146Drawbar couplings

146 Drawbar couplings

146 Drawbar couplings

(cf ALVSR 2015 r 146; 2007 reg Sch 2 cl 166)

(1) A coupling for attaching a trailer, except a semi-trailer or pole-type trailer, to a towing vehicle must be built and fitted so that—

(a) the coupling is equipped with a positive locking mechanism, and

(b) the positive locking mechanism can be released regardless of the angle of the trailer to the towing vehicle.

(2) A coupling fitted to a trailer first registered on or after 1 August 1963 must have clearly and permanently stamped, moulded or otherwise branded on its main component—

(a) means of identifying its manufacturer, and

(b) the maximum gross weight of the trailer it is designed to tow.

(3) If the trailer is in a combination and is not fitted with break-away brakes in accordance with rule 127(2), it must be connected to the towing vehicle by at least 1 chain, cable or other flexible device, as well as the coupling required by subrule (1).

(4) Any such safety connection must be as short as practicable and be so connected and affixed that—

(a) it is not liable to accidental disconnection but is readily detachable from the towing vehicle, and

(b) it permits all normal angular movements of the coupling without more slack than is necessary, and

(c) it will prevent the forward end of the drawbar from striking the ground in the event of accidental disconnection of the coupling, and

(d) if it consists of more than 1 chain or wire rope, the chains or wire ropes are in a crossed-over position, and

(e) the trailer is kept in tow if the coupling breaks or accidentally detaches.

(5) For the purposes of subrule (4), a safety connection between a trailer and a towing vehicle includes anything which connects the trailer and the towing vehicle.

Examples of what is included in a safety connection—

• chains

• cables

• a thing fixed to a trailer or a towing vehicle to which a chain is attached