people in a towed bus, trolleybus and in the back of a towed truck mobile, and when towing by partial loading - the presence of people in the cab or body of the towed vehicle, as well as in the body of the towing vehicle (Section 20, paragraph 20.2 of the SDA).
When towing on a flexible hitch, the distance between the towing and towed vehicles must be within 4-6 m, and when towing on a rigid hitch, no more than 4 m. 20.3 SDA).
Towing is prohibited:(Section 20, paragraph 20.4 of the SDA)
- vehicles that do not have steering(towing by partial loading method is allowed);
- two or more vehicles;
vehicles with an inoperative brake system, if their actual mass is more than half of the actual mass of the towing vehicle (with less actual weight towing of such vehicles is allowed only on a rigid hitch or by partial loading; motorcycles without a side trailer, as well as such motorcycles; into icy conditions on a flexible hitch).
A few more important paragraphs can be found in the "Basic provisions for the admission of vehicles to operation and the obligation officials for road safety":
Warning devices for designating flexible connecting links when towing motor vehicles should be made in the form of flags or shields measuring 200 x 200 mm with red and white alternating stripes 50 mm wide applied diagonally with a retroreflective surface.
At least two warning devices must be installed on the flexible link.
The design of a rigid towing device must comply with the requirements of GOST 25907-89.
This completes the quotes. Let's get to the descriptive part.
We will not consider the so-called rigid hitch, but everyone should have a flexible link in the trunk. It's about the rope. She is also a "towing cable", she is also a "strap", she is also a "tie".
Steel products, i.e. steel cables for ordinary citizens are not suitable. Let's leave them to tractor drivers and truck drivers. We will use a cable made of polypropylene, nylon or other similar synthetics. The length of the SDA cable is regulated from 4 to 6 meters. The shorter, the easier it is to maneuver in tight spaces, but less comfortable when towing long distances. At the ends of the cable there must be either hooks, or the so-called. shakly - staples with a kingpin. The latter are more reliable, but less convenient.
So, we cling. Where? For what?
Each vehicle has a towing point. Often - both in front and behind. Sometimes they are covered with plastic covers, sometimes you need to screw in the towing eye first. Read the instructions. Have you read? Got it? Found? We cling. Take care of your manicure!
- The rope must always be taut so as not to get under the wheels. This is easily achieved either when driving uphill, or by almost constant braking of the "trailer".
- The tug must think for two. Those. consider overall length"road trains" during maneuvers. You must carefully look in all 4 directions to prevent another car or pedestrian from trying to wedge between you.
- "Trailer" should also think for two. Those. take into account the total length of the "road train" when maneuvering. You must carefully look in all 4 directions to prevent another car or pedestrian from trying to wedge between you.
- The tug brakes independently only in emergency cases. In normal cases, it only indicates braking by blinking its "stop lights", and the "trailer" with its brakes already stops the "road train", keeping the cable taut and taking into account the length of the "road train".
- When towing, the "trailer" must have an emergency flasher on, and the tug must have low beams. It should be remembered that when idle engine alarm quickly drains the battery.
- Before you start driving, it is important not to forget to unlock steering column"trailer". This is usually achieved by turning the ignition key to the "ignition" position.
- When moving off, the tug must first pick up the slack very slowly and smoothly. tow rope.
- Car towing with automatic transmission has its important features. Read the instructions.
When towing a car with a non-working engine, it should be remembered that neither the power steering nor the brake booster is working. At first, it may even seem that both were refused. No panic. Push and twist harder.
All clear? Hooked on? Go!
Scriptio: Gennady Zvonov, technical consultant.
During training in driving schools, very little time is devoted to working out the rules for towing cars. Know the main points how to behave in practice when towing motor vehicle important for any motorist.
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It is necessary to be able to understand not only concepts and postulates. Knowledge about coupling options, methods of connecting and transporting a car will be useful.
The standards for driving a car that is a tow include limits speed limit, the use of a certain length of the cable and more.
Concept definition
Towing a car is the manipulation of transporting a car using the traction force of another vehicle and connecting parts. The principle of moving mechanical vehicles is simple - one car transports another from one place to another.
The procedure includes the following concepts:
- towing car- one to which a car is attached, requiring forced transportation.
- Towed car- one that is directly transported by a trailer (rides second, attached to a traction machine).
- Tow bar- a special device at the bottom behind the machine, allowing it to be used as a tractor. Carabiners and other connecting elements cling to the towbar.
- "Paws" (hooks, other)- are used in front of the car, in order to hook the connecting device coming from the towing vehicle (from the towbar) to them.
towed vehicle in without fail should be suitable for slowing down on the way, or adjusting turns.
If the machine is not capable of this, then it should be evacuated using a special transport technology. In this case, the transportation of a car with a broken steering wheel or brakes does not apply to towing.
Reasons for action
Usually the main reason why a car needs to be towed is a breakdown when the car cannot drive on its own and needs to be removed from the roadway.
The urgency of removing a car from the surface of the roadway is dictated by the fact that it blocks or otherwise interferes with the passage of other road users.
Based on the Rules, there are cases when it is forbidden to use the towing method, and there are cases when it is allowed to do so.
Cases when towing is performed:
- The car suddenly broke down and could not continue on its own.
- The fuel ran out, the car did not reach the gas station.
- The car is not running after the accident.
Situations in which it is forbidden to tow cars:
- Black ice.
- Broken brakes, steering.
- The use of flexible coupling when transporting a motorcycle without a sidecar, moped, scooter.
- Simultaneous towing of two or more vehicles.
- Two-wheeled transport without a trailer cart (carriage).
- The transport vehicle is all-wheel drive - it must be transported with a full load.
Important! In case of failure of the steering system, it is permissible to tow with partial loading onto the platform.
Ways
The type of hitch is a variant of devices with the help of which one machine is directly connected to another. They differ from each other not only in design, but also in the evenness of the trajectories during the movement of two connected vehicles.
Towing transportation must be carried out in such a way that it does not create any obstacles on the road with through traffic. To do this, you need to choose the right technology - fastening equipment and the method itself.
On a flexible hitch
Flexible cable when towing is unreliable in terms of smooth ride. Due to the fact that it holds the driven vehicle exclusively only
Rules for transporting a second car attached to the auto-tow using a flexible hitch:
- The driver of the car traveling second in a row must be in the cabin.
- On the most flexible link of the connecting part, warning signs are necessarily glued or otherwise attached - shields, flags.
- Passengers disembark.
- The distance from the car to the car is not more than 5 m.
Important! In the absence of shields or flags, it is allowed to tie red ribbons, strips of red fabric.
Warning flags have following characteristics appearance:
On a rigid hitch
A rigid mount for the forced transportation of a vehicle is considered the safest.
Thanks to rigid hitch keeps the trajectory when the connected cars move, the second car will not deviate from the path and interfere with the passage of other cars.
Features of the rules for towing with a rigid hitch are as follows:
- Fortress of attachments.
- Smooth trajectory of the second car.
- The presence of a driver in the cabin of the second car is optional. But this is only in the case when it is obvious that the trajectory will be straight along the entire path.
- A driver is required at the wheel of a second vehicle in case of turns or stops along the way.
- The distance between two cars should be no more than 4 m.
- The length of the rigid attachment device is not more than 4 m.
- The minimum distance allowed is 2.5-3 m, not more than half the length of the tractor.
- Passengers from the passenger compartment or the body of the car disembark.
- Serviceability of the brake or steering wheel is a must.
If the distance or length of the fastening element is not respected, then during maneuvering (turns, turns) there is a risk of contact between the connected machines, friction or collision.
Partial loading method
Partial loading - finding the car with the front wheels on a moving platform, while the rear part, with unfixed wheels, is dragged along the ground.
Usually a tow truck is called, which performs towing with partial loading. But then this service will not be called towing, but rather the evacuation of the car.
This method is also possible in the event of a failure of the brake system. But here you can still apply the mounting option on a rigid frame (rigid hitch). The main control of such a “train” is transferred to the driver of the leading machine.
Types of partial towing:
- A trailer is used.
- A tow truck is called and carries out transportation with partial loading of the front undercarriage, or only wheels on a mini-platform.
- Truck, on the truck. Rear end the driven machine in this case is not hung out, but rides at the expense of the rear wheels.
- Loading the rear undercarriage, the front wheels will allow the machine to move on the road.
- Serviceability of brake and steering systems.
- The integrity of the body coating - there should be no gaps, pointed pieces bent outward (if the car has been in).
- Serviceability of door hinges, handles, glasses.
- Carabiners and other elements of the connecting device must be in good order.
- For flexible coupling, a cable of a certain length is required.
- For rigid fastening special device made of durable and high quality metal.
Important! While the second machine is moving, it is tilted if it is towed with a partial load. In this case, the second driver cannot be placed in the cabin behind the wheel of such a vehicle.
The motorist can control the course of the towed vehicle only when the car is traveling on a horizontal plane.
What should be
What is needed for successful and authorized transportation of the machine by towing:
In case of transportation passenger car The flexible hitch option is suitable for the mobile. But to transport a truck or a passenger vehicle, a rigid hitch is required.
With the last type of towing, the trajectory of the advance of the second vehicle will not deviate. Thus, during the journey, unnecessary interference will not be created for other participants.
Rope length
The cable must not be shorter than 4 meters and longer than 5 meters. It should be noted that the longer the flexible coupling equipment, the more risk deviations of the trajectory during movement.
If the cable is shorter than the specified norm, then there is a high risk of a collision between the driven vehicle and the car pulling it behind it.
The color of the rope doesn't matter. The accumulation of steel fibers is impregnated with retroreflective compounds.
In the case of using a red and white cable with a reflective effect, it is allowed not to attach striped plates. Such cables themselves signal and serve as a means of giving warning signals.
Most often you can find products from threads of the following shades, their combinations:
- red;
- orange;
- blue;
- blue with white;
- white with red;
- orange with white;
- other variations.
High-speed also plays a role in the presence of one or another length of the cable. Even a slow ride by the lead driver will not allow the driven motorist to drive perfectly smoothly.
That is why it is required that a person be behind the wheel of the second (transported) car, always ready to correct the motion vector in a timely manner.
Travel speed
The main postulate of the Rules regarding the speed limit is valid for almost all types of vehicles and in all cases of towing. One rule applies to all.
Permitted mode of used speeds while towing another machine:
If the car has an automatic transmission, is subject to forced removal from the location on the roadway, then it must be driven only at a speed of 30 km / h - no more.
Only, in the case of the number of gears more than 3 steps, it is allowed to transport the vehicle at an increased speed, but not more than 50 km / h.
Rules for towing vehicles
The rules for how such manipulations are done without prejudice to other participants are specified in clause 20 of the SDA (Rules of the Road). Attention is drawn to various details.
For example, so that there are no passengers in the cabin when the bus, the trolleybus will be the second to follow the towing vehicle. Connecting elements must be properly fastened.
General rules:
- Cars must move strictly in general order, obeying road signs, markings.
- When moving slowly, keep right side in their lane, thus giving other participants the opportunity to freely go around two fastened moving cars.
- If a motorist has less than 2 years of driving experience, he is not allowed to tow - to drive a towing vehicle.
- If the steering and braking systems fail, but the mass of the towed car is 2 times lighter than the towing vehicle, there are two options for transporting the car - partial loading or on a rigid hitch.
- The back of the second car is supplied with a special plate, a sticker confirming the emergency stop. Such designations should have at least 2.
- Both vehicles include low beam headlights (fog lights, daytime use can be used).
- The mass of the transported car should be 2 times lighter than the towing vehicle.
The driving experience requirement for persons wishing to tow other cars is indicated in. This restriction does not affect the driver, the second vehicle that has been towed, in any way.
Passenger car
It is extremely important here where the driver of the second car being transported is located. It is necessary to pay attention to the strength of the locking connections of the fasteners that attach the cable (or other equipment) from the towing vehicle to the towed vehicle.
Rules for fastening and towing cars:
- Cable integrity must be 100%. The slightest breaks (nylon, polyester, cloth cables), cracks, chips ( metal surfaces cables) should immediately show the motorist all the unreliability. Also, if the cable has been broken and then re-tied, it is not suitable for use in a tugboat.
- Earrings and hooks are carefully checked. Their strength and stability of fixation should be the same as stated by the manufacturer and comply with the norm. Nothing should be loosened and "loose".
- The height of the towing element should not exceed the height of a passenger car by 1.5-2 times. Otherwise, when moving, the slave will be inclined to fall on its side. Therefore, trucks with a high undercarriage frame cannot make such trips.
- The motorist who drives the first transport must have 2 years of driving experience.
Why is it undesirable to tow a car on automatic transmission, can be seen from the following observations:
- the oil pump does not function when the engine is turned off;
- transmission activity continues;
- there is no cooling required;
- the main aggregate system overheats and reaches a complete breakdown.
Features of transportation by tow of a car with automatic transmission (automatic transmission):
- Transmission fluid (ATF) should be filled with appropriate containers and channels to the maximum extent.
- The steering wheel should not be locked, so it is “released” with the key in the ignition, brought to the “T” position.
- The gear selector is set to the "neutral" position. Or you can use unspoken rule– “50 x 50” (the speed is 50 km/h for 50 km of the route).
- Constantly keep the temperature under control transmission system. If necessary, regular stops are made for free cooling.
- In the presence of malfunctions of the brakes, the steering assembly, it is best to tow on rigid fasteners.
trailer
When towing trailers, the following rules must also be observed:
- Speed - no more than 70 km / h.
- The mass of the load when the trailer is loaded - it should be 2 times lighter than the tractor.
- The distance between the machine and the trailer hitch - the distance increases by 2 times when the trailer is loaded.
- The right choice of coupling method.
- Signal signs, striped red and white flags.
- Parking is necessarily carried out with movement limiters, which must be placed under the wheels of a loaded trailer.
- It is impossible to brake the towing vehicle in case of skidding. Otherwise, the trailer will hit the rear of the vehicle. It is recommended to pull the trailer.
The most suitable would be a hitch on a rigid frame. In this case, the triangle formed by the connecting element will create an excellent fixation.
The trailer will not be able to fall sideways or move off the path, but will follow the tractor more smoothly.
Motorcycle (with and without sidecar)
With a sidecar, motor vehicles are allowed to be transported by towing in the same way as cars. It is appropriate to use any type of coupling here, but a rigid one is recommended.
If the motorcycle is without a sidecar, but requires towing, then it is transported exclusively firmly fixed on the appropriate platform.
Then they talk about cargo transportation, or evacuation, and not towing. Any motorcycle is not allowed to be used as a tractor.
truck
Provisions on how to tow a truck correctly:
- When transporting a truck, no people or animals should be in the back. At the same time, the driver truck you have to be in the cockpit.
- The best hitch option is rigid.
- The permitted mass of the tractor must exceed the weight of the towed vehicle by 2 times.
Otherwise, the distance must be observed according to general rules. For this it is necessary to apply trailers in length not exceeding the distance standards. So, for a rigid hitch, the length of the connecting element is not more than 4 meters.
Consequences of breaking the rules and penalties
In case of violations of the rules when towing is carried out in cases of a ban on this species manipulation, the administrative-legal Code provides for a monetary penalty.
The amount of the fine is 500 rubles. This is mentioned in. But if the driver transported another vehicle for the first time in violation of the rules, then he may face only a warning.
For speeding and non-compliance with other rules of general implementation, sanctions are threatened, in accordance with the articles of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation.
In Russia and neighboring countries, the flexible type of hitch is more common than the rigid version of the fasteners. In the countries of the European Union and other Western countries, this is the case, on the contrary, they prefer to use a rigid hitch.
Very often in our time you can see how the vehicle is transported in tow.
Towing is carried out when one driver for some reason loses the ability to independently control his vehicle and he has to ask for help from other vehicles. It may happen by different reasons: Let's say if the car stalled, broke down, or ran out of gas.
The main thing is to take into account all the rules for towing a car. Otherwise, it can be dangerous and end in an accident. In addition, the driver risks getting a fine.
To avoid unwanted situations, the driver must remember some mandatory rules:
- You can not take a car in tow in ice;
- The brake system must work correctly;
- There must be reflectors on the cable;
If transportation takes place on a rigid hitch, then it is worth remembering the following rules:
- If the vehicle is being transported with an inoperative brake system, then its weight should be a couple of times less than that of a tug;
- Do not tow a vehicle that does not have steering control.
The largest allowable speed when towing is 50 km/h. It is important to understand that this restriction is valid for both city roads and roads outside the city. When driving around the city in winter, it is necessary to reduce the speed to 30 km/h. But at the same time, you should not drive too slowly, so you will impede the movement of other vehicles.
According to SDA towing allowed on motorways. Vehicle speed must be greater than 40 km/h. Otherwise, it will be considered a violation.
The car that moves first should have low beam headlights on. The vehicle behind must have emergency lights on. This requirement is met by everyone. It must be understood that in the evening without lights on, it will be difficult for other drivers to understand that the vehicle is in tow.
In what situations is towing prohibited?
Not many motorists know that it is far from always allowed to transport vehicles in this way. The driver can be punished for illegal transportation.
Here are the situations when towing a car is prohibited:
- If installed road sign"Movement with a trailer is prohibited";
- If you need to transport more than one vehicle at the same time;
- If you own a motorcycle. It is forbidden to tow a car using these vehicles without a side trailer. Also, these vehicles are not allowed to be taken in tow. If they break, transportation must be carried out using a tow truck.
Vehicle towing options
Today there is a large number of ways in which you can transport a car. If you have a friend who can take you in tow, then it is better to use his help. But if there is no such acquaintance, then the driver will have to call a tow truck. It may cost more, but the vehicle will be delivered to a certain point without much hassle.
On a flexible hitch
The flexible hitch is the most common vehicle transportation option. To make it, you need a soft cable with fasteners. Under heavy load, it will stretch. This will reduce the risk of vehicle damage.
A place for mounting such a device is present in all cars. The cable is hooked to the rear of the vehicle moving ahead. The other end of the cable is attached to the front part, which is in tow.
On a rigid hitch
In this variant, a metal construction is used, which also has a mount on both sides. The clutch has a different structure. There are also quite complex options that have two points for fastening at one end at once. This type of hitch is very rare. And such a metal structure is not in all cars. But if towing a truck is carried out, then it is necessary.
With partial loading
To carry out towing in this way, you need a cargo vehicle and a crane for partial transfer of a car. Basically, only trucks are transported this way. Passenger cars are also impractical to transport.
Subtleties of towing a car with automatic transmission
IN modern time most people buy cars with automatic transmission. So for some, this topic is quite relevant.
Transportation of such transport can be done using 2 ways:
- With a flexible hitch. Before you perform the process, you need to know how much weight the cable is designed for. It is important to check that its length is not less than 4 and does not exceed 6 meters;
- With the help of a tow truck. This method is the most popular for this type of transport. The transport services themselves are responsible for damage to the vehicle during transport. The disadvantage of this method is the high price;
- On a hard hitch. This method is perfect if the brakes are broken. The cable must be no longer than 4 meters.
All vehicles must be transported at a speed not exceeding 40 km/h for a distance not exceeding 40 km.
Truck towing
Each of you will sooner or later be "towed" or "towed". And here it is very important to act correctly.
If you ask to be towed.
First, get ready for the fact that not everyone will stop.
Although, of course, if a woman asks for help, then the men, as a rule, stop. But as soon as it turns out that it needs to be towed, the knight becomes sad, lies that he does not have a towing cable, shrugged his shoulders and leaves.
Therefore, when you buy a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a warning triangle, buy a tow rope right away.
And if something goes wrong on the road, don't just vote, keep the tow rope in your hand. Now the first one to stop is the one to help.
Just keep in mind, if your car has an automatic transmission, then you cannot be towed in this way - destroy the automatic transmission. In this case, you have one way out - you need to somehow get through to technical assistance and call a tow truck.
And let the tow rope (if you still bought it) lie in the trunk. It will come in handy if you agree to tow someone. You cannot be towed, but you can tow yourself.
If you have been asked to be towed.
Since you agreed, it means that you are an experienced driver, you have been towing more than once and you know perfectly well what needs to be done. First of all, you need to make sure that the towed vehicle has proper brakes and steering. Then you need to instruct the towed.
First, don't forget to turn on your parking lights and hazard warning lights.
Secondly, let him always keep the cable taut (both while driving and when stopping).
And, thirdly, let him remember that when the engine is not running, it does not work and vacuum booster brakes. So you need to press on the brake pedal with all your might.
After that, you can move off, and you, as an experienced driver, know that when towing, you need to start off, and especially brake, very, very smoothly.
Well, now directly about the content of Section 20 of the Rules.
First of all, you need to know that there are three types of towing.
The first type of towing is towing on a flexible hitch.
It's not the best safe way towing, but the most common.
The rules allow towing on a flexible hitch, but contain certain requirements and some restrictions.
The length of the tow rope must benot less than 4 meters, but not more than 6 meters.
(These numbers must be remembered - and it will come in handy in life, and they will ask at the exam at the traffic police).
In this case, the cable must be equipped with at least two warning devices in the form of square flags with red and white stripes applied diagonally with a retroreflective surface.
Secondly, you need to know that this method of towing is not always applicable:
And, of course, it is forbidden to tow a vehicle in this way if its brakes or steering are faulty.
But there is one significant advantage in this method of towing: passengers are allowed to be not only in the cabin of the towing, but also in the cabin of the towed car.
The second type of towing is towing on a rigid hitch.
In this case, as you understand, the distance between the cars does not change, and they move as a whole.
And, therefore, such towing can be done in icy conditions, and you can even tow a vehicle with faulty brakes.
Another thing is that in the latter case, the towing person will have to hold both his own mass and the mass of the towed person with his brakes. And here, guided by security considerations, the Rules introduced a restriction:
In the presence of a rigid hitch, it is allowed to tow a car with an inoperative brake system, but the mass of the towed should not be more than half the mass towing.
That is, if the brakes failed on the road, but there is a rigid hitch with him, the driver cannot turn to everyone for help. In accordance with the Rules, in this case, only such a vehicle may be used as a tractor, the mass of which is at least twice the mass of the towed vehicle.
The rules have established another restriction that drivers need to know and comply with:
Distance between vehicles when towing on a rigid hitch must not exceed 4 meters .
Well, everything else is the same as when towing on a flexible hitch. That is, as before, it is prohibited to tow vehicles with faulty steering and it is allowed to have passengers in the passenger compartment of a towed car.
The third type is towing by the method of partial loading.
One of the varieties of such towing is the method in which the tractor vehicle is equipped with special device, allowing you to hang either the front or rear axle towed vehicle.
With this method, it is allowed to tow a car with any malfunction, including with a faulty brake system, and with faulty steering. But!
Finding people (including the driver) inside the towed vehicle is prohibited! Well, and of course, the mass of the towing must be at least twice the mass of the towed.
Finally, if the car is completely loaded onto the platform of the tractor, then this is no longer called towing.
It is calledtransportation car.
In conclusion, a few words about towing motorcycles.
If the motorcycle is three-wheeled, it can be used both as a towing motorcycle and as a towed motorcycle. But towing two-wheeled motorcycles prohibited! For the simple reason that they are unstable at low speeds.
