How to transport cars on a trailer: a guide for beginners

When is it best to use a tow truck?

Transporting a car on a tow truck makes sense in many situations. Here are the most common ones.

Vehicle breakdowns or accidents

The most obvious case where a tow truck comes in handy is when your vehicle suddenly breaks down on the road or is involved in a collision. If your car is no longer drivable, it will need to be transported to a repair shop or parking lot on a tow truck.

Cars without inspections or third party liability insurance

It is forbidden to drive a car without a valid technical inspection or third party liability insurance. In such a situation, transporting cars on a tow truck is the only legal option for moving the vehicle, e.g. to a vehicle inspection station.

Purchasing a car from abroad

Are you importing a car from Germany, the Netherlands or another EU country? Many people use car transport services to transport a vehicle without a registration or insurance.

Race cars, vintage cars and unusual cars

Vehicles not suitable for driving on public roads – such as race cars, unregistered classics or prototype cars – must be transported in appropriate conditions.

Legal requirements and formalities

Before you decide to transport your vehicle by tow truck, you need to make sure that you meet certain legal requirements. These apply to the driver, the vehicle performing the transport as well as the vehicle being transported.

What kind of driving license is required?

The driving licence category you need depends on the type of vehicle you drive:

• Category B driving license – allows you to drive a vehicle with a GVM (permissible gross vehicle weight) of up to 3.5 tons. You can tow a light trailer (up to 750 kg), provided that the total GVM of the car and the trailer does not exceed 3.5 tons.
• Category B + E – required if you are towing a trailer heavier than 750 kg and the total weight of the set exceeds 3.5 tons, but not more than 7 tons.
• Category C + E – applies to tow trucks and sets exceeding 7 tons GVM. Professional transport companies usually operate in this category.

Always check the GVM of your vehicle and trailer in your registration certificate and compare it with your licenses.

Speed ​​limits – transporting a car on a tow truck

When transporting a car on a tow truck, different speed limits apply than for a regular passenger car:

• Motorway – 80 km/h
• Expressway – 80 km/h
• National or provincial road outside built-up areas – 70 km/h
• Built-up area – 50 km/h (standard limit)

Exceeding these limits not only increases the risk of an accident, but can also lead to penalty points and heavy fines.

Documents required for car transport

During a road check, you must have with you:

• Registration certificate of the towing vehicle,
• Registration certificate of the transported car (if the vehicle is registered),
• Third party liability insurance for the tow truck,
• Driver permits appropriate for the set,
• Agreement or document confirming the right to the transported vehicle –  especially important when transporting a car that is not yours,
• Cargo insurance or carrier’s third party liability insurance (recommended but not mandatory for private transport).

Preparing the car for transport

Before loading your vehicle onto a tow truck, there are a few key steps you should take:

1. Check the technical condition

• Make sure the tires are inflated and turning.
• Disconnect the battery, especially if the car has had a short circuit or has been in a collision.
• Stop any leaks – they may constitute grounds for denying transport.

2. Remove loose items

• Empty the interior and trunk of items that can move around.
• Secure loose upholstery and furnishings.

3. Document the vehicle’s condition

• Take photos of the exterior and interior.
• Note any visible damage and the odometer reading.
• For commercial transport – prepare a handover protocol.

4. Check the attachment points

• Locate the factory attachment points for the cargo belts.
• Do not attach the belts to plastic elements as this may cause them to break.

How to load a car onto a tow truck

Loading a car onto a tow truck requires precision and caution. Here are the most important steps:

1. Ensure the tow truck is on a stable, level surface.

• Apply the handbrake on the tow truck.
• Turn on your hazard lights and set up a warning triangle if you are on the road.

2. Use tow truck ramps

• The ramps must be securely attached to the platform.
• Check that their angle is not too steep – a ramp that is too steep can damage the bumper or chassis.

3. Load the vehicle on the tow truck

• If the car is moving – enter slowly, preferably with the assistance of another person.
• If not – use a manual or electric winch. Do not push the vehicle yourself.

4. Position the car in the centre of the tow truck’s bed

• The car should be centred on the tow truck’s axis.
• The weight distribution must be even – too much shifting to the front or rear will affect driving stability.

5. Apply the handbrake

• Once the vehicle is positioned, secure it with the handbrake and prepare it to be secured with straps.

Securing the car on a tow truck

Properly securing a vehicle on a tow truck is essential for safe transport. Regardless of the distance, a poorly secured car can move, damage or pose a threat to other road users.

To secure the vehicle, you use tow truck straps, most often those with three-parts – a tensioner, tape and hook. Before using them, it is worth checking whether they have a valid homologation and are not frayed or damaged.

How to secure the straps on a tow truck

The vehicle wheels should be immobilized at four points – preferably with two pairs of straps at the front and rear. The straps are placed on the wheels or through the suspension mounting points, depending on the vehicle design. After fastening, they should be tightened firmly with a tensioner – the straps cannot have any slack.

Additionally, it is worth using wheel chocks, especially for long transports or for cars with automatic transmissions. Chocks prevent the vehicle from moving during braking.

Vehicle transport on a tow truck in a nutshell

Transporting cars on a tow truck may seem complicated, but you just need to follow a few rules to make the whole process smooth and safe. Choosing the right type of tow truck and making sure you meet legal requirements is crucial.

Equally important is the proper preparation of the vehicle for transport: removing unnecessary items, documenting the condition of the car, and properly positioning and securing the car on the tow truck.