Rules for using a towbar on a passenger car. Do I need to register a towbar
A fine for a towbar can be imposed on those motorists who decide to modify a car at their own discretion in the absence of appropriate sanctions.
In Russia, the installation of a towbar is a common phenomenon. Many car owners additionally equip their vehicles for a trailer in order to tow light trailers, trailers, and transport bicycles. The installation of additional equipment is ambiguously interpreted from the point of view of the law, forcing drivers and traffic police inspectors to separately understand whether such an installation is permissible on a particular car. What penalty can be imposed for a towbar, as well as in which cases it can be avoided, depend on several parameters - first of all, on whether there is an additional one. equipment agreed.
Definition of the towbar
Subsidiary automotive equipment, called a towbar, is a favorite among Russian motorists for facilitating the transportation of cargo. With the help of this device, the trailer is firmly fixed to the vehicle with an even distribution of the load from the weight of the load and inertia. The tool improves the original characteristics of the vehicle, ensuring safe and reliable cargo transportation.
Important! Drivers who consider a towbar as a road collision protection are wrong. In many countries, the operation of a vehicle with this device without a trailer has long been prohibited. The prohibition is associated with the presence of a greater risk of damage from a direct impact into the hitch.
Varieties of devices
All towbars are divided according to the method of attachment, which determines the ability to drive with a towbar without the risk of being fined:
- removable options with locks;
- conditionally removable bolted models;
- welded;
- end.
For detachable models, it is characteristic to fix equipment in strictly designated areas located on the back side. Fastening is done using bolts in pairs (1 or 2 pairs).
Other options for car modifications
In addition to the installation of the towbar, other modifications of the car and the installation of additional. equipment can affect the safe operation of the vehicle with a positive or detrimental effect.
- Installation of non-standard metal bumpers when basic configuration includes this plastic element, can negatively affect the nature of the accident.
- Fixing the DVR with obstructing the driver's view through windshield can lead to a situation when the airbags triggered in an accident touch the wires of the DVR, tearing it off the place of attachment.
- Rear parking sensors, when installed on a car, can reduce the risk of a collision while driving backward, increasing the safety of car operation.
Legislative framework
The mounted towbar on the car is the basis for bringing to administrative responsibility, since it can be attributed to unauthorized devices that have caused a change in the design of the vehicle.
The basis of this violation is the fact of a change in design, which, according to the Technical Regulations of the CU, can be expressed in installation or dismantling:
- additional items of equipment;
- component parts;
- auxiliary nodes.
The purpose of this technical regulation is to determine the safety requirements for wheeled transport.
Restrictions on modifications to the vehicle's design only cover those cases when additional elements were introduced after the release of the vehicle, if this element negatively affects the overall safety during the operation of the vehicle.
Explanations regarding the installation of this device are given in the Federal Law No. 196-FZ. According to article 2, security road traffic represents the state of the process, which can characterize the degree of protection of road users from road accidents and their consequences.
Since the towbar is a part protruding beyond the rear dimensions of the vehicle, its installation can worsen the consequences of an accident. If, in a normal collision of cars, the blow falls into the bumper with the formation of medium-severity damage, then in a collision of equipped cars, the blow will entail more significant damage.
Permitted installation of a tow bar
Not always, in the presence of a towbar, a fine and administrative liability will follow for the driver. In some cases, its installation will comply with the provisions of Russian laws. The towbar penalty will not apply if:
- the installation of equipment is initially assumed by the automaker;
- the installed element is accompanied by documentation (passport and certificate of conformity);
- the installation did not lead to a change in the general design of the car and was carried out according to the instructions.
The following measures will help eliminate problems with the further installation of equipment:
- upon sale, obtain a passport for the purchased equipment with a mark of installation in it;
- request a copy of the certificate of conformity certified by the seller;
- have a document confirming payment.
The law permits the installation of an additional device, provided it does not affect the existing car structure, without closing the license plate of the vehicle and viewing the driver. There will be no penalty if the driver provides documents for the device, including a passport and a certificate of conformity. Drivers who have installed removable equipment will have the least problems with the traffic police.
Penalty for unauthorized installation
The procedure for applying punishment for making unregistered changes, which may include the installation of a towbar, is consistent with Art. 12.5 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation.
As part of administrative responsibility, the driver who carried out the unauthorized installation will be fined 500 rubles.
The same article of the code refers to all cases of malfunctions when the car cannot be used for the driver's movement and transportation. If the original design of the machine is violated, negatively affecting safety, with the fastening of the element with welds or bolts, a penalty will be imposed.
It is possible to protect yourself in case of proceedings with the traffic police inspection if the general technical regulations of the vehicle mention the possibility of using transport when towing. If you have such permission, agree on the availability of hitch not required.
The main purpose of the ban on the installation of a towbar is to require compliance with safety measures in the event of a road accident, since the fact of the negative effect of the towbar in a collision has been established. In this case, we are not talking about the negative impact of the equipment during normal movement on the road, but about a situation when the hitch becomes the cause of especially serious damage to the car in an accident. It is this provision that justifies the traffic police inspectors to impose a fine on the car owner who installed this towing device.
Hitch and its varieties. Legal ways installation of a towing device. When it is necessary to register the vehicle with the traffic police and when you can do without it.
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Many car owners use car trailers for their needs. For their attachment, a special towing device is mounted in the rear of the machine - a hitch.
But traffic police inspectors tend to pay increased attention to this design detail of the car and are fined for its illegal appearance.
Let's figure out in which cases it is permissible to install a useful device on a vehicle, and when it will be an offense.
Main information
In Russia, since 2015, it has been in force that regulates the safety requirements for wheeled vehicles. It also contains provisions concerning towing devices, their installation and use.
It is considered safe to use such devices in compliance with the following requirements:
If these conditions are not met, then the installation of the towbar falls under the definition of a change in the design of the vehicle.
According to the current legislation, such changes must be registered without fail with the traffic police with a technical examination of their safety for all road users.
Initial data
Not all manufacturers provide for the possibility of equipping their products with towbar. This is due to some structural characteristics of the vehicle that prevent it from towing a trailer.
In addition to the operating instructions, such information is contained in the load chart under the hood of the vehicle.
Varieties of devices
According to the method of attachment to the car, it is fashionable to divide all towing hitch into three groups:
- removable, fixed with special locks;
- conditionally removable for which bolts are used;
- fixed, welded or end.
The legislation of many countries allows car owners to use only removable devices, prohibiting them from being on a car without a trailer. In Russia, it is necessary for the towbar to meet safety requirements.
The legislative framework
The safety requirements for cars are set out in an international document to which Russia joined in 2015.
This is the Technical Regulation of the Customs Union called "On the safety of wheeled vehicles." The rules for the installation and registration of the TSU in it are devoted to Art. 77.
Traffic police officers impose a fine on the basis. Its first part, in turn, is a reference. The document to which she refers is from 10/23/1993.
This document approved the Basic Provisions for the Admission of the Vehicle. In clause 7.18 of this normative act contains a ban on the use of vehicles, in the design of which changes were made without the permission of the traffic police.
Penalty for a towbar on a passenger car in 2020
Illegal installation and use of the towing vehicle on passenger car refers to traffic violations. For this, the drivers are subject to administrative responsibility.
Let us consider on what basis it is drawn up, what is the amount of the fine for such a misconduct and whether other types of punishments are provided.
Do I need to register with the traffic police
Registration of the installed towbar is not required in all cases. gives a list of situations when you do not need to contact the traffic police.
It won't be a design change:
- Hitch installed at the factory;
- Hitch, specially designed for this brand and model of the car;
- TSU that has passed the safety test and supplied with the appropriate certificate.
The place of work in this case does not play a big role. If you wish, you can do all the work yourself, following the instructions of the car manufacturer.
But it is still preferable to contact a car repair shop. The act of work performed will convince the road inspector of the safety not only of the device itself, but also of its installation.
To register you will need:
- to conduct a preliminary examination;
- car registration certificate;
- car owner's passport;
- towbar documents.
In case of a positive decision, you can go to the service for work. After their completion, you will need to go through an unscheduled inspection, and then register the changes made with the traffic police.
Justification for the violation
Traffic police officers, writing out a fine, refer to paragraph 1 of Art. 12.5 Administrative Code. It punishes the use of a car with unregistered design changes.
In this case, the term "structural changes" is understood as it is given in the Technical Regulations - installation or, on the contrary, removal of elements, equipment and fixtures that were not originally provided by the car manufacturer.
But only those changes are taken into account that have an impact on traffic safety, in particular, causing it to decrease.
Does the installed device affect security
One of the characteristics of road safety, according to, is security, including from road accidents.
The towbar protruding beyond the main dimensions of the car reduces this security. Cars driving behind have to maintain a great distance.
In a collision, the vehicle in the rear will be more severely damaged. A small, protruding metal part will cause more damage than a flat, long bumper.
It is these considerations that are guided by traffic police officers, when applying administrative punishment for an uncoordinated change in the design of the vehicle.
Penalty for unregistered installation
Installing a towing vehicle in violation of the requirements of the law can lead to an emergency, that is, it threatens the safety of both the driver himself and other road users.
To punish violators of Art. 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, a monetary fine is applied. It goes to the state income and will be used in the future for the implementation of various social programs.
Other punishments such as deprivation driving license or administrative arrest for this offense has not been established.
Video: tow bar
The amount of the penalty
The fine for an unregistered towbar is 500 rubles. This amount will be indicated in the decree on the application of administrative punishment.
The standard time frame for the payment of the fine is 2 months. But, since this traffic violation does not belong to the category of serious ones, there is an opportunity to pay only half of the fine.
To do this, the money must be transferred no later than 20 days from the date specified in the document. The smaller amount must be entered in the receipt or in the electronic form yourself.
How can you avoid punishment?
The easiest way to avoid punishment for installing a towing device on a car is by registering the changes made in the traffic police, as required by law.
But first you need to make sure that this is approved by the manufacturer. As a rule, most models modern cars provide for the installation of the towing hitch.
Information about this is reflected in the instruction manual developed by the manufacturer. The towbar may be included with the vehicle initially, when it is sold from the factory.
In this case, additional registration or examination is not required, the design of the machine has not undergone changes.
The installation of a towing vehicle designed specifically for this car model will not raise questions from the traffic police. The manufacturer issued a passport and all the necessary certificates for it.
If in the documents for the towbar there is no indication of its suitability for installation on specific model car, you will first have to obtain documentary evidence of the conformity of the selected device.
If such a document is available, and the installation of the towbar is allowed by the car manufacturer, then the installation will be completely legal and does not require registration with the traffic police.
A towbar is defined as a towing hitch designed to connect a trailer or van to a passenger car. This device is used by many motorists. However, in connection with the latest changes in legislation, an urgent question arises, under what conditions the towbar is installed on the car.
A separate law governing the exclusive use of a towbar on a vehicle, traffic rules not provided. The main provision that traffic police inspectors refer to is article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. This regulation provides a list of equipment installed on the vehicle, for which a penalty is due.
There is no separate hitch in Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. However, recent amendments and comments to them prescribe that this device is an add-on to a vehicle, the unauthorized installation of which entails a fine.
Then refer to Technical regulations"On the safety of wheeled Vehicle»TR CU 018/2011... This law provides for changes in the structure of the car. If such are provided by the manufacturer, then they are considered regulated, that is, legal.
Changes in the laws on the towbar provide for its operation if:
- device passports with data on its installation filled in by the car service;
- copies of the certificate of the mounted device;
- certificate of work performed for its installation.
The decision whether it is possible to install a towbar under the new law depends on the installation procedure performed.
Procedure for installing a towbar
For the legal installation of the towbar in accordance with legal regulations, certain procedure:
- are determined with the possibility of installation - a passenger car must be designed for towing a trailer, for a towing device the manufacturer means a special place;
- choose the unit from the manufacturer, coordinating the choice with the model and brand of the car;
- turn to a car service for installation with further paperwork;
- receive documents for the installation of a tow bar, register it with the traffic police.
Register the device with the traffic police not necessary if observed conditions:
- installation is provided by the vehicle manufacturer;
- the device has a passport and a certificate proving the legality of its installation;
- the device was installed according to the instructions without making any changes to the vehicle design, that is, drilling, welding and other actions were not carried out.
Registration of the towbar in the traffic police implied in a situation where the installation is carried out independently or changes are made to the design of the machine. Registration costs vary depending on the type of vehicle and the cost of the device itself. For registration are provided the documents:
- registration application, its form for filling is offered on the spot;
- double-sided copy of the TCP;
- towbar documents;
- certificate of registration of a passenger car.
Based on the application expert examination is organized to establish the possibility of using the specified device. The car owner must, based on its results, collect certain documents:
- a diagnostic card confirming the safety of the vehicle used;
- a contract for the purchase of a towbar and other papers related to its use, including a certificate;
- a declaration from the car service where the device was mounted;
- the expert's decision on the possibility of operating the car.
Based on the above list, the driver is issued certificate, confirming the legality of using the towbar.
What is the penalty for a hitch without a trailer?
The new law on trailers in accordance with the Technical Regulations and Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation determines a fine for illegal use of a towbar of 500 rubles... At the same time, an alternative is prescribed - verbal warning... Based on this, the question arises, how can collection be avoided.
Drivers who have not had an offense for a long time are more likely to call for a warning. Traffic inspectors do not often pay attention to the presence of a towbar without a trailer. But even the most conscientious will be loyal to law-abiding citizens.
An excellent solution would be to use a removable tow bar. In this case, the traffic police inspector will not be able to interpret the device as negatively affecting the safety of the vehicle. The presence of all documents completely frees the driver from collection.
The driver of the car can refer to paragraph 77 of Chapter 5 of the said Technical Regulations. According to its provisions, the vehicle is not checked for safety in the presence of complementary devices, provided:
- the installed units are for factory use;
- there is a certificate of suitability for this vehicle;
- availability of documentation from the manufacturer and compliance with the used brand and model of the machine.
It will not be possible to evade collection if the device is home-made or changes were made to the car's structure during its installation. In this situation, you will need documents certifying from the traffic police, in their absence, a fine is issued.
A hitch for a car is not always subject to registration. Equipping a car with it refers in some cases to design changes that cannot be made without agreement, as well as to operate such a car. If the device is not properly issued, the owner will be fined.
What is a towbar
A towbar is a towing device that is used to tow a trailer, trailer, bicycle. Due to the fact that the load from it is evenly distributed over the body, transportation will be safe. If installed correctly, it will not mess up appearance car, will not become an obstacle to viewing state numbers. For safety reasons, the towbar on the car must be removable.
Do I need registration
For about a year now, the question of whether a towbar registration is necessary has not left the forums of motorists. And all because in 2016, changes came into force regarding the mandatory registration of structural changes in the vehicle. And now, in addition to registering the trailer with the traffic police, you also need to take care of the hitch.
Installation of a towing hitch (Hitch) on a car is possible without registration, if the design of the machine itself provides for the installation of such additional equipment. If we consider cars that are used on the road, 98% of them have this opportunity.
But here you must not miss an important point. You can put a towbar, and there is a place for its installation. But is this provided optional equipment, fasteners for it by the vehicle manufacturer? If the towing hitch is listed in the list of equipment that can be installed for a car of this model and brand, then registration is not required. If it is not on the list, then welcome to the traffic police, and even before you start installing it. This still needs to get permission from an expert.
Even if the hitch is approved for installation, it must be carried out correctly and using standard towbar models. If the device interferes with viewing the license plate, it will be too large or its shape is non-standard - the inspectors will certainly be interested in such a towbar and conduct a thorough check of the vehicle.
Correct driving with a tow bar
This does not mean road safety, but documentary legality. If the inspector stops to check, in addition to the usual set of mandatory documents for the car, you will need to provide:
- A certificate of conformity and a TSU passport, which must be included with the device itself. When buying, its availability must be checked. The passport itself must contain the seal of the auto center that installed the device.
- Documents from the auto center that it can carry out such work, that is, there is a certificate for this. The owner of the vehicle is given a copy of the certificate, certified by signature and seal, and an act of completed work.
These documents must be present, their absence is certainly a fine.
Is it possible to install a hitch
- The first is full mass with passengers and cargo in the trunk or cabin.
- Second - permissible weight with a trailer.
- The third is the mass of the front axle load.
- The fourth is the mass of the load on the rear axle.
If only 3 lines were found, then it is impossible to equip the car with a hitch.
But this does not mean that the road to the towbar is closed, you just need to carry out the installation through examinations and legalize the presence of a towbar on the car. This must be done according to the regulations for registration of structural changes.
What to do if there is already a towbar
Many have already installed a towbar on a passenger car. What to do in this case? This is another question, because the procedure has already been carried out, and this change has not been registered. There is only one way to legitimize the previously installed TSU. You need to look for a certified auto center that will diagnose the device. It consists in checking technical condition and operational capabilities.
After that, they find out who the manufacturer is, and submit an official request to him. If such a device was actually issued by him, then a passport for the device is issued. If it was not possible to determine the manufacturer, then the auto center issues:
- Certificate of conformity.
- Act of work.
- A copy of the auto center certificate with a seal and signature.
Registration of a new hitch
The rules for registering changes in the design of a technical device in 2019 remained the same as last year. It is not difficult, but it will still take some time, order:
- Preliminary examination in the traffic police, which will allow or not the installation of the towing vehicle.
- Carrying out the installation of a towbar in a certified center with the approval of these actions by an expert.
- Checking the condition of the vehicle at the inspection station regarding the safety of the towbar operation.
- The second examination in the traffic police.
Punishment
The law has been in effect for almost a year, and lawmakers have decided it is time to punish towbars that are not registered. The administrative fine is 500 rubles. But it happens that the driver simply did not know that the towbar must now be registered. In this case, you can get by with a warning. For such an outcome, you need to behave with the inspector extremely politely and promise that the problem will be eliminated.
Important! If the hitch is really necessary and is often used, then you cannot pull with its design. If not, then it is easier to simply unscrew it, and do not have an extra headache.
Output
The hitch is one of those retrofits that can change the design of the car, but not always. If such additional equipment is provided by the manufacturer, then it is not subject to registration, since there is no interference in the design.
Penalty for mounted tow bar in a passenger car is incomprehensible to many drivers. For them, a tow hitch is a necessity, but traffic police inspectors require dismantling or payment of a certain amount. Some owners don't even know if it's legal. So you need to study the requirements, understanding the reason for their appearance and the amount of administrative responsibility.
What is a towbar?
Towbar - a device for a trailer. It is installed under the rear bumper, but such changes are interpreted as unauthorized. Traffic rules do not allow them to be made, as they pose a danger during road traffic. This concept may seem strange, because complex models of towbars are specially made for a passenger car.
If the design of the machine does not provide for the factory method of connecting the trailer, additional documents are required.
Practice shows that difficulties have to be faced at every step. The traffic police quickly fines drivers, not allowing any refutation and persuasion.
Why is the device fined?
The traffic rules indicate the prohibition of the installation of additional structures. In accordance with the regulations, the vehicle must remain in the factory configuration, and any elements that could create a hazardous situation must be removed. This interpretation suggests that you have to pay a fine.
How does the trailed structure pose a danger to the surrounding machines? Changes can be made, but within the established dimensions. If they do not correspond to standard indicators, movement becomes impossible. The towbar protrudes partly from the rear bumper, therefore, even in the event of a minor collision, it causes serious damage to the second car. This explains why it is necessary to deal with the registration of the changes made.
How to protect yourself from responsibility?
Changes to the vehicle design are not permitted. In 2016, the provisions of the Federal Law appeared, which indicated administrative responsibility. The changes led to ambiguous situations, although experienced drivers quickly figured out how to get around the problem. Is it safe to drive on the roads? What can be done for this?
- Factory complete set;
- Registration of permission.
When you need to install a towbar for a trailer on a car, two of these rules should be taken into account. This is the only way to achieve relaxed trips, as it says new law... So it's worth considering the changes to avoid making mistakes.
Factory complete set
Do I need to register the towbar shown in the factory? No, it is allowed as it is not a design change. The car is prepared in advance for the carriage of goods, so it does not pose a hazard while driving. Such a statement is incomprehensible, because manufacturers do not always take into account the dimensions correctly.
The paradox remains silly, because the vehicle remains dangerous, but the presence of a formalized transformation suggests otherwise. A great example is the huge SUVs that inexperienced drivers try to get around. Some people think that the big tax is the reason for connivance. You have to pay it anyway, so the extra costs are unnecessary.
Registration of permission
The last change in the rules prompts the mandatory registration of the tow hitch. Otherwise, traffic police inspectors have the right to fine drivers on all roads. There are no exceptions, so before transporting goods in a car, you should go to the department.
The owners had a question: "I have been driving my car for a long time, but only now I found out that a permit for a trailer is required." The latter provisions have appeared recently, so now it is necessary to draw up transformations without fail. You can only purchase ready-made factory models of towbars that meet all the requirements. Otherwise, technical expertise will be required, which rarely agrees to travel on the roads.
Fine amount
What is the fine for the driver? In accordance with the rules, it is only 500 rubles, but repeated violation entails new administrative responsibility. This problem remains the main one, because you have to regularly pay large sums.
Under the new legislation, the owner can be fined at any position. This suggests that it is much easier to abandon transformations. Most often they are not so important, so you can freely find Alternative option... Although, if necessary, formalization of documents is always available, which will not take much time.
Additional difficulties
You also need to register the trailer. He is a vehicle with a full package of documents. Few car owners who are accustomed to the old rules know about this. Previously, they were able to simply purchase a structure "by hand" or make it according to a personal project, but today such a solution is becoming unavailable.
Experts note that a large package of papers will be required to transport goods. The towbar and trailer must be submitted to the department for expert review. Yes, if everything was purchased in a store, the necessary documentation will be obtained without problems. Otherwise, dismantling will most likely be required, which will only lead to unnecessary complications.
Alternative options
V last years motorists are constantly interested in the alternative. Are there structures that can replace the trailer? This question remained the main one for people who do not want to face administrative responsibility, but some types freight transport remain binding on them.
- Racks;
- Special trailers.
Roof rack is a great alternative to a tow bar
Today, professionals argue that outdated designs can be disposed of. Gradually, the need for them disappears, as it is always possible to find excellent replacements. They will be a simple solution that will save you from unnecessary collision with traffic police inspectors.
Racks
The stands are becoming the most interesting. They are mounted on the roof of the vehicle, allowing you to transport skis, snowboards and even bicycles without restrictions. In such cases, no design changes are made, so there is no need to worry about fines. The only question is the dimensions of the car, because they are strictly specified in the rules. Among them, the maximum height is noted, but the factory design may exceed it. After installation, the indicators increase, although they remain acceptable. Moreover, the documents can be obtained immediately, and in the future clashes with inspectors are excluded.
Roof rack
If you often have to transport things, you can refuse the trailer. Manufacturers offer unique designs with large capacity. When a person is thinking about how to get ready for vacation, he should think about the roof rack. This solution turns out to be simple and reliable, protecting things from bad weather. The costs are justified by one hundred percent, which makes you seriously think about an affordable purchase.
Special trailers
Special trailers are manufactured for motorcycles, scooters, boats and other vehicles. There are many of them, but each of them meets strict requirements and is installed without additional registration in the traffic police. For this reason, it is easier for car owners to take advantage of such an offer than to face endless bureaucracy again.
The use of trailers has long become a habit for motorists. Today the rules have changed a lot, so it is better not to go on the road with loads without formalized papers. Otherwise, a fine will be issued at the next post, which will have to be paid without delay, and then the device will be dismantled.
