Towing hitch. Car towing - rules and types of towing

16.06.2019

rigid hitch counts universal way transportation of every kind of car at a distance. This method is convenient and economical to use. This type of hitch is suitable for almost any vehicle. Every machine must have this hitch. After all, things can happen on the road.

There are two types of rigid hitch:

Rigid hitch made from a tow bar, which develops, and the links are made of hinged joints.
The hitch is made of a towing triangle that folds. It is made of two rods, articulated links are also used in the connection.

Such a tool does not need to be pre-prepared for use. It is possible to apply to the car horizontally and vertically located eyes. By production the pipe meeting industrial characteristics is applied.

When used in towing a bar, the driver must be present and drive the vehicle being transported. When using the towing triangle, a motorist may not sit in the second car.

What is the length of a car?

The rigid hitch guarantees safety and maintains comfort when transporting over long distances. Rigid hitch can be used for cars and trucks.

The length of the rigid transport method is limited to 4 meters.

The minimum size, on the contrary, is not established, but it is recognized for safety to assume that cannot be less than half of the width of the dimensions of the towing vehicle.

Such restrictions are necessary to ensure that the vehicles on the carrier can easily maneuver without touching each other.

Rules for operating on a rigid hitch

General rules for towing:

For transportation, the tractor must have special additional technical means and equipment. A lot of driving experience is also required.
The tractor must turn on the lights, but on a car towed by an alarm. If it is not in working order, then you will need to attach an emergency stop to the glass in the back.
It is not allowed to transport people in a tractor dragged, due to a decrease in operational reliability.
A motorcycle cannot be a tractor.
Speed when transporting the machine with mechanical box gears can't be higher 50 km/h, and automatic transmission 30 km/h.
For a car with an automatic transmission there are a number of other restrictions.
If the car itself moves along the road, then the length of the transportation route should not exceed 80 km.
The shift lever must be in the neutral position. This is necessary for design specifics so that the oil in the transmission does not overheat.

Rules for transportation on a rigid hitch

Shipping length cannot be more than 4 meters.
The driver of the vehicle in tow must sit behind the wheel, to control the line of motion. If the movement occurs in a triangular hitch, then the driver is optional, but desirable.
On a rigid hitch, you can not drive the car away, who has an off-duty status steering.
In icy conditions and slippery road allowed transportation on a rigid hitch.
You can not drag more than 1 vehicle.
The rigid mount itself must be, in warning signs. You can use shields or flags, which are applied with alternating red and white reflective stripes.
If the brake system is damaged, the weight of the transported vehicle must be half that of the tractor.

Advantages of a rigid hitch

Rigid fastening is made in the form of a rod or a triangle. They have a compact appearance and are easily located in the trunk of a car.

The structure has the dimensions of an ordinary jack. Easily changes and becomes hard, turning into a way to tow.

If we consider a rigid mount with a flexible connection, then the first has a large number of advantages:

When using a rigid mount, distance between vehicles will always remain the same.
With this type of transportation, only one tractor driver is required. with low qualification requirements.
This type of transportation is the safest.
This type of towing can be used permanently. In bad weather and road conditions, in a large stream of cars and a variety of malfunctions.
Affordable cost.

When should you not tow with a rigid hitch?

To be the tractor of a car with more weight, better on soft hitch. Most the best option this is to refuse this type of towing, but in a situation where there is no other solution, use a direct cable with a soft hitch.

In this case, the braking system of the towed vehicle will work independently.

If transportation will take place by means of rigid fastening, then shocks from behind will follow periodically, which can lead to disastrous results.

There are some more reasons for refusing to drive off on a solid hitch:

The tractor driver has rather little experience driving a car.
Vehicle badly damaged, wheels or other important characteristics are damaged.
The vehicle to be driven away is very heavy and has large dimensions . As a result, there is a high probability that it will ruin the braking system of the tractor.
If the tug has an automatic transmission, and does not have the ability to adjust the clutch.
Unable to install hitch securely, there remains the possibility of losing it along the route.

The driver himself needs to decide on the use of one of the methods of transporting the vehicle. If transportation is capable of causing difficulties or technical damage to the car, you should refuse to try to solve the situation by other methods. by the most the best way in this situation, it will call a tow truck and send the damaged or uncorrected vehicle in the direction that is needed.

Preparing to tow a vehicle

Consider the algorithm of actions in preparation for towing.

You need to estimate the weight of the car. The tractor must be heavier than the machine to be pulled.
Rigid mount must match the mount and carrying capacity of the towed vehicle.
The driver of the towing vehicle needs to check how tight the belts are and the presence of coolant. During transportation, if there is not enough fluid, the engine may overheat.
Before transportation, drivers need to agree on signals with which they will communicate the necessary information to each other.
The tractor driver must have a good rear view, which will allow you to control the transmitted signals.

Transporting a car on a rigid hitch

The most difficult moment is the start of towing:

Car enthusiast of a vehicle that tows, must make sure that the vehicle is removed from hand brake, and check if the transmission is enabled.
The driver of the tractor must start moving in low gear.
The vehicle must be driven slowly and pull the tug behind you without jerking.
Before changing gear, you must dial speed as long as possible.
Gear shifting should occur at the highest possible speed. This will minimize the loss in speed.
The tractor engine must be running. at high speeds.
On the towed transport it is necessary to include the alarm system. If it is faulty, then you will need to attach an emergency sign to the trunk.
It is necessary to slowly and smoothly rebuild and slow down. Be sure to make sure that two cars can pass under certain conditions, for example, under a traffic light.
Basically, in cars, the braking system and steering control are associated with the operation of the engine.. They will not work when the engine is turned off. Because of this, braking will require much more pressure on the brake and turning will require more effort.

Features of towing a car with an automatic transmission

Rules for passenger cars cars are also distributed on a car with an automatic transmission (automatic transmission). But at the same time, there are some peculiarities and rules.

Consider almost identical situations:

A car with an automatic transmission enters the tractor and pulls another car.
Vehicle pulling a car with automatic transmission.
The difficulty of towing a car with automatic transmission occurs due to the principle of operation. At idle engine not functioning oil pump, and the design of the automatic transmission works. Heating occurs, but there is no cooling.

A car with automatic transmission is used in a narrow range of loads. These characteristics must be taken into account if you are going to tow a car with an automatic transmission.

Towing a car with an automatic transmission

The manual for the use of the car spells out the method by which the transportation of a broken car is allowed. If the manual states that transportation is possible only on a tow truck, then this method should be used.

If you still decide to tow the vehicle with a hitch, then the algorithm of actions is as follows:

Necessary check transmission fluid in the box.
unlock steering, this can be done by turning the ignition key.
Put the shift lever of the box to the neutral position.
The speed must not exceed 50 km/h, and the distance is not more than 50 km.
Heating needs to be controlled transmission fluid if you need to stop to cool it down.

If you need transportation over a longer distance, you need to call a tow truck.

Tractor vehicle with automatic transmission

Car being pulled, must be smaller than the tractor.
Driving speed should not exceed 40 km/h.
Put a pen in a box to low gear.
Apply only hard fastening.

Transportation of cars from all-wheel drive possible, only with the use of a tow truck.

How to choose a rigid hitch?

Currently available in stores huge assortment various rigid couplings:

When paying, you need to make sure that the hitch is suitable for your vehicle in terms of tonnage.
You need to decide which design is best for you.- complicated or simple. This choice will determine whether you need to call a tow truck or whether passing vehicles can help you.
It is necessary to determine the size, and check whether the system fits in the trunk, before you buy it and how much space it takes up. IN this moment there is a telescopic extension system, it allows you to make a rigid hitch of minimum dimensions.
There is a variety of price. It all depends on the thickness of your wallet.
The clutch can be made independently. It will fit exactly to your size and meet all the characteristics.

Call a tow truck

If the situation does not meet the conditions for transporting a vehicle on a rigid mount, even if this hitch is in your luggage compartment It's better to order a tow truck. It is necessary to write down in the book for records of this kind telephones.

If you don't have a number, call the emergency number.

In order not to have a reason to use the hitch, you need to monitor the car. Pass MOT in due time and check your car before you hit the road.

Sooner or later, every car owner has to try on the role of either towing or being towed. The car may break down on the road or simply run out of fuel, as a result of which the car will need to be driven to the nearest gas station. Towing is by no means such a simple process as it seems at first glance. There are several ways to tow a car - on a flexible hitch, on a rigid hitch, by partial or full loading.

In practice, car owners most often use towing on a flexible hitch with a cable. It is about the features and rules of such towing that we will talk in more detail.

About towing in the Rules traffic

A separate section of the Rules of the Road is devoted to towing. Before you start towing your car or offer your help to the injured car owner, you should refer to the traffic rules and remember that towing with a cable is not always possible. The rules of the road define situations in which towing on a flexible hitch is prohibited:

- in icy conditions or on a slippery road (in such cases, a rigid hitch is used or the towed vehicle is loaded onto a special platform);

- towing two or more Vehicle at once;

– towing by motorcycles without attached side trailer;

- a vehicle whose steering has failed (in this case, only the method of partial or full loading is allowed);

- a vehicle with a faulty brake system, if it actual weight exceeds half the actual weight of the towing vehicle (rigid hitch only or partial loading);

Thus, if your case falls under one of the above circumstances, then it would be best to use the services of a tow truck. The Rules of the Road clearly state that during towing, a driver must be behind the wheel of a towed car.

The following important rules are also defined in the SDA. With flexible coupling, the distance between vehicles should be between 4 and 6 meters. Accordingly, it is this length that the towing cable should be. A cable that is too long will make it difficult to maneuver and turn on the road, while a cable that is too short will increase the risk of a collision between the vehicle being towed and the towing vehicle.

The cable itself must be marked with signal flags or warning boards measuring 200 × 200 mm. Shields or flags must also be marked diagonally with alternating red and white stripes 5 cm wide with a retroreflective surface. The speed of vehicles on a flexible coupling should not exceed 50 km / h, regardless of where the movement is carried out - in locality or on the highway.

So if everything traffic regulations are observed, you can proceed directly to towing the vehicle on a flexible hitch. Here it is necessary to pay attention to the following fundamental points.

Durability and reliability tow rope

It should be remembered that an ordinary rope or rope cannot be used to tow a vehicle. You will need a special tow rope, which is sold in stores. It can be made from various materials. Most best option- a nylon cable with carabiners, which is characterized by good strength and, due to its high elasticity, is able to absorb jerks when moving.

A metal cable is by no means as reliable as it seems, besides, it is also very dangerous. If such a cable breaks during towing, it can damage the towed vehicle and even injure the driver sitting behind the wheel. As mentioned above, the length of the towing cable with a flexible hitch must correspond to a certain length - from 4 to 6 meters.

When removing the towing cable from the trunk, it is worth carefully inspecting it for any cracks or mechanical damage. If there is such damage, then it is better to refuse towing on this cable for safety reasons. It is impossible to tow a vehicle on a cable that has already been torn in several places and connected. Often the most vulnerable spot- this is a connection of a cable and a metal hook. Before towing, be sure to check the reliability of this connection.

Reliability of towing brackets

A cable with a forged steel hook is hooked to special towing rings available on each car. Therefore, before towing, it is worth paying attention to the condition of such towing brackets on both vehicles. It is better to refuse towing if the towing bracket, which is heavily loaded, is unreliable or simply dangles. After all, if the bracket front car suddenly breaks off while driving, the metal hook can hit the front of the towed vehicle with force, and even worse, hit the windshield. Increased danger is retained even if the bracket is faulty on the towed vehicle.

Flex hitch mount

What is the best way to attach a tow rope? It is recommended to fasten the cable at a slight diagonal angle. That is right back angle towing vehicle - respectively, the left rake angle towed vehicle. Or the left rear corner of the towing vehicle is the right front corner of the towed vehicle. This fastening of the towing cable will help alleviate the force of shocks and jerks that invariably occur during the movement of two vehicles.

Warning signs

Before starting towing, drivers should agree with each other about warning signs on the road. With the help of such signals, they will transmit the necessary information to each other. In particular, if the driver of a towed vehicle gives a signal by blinking his headlights, this means a request to stop. You can also agree on sound signals or signs given by hand through open window car. At the same time, the driver of the towing vehicle must constantly monitor the situation and timely notice the signals given through the rear-view mirrors.

Starting off

An important point when towing on a flexible hitch is starting off. It is necessary to get under way from a place smoothly and slowly, without jerks. The driver of the towing vehicle must control the smooth tension of the cable. If the towing vehicle starts too hard, it could result in a broken tow cable or bracket on one of the vehicles. In some cases, such a sharp maneuver can also affect the state of the towing vehicle, because the engine of the towing vehicle will instantly receive a huge load, which can simply disable individual vehicle units.

Alarm

Do not forget that according to the Rules of the Road, the emergency light signaling. In the event of a malfunction of the alarm signal, a sign must be attached to the rear of the car emergency stop. On the towing vehicle, the dipped headlights must be on.

Features of the movement of the car during towing

When towing, one should not forget about some features of the movement. The fact is that if the engine of the towed car is turned off, then this directly affects its operation. brake system and steering, since power steering and brakes do not work. While driving, the driver will have to face some difficulties when braking.

To stop or slow down, you will need to press the brake pedal harder than usual. slightly increase and braking distances towed vehicle, for which you need to be prepared. In addition, the driver of the towed vehicle will have to exert more effort when working with the steering wheel. When towing, the driver must always turn on the ignition so that the steering wheel does not lock in a turn.

The main task when towing is to prevent sagging of the cable during movement. With a strong sag, there is a risk of the cable falling under the wheels of the towed vehicle and even winding around it. Here, a special role belongs to the driver of the towed vehicle, who must constantly monitor the sagging of the cable while driving, especially when cornering and stopping. It is desirable that even when braking the towed vehicle, the cable remains taut.

The driver of the towing vehicle must avoid hard braking and sudden, unexpected turns, since the driver of the towed vehicle will have very little time to react in time to one or another maneuver. Increased attention of both drivers require cases of overtaking on the highway. The driver of the towing vehicle, at the beginning of overtaking, must remember about his “tail” and calculate overtaking taking into account overall length towing "road train".

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Every driver, unfortunately, at least once in his life faced with a situation where it becomes impossible to drive a car. This may be a breakdown on the road or stuck in viscous soil. It is in such a situation that one has to ask for help from colleagues in traffic and resort to towing a car. And how to properly tow in order to avoid negative consequences, we will tell in this article.

Before moving on to questions about towing a vehicle, you need to understand two simple concepts:

towing vehicle A car that pulls another vehicle with the power of its engine. In other words, it is the vehicle in front.
towed vehicle- This is a car that is pulled due to a malfunction of the latter.

Types of towing

On a flexible hitch, when the towing and towed vehicles are connected by a cable.
On a rigid hitch, when the connection is carried out by a special rigidly fixed device.

How to tow a car on a flexible cable: traffic rules

The basic requirements for towing a disabled vehicle are listed in section 20 of the rules of the road:

Towing is prohibited if:

The presence of ice on the roadway.
The towed vehicle has a trailer.
The brake system of the towed car is faulty.
Bad visibility.
The length of coupled vehicles exceeds 22 meters, and for route transport 30 meters.
The motorcycle does not have a trailer.

Adviсe experienced drivers for towing on a flexible hitch:

try to drive the towing vehicle smoothly, without additional jerks;
try to keep the cable taut;
do not make the length of the cable too short, because this will limit the view to the driver of the towed vehicle.
For a towing machine, the cable should be hooked on the left side, and for a towed machine, on the right.

If you purchased a tow rope relatively recently, then most likely it is already equipped with metal hooks, thanks to which the trailering procedure is greatly simplified. But what if there are no hooks? Then you should learn how to weave one of the strong knots.

The following knots are quite suitable for tying a sling:

The advantage of these knots is that they are easy to knit and do not tighten, thereby not spoiling the cable. They will never untie on their own, but nevertheless they are easy to untie when needed.

Maximum speed when towing

During towing, special care and attention must be observed. The speed is regulated by the rules and is up to 50 kilometers per hour for any towed vehicle. And this restriction valid on absolutely any roads.

Motorway towing

Many drivers believe that towing on the motorway is prohibited, as they are the most high speed movement. In fact, there are no requirements for movement. As for the speed limit, on the motorway minimum speed movement is 40 kilometers per hour, therefore, if your towing vehicle has a speed of 40 to 50 kilometers per hour, then there will be no ban.

Towing vehicles with automatic transmission and manual transmission

As for cars with a manual transmission, there is no talk of any restrictions on towing. Just the rules of the road. What can not be said about cars with a gun. Manufacturers claim that no manipulations related to towing can be performed on the machine. It's best to call a tow truck right away. But what if it is not at hand? In such cases, towing is allowed, but with restrictions on speed and distance.

Rules for towing a car with automatic transmission:

engine off, speed 30-40 kilometers per hour;
the automatic transmission handle is located in the neutral gear position;
distance up to 50 kilometers, if this is not enough to reach the designated point, you should take a break.

Rules for towing with a car with automatic transmission:

the use of a rigid hitch;
speed up to 40 kilometers per hour, in 2nd or 3rd gear;
rest every 50 kilometers.

It is highly undesirable to use a car with automatic transmission as a towing vehicle and is possible only in rare cases.

Types of tow ropes: which one is better?

Ropes can be:

steel;
nylon.

The advantage of steel in high reliability to break, and the downside is poor smoothing of jerks.

The advantage of kapron is in good smoothing of jerks by stretching the cable. But you should choose a cable based on the mass of the car, as they are easily torn.

Drivers' advice: it is better to use a construction sling as a cable, to which you yourself tie two hooks. The cost of such a cable will be less than the store, and it will last much longer.

Rigid hitch is carried out using a metal pencil or a triangle, the latter allowing a tug without a second driver.

As for the rules, they remain the same as for the flexible hitch. Only the distance between cars has been reduced to 4 meters.

Such a hitch has more high performance reliability and safety, because the machines are rigidly interconnected, which means that their convergence and jerks are not allowed.

Thus, we have fully understood the basic issues of towing cars. The main and easiest way to tow cars is a flexible hitch, because it only needs a cable that does not take up much space in the trunk, and every motorist should have it in stock along with a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher.

Do not neglect the rules of towing cars, because it is fraught with negative consequences: behind non-compliance with traffic rules it is possible to impose a fine by traffic police inspectors in the amount of 500 rubles.

Useful video from detailed analysis nuances of towing a car on a flexible hitch:

Vehicle operation is not always as cloudless and simple as many would like. From time to time, the car may “act up”, refusing to start, or more serious difficulties arise on the road, leading to the fact that it can no longer move on its own. In addition, a forgetful driver may simply run out of fuel. In all such situations, towing cars can help out - if there is a driver nearby who is ready to take on such responsibility.

Despite the apparent simplicity of this procedure, car owners who have never towed another vehicle at the end of the course quickly forget that such a manipulation requires strict adherence to traffic rules. If the vehicle is being towed inexperienced driver without observing elementary rules, this can end very badly - from damaging your car to creating an emergency situation on the road.

The learning process also contributes to this “ignorance” of banal rules - few instructors pay due attention to this issue. Lack of practice negatively affects the driver's behavior in real life. road conditions. The concept of towing a car means not only towing a car, but also a trailer. In general, in traffic rules issue a whole section is devoted to towing, which proves that this issue is far from being so simple.

When towing is prohibited

In order not to fall under the penalties of the traffic police inspector, as well as to avoid the creation dangerous situations, you should know the moments when towing a car is prohibited by traffic rules. These include the following:

ice It is not particularly necessary to go into explanations why the rules for towing a car prohibit doing this in ice, when it is quite difficult to drive one vehicle. If we take into account that broken car the power steering does not work, as well as the “vacuum brake” of the brakes, which significantly increases the reaction time of the driver of the towed vehicle to various situations. In such conditions, both cars may be broken;
the rules for towing a car (SDA) clearly do not allow towing a car that has a malfunctioning steering or braking system. It is not necessary to explain the meaning of the steering system to drivers, since it is obvious to everyone, as well as why it is forbidden to tow a car with faulty brakes.

Attention! The speed of the car should not exceed 50 km / h, regardless of whether the cars are moving in the settlement or outside it.

In addition, traffic police officers will definitely issue a penalty receipt if the driver tries to tow several other vehicles at once that are unable to move independently at the same time. The rules do not allow the use of a flexible hitch for towing motorcycles without a cradle, which is associated with the weak stability of a two-wheeled vehicle. How to properly organize the towing of a car can be viewed on the video:

Truck towing

Towing trucks is one of the most difficult types, the implementation of which can only be entrusted to a professional. The driver performing this procedure must not only strictly follow all the rules, but also have sufficient experience. If the truck malfunction cannot be repaired locally, towing will be required. Traffic rules clearly state that towing truck allowed only on a rigid hitch and nothing else.

Behind the wheel of a towed vehicle must be a driver with the appropriate category, giving the right to drive it. The rules for towing a truck on a rigid hitch say that the distance between two vehicles should not exceed 4 meters. The bar must have reflectors, and the towed vehicle must turn on the alarm.

If a triangular structure is used instead of a rod, which connects both cars as rigidly as possible, the presence of a driver in the transported car is no longer necessary. In addition, such a hitch allows you to transport cars with faulty brakes - if their mass is two times less than the mass of the "tractor". So, when towing a car weighing 1 ton on a rigid hitch, the mass of the “leading” car must be at least 2 tons. It is worth remembering that the transportation of people in a towed car / truck is prohibited, regardless of the type of hitch used.

Main types of towing

There are three main ways to tow a car.

Choosing a tow rope

It should immediately be noted that it is not allowed to use improvised means as a cable - ropes or ropes. This is due to the fact that specially made cables in without fail are tested for rupture, and are designed for a strictly defined load. Household ropes and ropes, as a rule, heavy loads do not endure, and any jerk can lead to a break and loss of control of the towed vehicle.

Choosing a cable in a car shop, most attention should be given to nylon samples, as they are distinguished by their strength, elasticity and long term services. In addition, they are not afraid of water and dirt, are not subject to decay. Thanks to its light weight and compact size, such a cable will not take up much space in the trunk. Of great importance is the material of the hook / carabiner, which is used to fix the car.

Forged steel products are considered the most optimal. They can be distinguished by their considerable weight - fragile cast alloy carabiners weigh no more than 150 grams. The hook or carabiner must not show any traces of processing or burrs. It should be understood that if poor-quality fasteners burst during towing, any cable is able to “shoot” very strongly at windshield rear, or rear window front vehicle, which could cause injury to people inside.

Some features of towing a car with an automatic transmission

Not all owners know how to properly tow a car with automatic transmission. It should be understood that it is more preferable to transport the machine in a semi-submerged state, and if it is necessary to overcome long distances, in a fully submerged state. If the distance that needs to be overcome is no more than 50 km, towing a car with automatic transmission must be carried out at low speed, with the engine running and the gear selector in the “N” position.

Many drivers who own a car with a gun are extremely negative about requests to use their car as a tug. And such behavior is fully justified, since cars with automatic transmission “do not like” to carry unplanned cargo. If towing cannot be avoided, certain conditions must be met:

before towing a car, you should make sure that its mass does not exceed the mass of the "tractor";
the speed of movement should not exceed 30-40 km / h;
movement is carried out only in the position of the box "2" or "L", use downshifts forbidden.

In addition, if possible, a rigid hitch should be preferred, as the on-board electronics will perceive this as a trailer.

Towing rules, methods and features of towing - sooner or later all vehicle drivers face such concepts.

One of those situations when one of the drivers of road users needs the help of another.

It is possible that you bought a trailer for household needs or even a cottage trailer for active rest in nature - and in this case, the material of the article will be useful to you.

In all these cases, the motorist needs to know the main types and methods of towing, the requirements of traffic rules, as well as the existing restrictions.

Ways to tow a car

There are some of the most common towing methods:

On a flexible hitch. The most common method that does not require special training both driver and vehicle. For towing, a cable made of metal or a special elastic material (nylon, etc.) is used. For towing, the cable must be equipped with a device for fixing on vehicles (hook, bracket, ring) and be of the required length.

On a hard hitch. It is produced in the presence of a special rigidly fixed coupling device. Its designs can be different - from the simplest metal beam or pipe with lugs to complex devices that allow the towed vehicle to move along the trajectory of the tugboat. A rigid hitch is more reliable and safe, but it is mainly used for large-capacity and trucks.

Partial loading method. This type Car towing is loading half of the towed car (usually the front part of it) into the body of your vehicle. This is perhaps the most rare way of towing, and in the life of an ordinary motorist who has a car, almost never occurs.

Features of different types of car towing

1. Flexible hitch. Due to the fact that this is the simplest way of towing, a large number of restrictions are imposed on it:

The towed vehicle must be driven by an experienced driver.
The distance between cars must be at least 4 and not more than 6 meters.
The cable must be equipped with at least two reflective signaling devices with a diagonal pattern of alternating red and white stripes, 20 x 20 cm in size.
Transportation of people is prohibited in the towed vehicle.
It is forbidden to tow vehicles with faulty steering,
It is forbidden to tow in ice.

2. Rigid hitch. More easy way towing with less restrictions, however, requiring more skill from the tug driver. However, rigid towing also has some limitations:

A driver must be behind the wheel of a towed vehicle.
The design of the rigid hitch must ensure the repetition of the trajectory of the tug.
The distance between cars is up to 4 meters.
Transportation of people in a towed vehicle is prohibited.
It is forbidden to tow a vehicle with faulty steering.
It is forbidden to tow a car with a faulty brake system, except when the weight of the tow exceeds the weight of the towed vehicle by two or more times.

3. Partial loading method:

It is forbidden to transport people in a towed vehicle, as well as in the body (on a platform) of a tug.

Using this method a vehicle with faulty braking and steering systems can be towed. The weight limit is similar to towing on a rigid hitch.

General requirements for towing a car

The towed vehicle must be equipped with alarm or warning triangle. The latter can be used in case of a malfunction of the light signaling. The sign is fixed in the rear visible part of the car.

When towing in dark time day and in special conditions (for example, in a tunnel), the marker lights must be switched on on the towed vehicle.

In tow must be included running lights, low beam headlights or fog lights.

The maximum speed when towing is 50 km / h, regardless of whether there is movement in the settlement or outside it.

Towing on motorways is permitted provided that towing is possible and safe at speeds above 40 km/h.

The towed vehicle must be empty (not be laden with luggage, any cargo).

Car towing is prohibited

In the zone of action of the sign "Movement with a trailer is prohibited."

It is forbidden to tow motorcycles without a side trailer, mopeds, scooters, bicycles. Towing by motorcycles is prohibited.

It is forbidden to tow multiple vehicles. However, towing multiple trailers is not prohibited.

Towing a vehicle with a trailer.

All-wheel drive vehicles, with non-switchable drive. There is a high chance of damage to the undercarriage. Therefore, it is better to call a tow truck or use the partial loading method.

If the tug or towed vehicle has no or faulty technical devices for towing (hooks, earrings, etc.). It is forbidden to fasten the cable to body or suspension parts in places not intended for this.

Interactions of drivers when towing on a flexible hitch

With this type of towing, special care must be taken. The tug has a significantly lower ability to maneuver and gain/decelerate speed. A towed car always has a risk of “catching up” with a tugboat and making an accident.

The guilty party in an accident during towing is determined in the process of analysis. However, if the towed car collides with the tug, the driver of the towed car is found guilty (clause 10.1 of the SDA).

Therefore, the interaction algorithm should be clearly specified in advance. It is quite simple. When the hitch is moving, braking is carried out by the driver of the towed vehicle. The tug, if it is necessary to brake or stop, briefly presses the brake pedal (or presses constantly until the "stop lights" light up, without starting the braking itself).

The driver of the towed vehicle, having seen the "stop lights" of the tug, starts braking. Feeling the slowdown smooth braking the tugboat also starts. In this case, the driver of the towed vehicle must ensure the full tension of the cable.

The latter is especially important, since the tug driver may not see the cable and its tension. If the cable sags, significant jerks are possible, which is unsafe for both traffic and cars.

If it is necessary to change the lane, the tug turns on the turn signal, and the driver of the towed car starts the maneuver. Otherwise, he may not have enough space on the lane change. The tug driver starts the maneuver, making sure that his "trailer" succeeds.

If the engine malfunctions or cannot be started, the driver must remember that the power steering and brake system will not work for him. Accordingly, he must be ready to apply significant physical effort to the steering wheel and "wooden" brakes.

If the vehicle being towed is of considerable mass (for example, a heavy SUV), this can be a serious problem for novice drivers who do not have significant physical strength (for example, female drivers).

When towing on a flexible hitch, the choice of cable is very important.

The most common are nylon cables. They are very strong, elastic and easily folded into a compact bay. Carefully inspect the coupling devices on the cable. They must be steel and forged. quality hitch(ring, earring, carabiner, hook) has a significant weight. Definitely not worth buying cables with towing devices that have traces of castings, low weight, raw edges. The packaging or the cable itself must indicate the maximum permissible load. This value depends on the type and weight of your vehicle.

Towing a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission

- - no more than 50 km / h, or at a speed specified in the operating manual.

Towing distance - no more than 50 kilometers, or the distance indicated in the instruction manual.

Towing is preferably carried out with running engine, in the "N" position of the automatic transmission selector.

The towed vehicle must not exceed the mass of the tug.

Towing speed - no more than 40 km / h, acceleration and deceleration as smoothly as possible.

Automatic transmission selector in "L", "1", "2" modes. You can not select the usual modes - "D", etc.!

If possible, carry out towing on a rigid hitch.