Towing mirrors

Cloudy47 replied on 17/10/2018 14:16

Cloudy47

Posted on 17/10/2018 14:16

This year I have been amazed at the number of caravans being towed without any mirrors.

My wife and I have counted over 80 on our travels around the UK. During a five week a tour of Northern Spain and France we only saw two! These were two British units arriving at a site in St Jean de Luz. When I pointed out the illegality, they laughed and said they didn't need them, then joked the next morning saying they had order a pair with their bread! I wonder if owners realise a fine of up to £1000 can be imposed and in the event of an accident insurance could be void?

I have checked with the french police and the same rules apply,on spot fines and impounding of vehicle are possible, the same applies in Germany.

Perhaps the club car/caravan insurance should warn in large print that to tow with no mirrors is illegal.

18 replies

Tinwheeler replied on 17/10/2018 14:32

Tinwheeler

Campervanner from Cornwall

Posted on 17/10/2018 14:32

It is not illegal to tow without extension mirrors in the UK. It is illegal not to have external mirrors, as fitted to all vehicles, and it is illegal to tow without having the required field of vision to the rear.

In the vast majority of cases, it is necessary to fit extension mirrors to achieve the required rearward field of vision but not having them is not an offence in itself. Not being able to see the stipulated area is the offence.

richardandros replied on 17/10/2018 14:45

Member

richardandros

Caravanner from East Yorkshire

Posted on 17/10/2018 14:45

TW is correct but I must say, I agree with the sentiments expressed by the OP. We were at the NYM site near Whitby a couple of weeks ago and I can't remember seeing anyone near us arriving or leaving with towing mirrors fitted. OK, you might just get away with it with a large 4x4 (but I doubt it - and I don't), but I'm talking about normal saloon cars where the driver couldn't possibly have had a clear view behind him.

Tinwheeler replied on 17/10/2018 14:56

Tinwheeler

Campervanner from Cornwall

Posted on 17/10/2018 14:56

You’re right, R&R, as you see some outfits and know instantly that the drivers can’t possibly have the visibility they need.

JillwithaJay replied on 17/10/2018 15:05

Moderator

JillwithaJay

Caravanner from Lancashire

Posted on 17/10/2018 15:05

Just a refresher.

Gallery

Tinwheeler replied on 17/10/2018 15:06

Tinwheeler

Campervanner from Cornwall

Posted on 17/10/2018 15:06

Thanks Jill. I was hoping you’d do that👍🏻

2 people like this

Metheven replied on 17/10/2018 15:22

Member

Metheven

Caravanner

Posted on 17/10/2018 15:22

Perhaps the OP should mind his own business and find something more interesting to do whilst holidaying.

BTW I use towing mirrors but can't abide self appointed 'police', especially anyone who questions in person the legality of my outfit.

3 people like this

Tinwheeler replied on 17/10/2018 16:02

Tinwheeler

Campervanner from Cornwall

Posted on 17/10/2018 15:22 by Metheven

Perhaps the OP should mind his own business and find something more interesting to do whilst holidaying.

BTW I use towing mirrors but can't abide self appointed 'police', especially anyone who questions in person the legality of my outfit.

Posted on 17/10/2018 16:02

I’m not surprised the people who were approached laughed and took the mick, tbh.