04 February 2025
What is the speed limit for a car towing a caravan?
7 minutes
Towing a caravan is a fantastic way to explore new destinations while bringing a bit of home along with you. But if you’re planning on hitching up and heading out, you’ll need to know: is there a speed limit for a car towing a caravan?
The short answer is yes, and it’s essential to know the rules before you hit the road. Speed limits for cars towing caravans differ from regular vehicles, and understanding these limits is not only about staying on the right side of the law—it’s also about safety.
In this guide, we’ll explain the different speed limits for towing caravans in the UK, for motorways and dual carriageways as well as single-track roads and built-up areas.
What’s the speed limit for a car towing a caravan in the UK?
In the UK, towing a caravan comes with specific speed restrictions, different from the general speed limits for cars. These limits change according to the type of road you’re driving on (i.e. motorways, dual carriageways or single carriageways). They’re designed to ensure safety for you, your passengers and other road users, as towing significantly changes how your vehicle handles.
So, what’s the maximum speed for a car towing a caravan?
- Motorways: 60 mph
- Dual carriageways: 60 mph
- Single carriageways: 50 mph
- Built-up areas: 30 mph
These are the absolute limits, but it’s always wise to adjust your speed to suit the road conditions. When towing, your vehicle accelerates slower and stopping distances are longer. You’re also more susceptible to side winds or sharp corners. So it’s better to err on the side of caution.
Let’s break it down by road type to give you a clear picture of how these rules apply.
What’s the speed limit for a car towing a caravan on the motorway?
If you’re towing a caravan on the motorway, you’ll need to stick to a maximum speed of 60 miles per hour. This applies even though cars without trailers can drive at 70 mph. The speed reduction accounts for the extra weight and length of your vehicle combination, which makes sudden braking or lane changes more difficult.
If there are temporary speed limits (such as dynamic speed limits on smart motorways or restrictions due to road works), all drivers must also follow these limits.
Can you tow a caravan at 70 mph?
No, it’s illegal to tow a caravan or trailer at 70 mph, even on a motorway. Exceeding 60 mph not only puts you at risk of fines but also increases the likelihood of instability, such as trailer sway or jack-knifing. Keeping within the speed limit gives you more control and reaction time.
Can caravans overtake on the motorway?
If you’re towing a trailer on a three-lane motorway, the speed limit remains 60 mph, even when overtaking.
You can overtake on the motorway with a caravan, as long as you stay in the middle lane. Vehicles towing caravans or trailers can’t use the far-right lane of three-lane motorways. The only exceptions are specific circumstances making this impossible, for instance, if the other lanes are closed. This stops slower-moving towing vehicles obstructing faster traffic.
If you’re on a two-lane stretch of motorway, it’s fine to overtake in the outside lane. Just like driving a regular car, however, you should always return to the left lane as soon as safely possible.
Staying safe on the motorway: Before embarking on a trip, ensure your caravan or trailer is securely attached, and that the tyres, brakes and lights are in good condition. This is important for any journey, but especially motorway travel. As the faster you go, the more strain you place on these components.
What’s the speed limit for a car towing a caravan on a dual carriageway?
On dual carriageways, the speed limit for cars towing caravans is also 60 mph. Just like motorways, this compares to 70 mph for regular vehicles. If there are temporary speed limits or traffic regulations in place, you’ll also have to follow these.
It’s worth noting, that if a lower maximum speed applies (say, 40 mph) this doesn’t mean a car towing a caravan has to drive 10 mph slower. In this instance, you’re allowed to drive up to the new maximum speed limit.
Is a dual carriageway 60 or 70 mph?
For regular cars, the solo-driving speed limit on a dual carriageway is 70 mph. But for cars towing caravans or trailers, it’s capped at 60 mph. This limit is in place because towing vehicles need more time to accelerate, decelerate and manoeuvre.
When towing on a dual carriageway, stay mindful of overtaking. While it’s legal to overtake slower vehicles, make sure you have plenty of space and time to do so safely, especially if your caravan is wide or heavy. If you’re overtaking on a three-lane dual carriageway, it’s illegal to drive in the outside lane (just like a motorway). So you’ll have to stick to the middle lane.
Dual carriageways vs motorways: It’s a common misconception, so it’s worth noting that three-lane dual carriageways exist. This doesn’t mean they’re a motorway. Equally, a motorway might only have two lanes in each direction. It’s the official road designation (not the amount of lanes) that matters.
What’s the speed limit for a car towing a caravan on a single carriageway?
Single carriageway roads tend to be slower, but they present their own challenges for towing. The maximum speed limit for a car towing a caravan on a single carriageway is 50 mph. This compares with a 60 mph limit for regular vehicles. The lower limit for caravans reflects the possibility of narrower lanes, sharp bends and potential hazards, like oncoming traffic, people on the road or hidden junctions.
If you’re towing a trailer on a single carriageway, stay extra vigilant. Your caravan affects your ability to brake or swerve—and these roads often have limited visibility.
If you find yourself disrupting traffic, consider pulling over at a safe spot to let faster vehicles pass. This isn’t just good manners; it reduces stress, improves safety and keeps traffic moving smoothly. Article 169 of the Highway Code states that slow-moving vehicles shouldn’t “hold up a long queue of traffic”. It recommends checking your mirrors frequently and “if necessary, pull in where it is safe and let traffic pass.”
Maximum speed limits: It’s worth remembering that speed limits are exactly that, the maximum “limit” you’re allowed to drive at—rather than a safe target. Always consider road conditions (especially during winter), like rain, snow, strong winds or ice. You should also factor-in traffic and other hazards (for instance, pedestrians or horse riders) and adapt your driving accordingly.
What’s the speed limit for a car towing a caravan in a built-up area?
If you’re towing a caravan in a built-up area, the rule is straightforward: the speed limit is 30mph. This generally applies on any roads with street lights, unless otherwise signposted. It also covers both single and dual carriageways in these areas. Built-up areas often have more foot traffic, meaning extra care is wise.
If a lower speed limit is in place (for example, 20mph) this applies to all vehicles, including those towing caravans or trailers. Lower speed limits are common in areas like:
- School zones: Particularly during school hours, where children are likely to be crossing.
- Residential areas: These may have traffic calming measures, like speed bumps or narrow lanes, designed to keep speeds down.
- High pedestrian areas: Such as near parks, town centres or busy thoroughfares.
It’s your responsibility to look out for road signs, as they override the default 30mph rule if in place.
What’s the most efficient speed to tow a caravan?
While sticking to the legal speed limits is non-negotiable, you might wonder what speed is most efficient for towing a caravan. This differs depending on your vehicle, caravan, road type and weather conditions. But as a rough guide, if you’re on a motorway or dual carriageway in good conditions, driving at a steady pace between 50 and 60 mph gives a good balance of fuel efficiency, safety and comfort.
Here’s why:
- Fuel economy: Higher speeds create more wind resistance, which increases fuel consumption. By maintaining a steady pace, you can reduce drag and save money on fuel.
- Safety and stability: Driving within this range helps prevent issues like trailer sway, which can happen at higher speeds or in strong side winds.
- Engine strain: Towing puts additional strain on your car’s engine and brakes. A steady, moderate speed reduces wear and tear, helping keep your vehicle in good condition for longer.
To maximise efficiency, check your tyre pressure, evenly distribute the weight of your load and avoid sudden acceleration or braking. Regular breaks are also essential for you and your vehicle, especially on long journeys.
What’s the law on towing a caravan?
As well as speed limits, there are important legal requirements and safety considerations when towing a caravan. From ensuring your car and caravan meet weight limits to fitting the correct towing mirrors, it’s all about keeping you and other road users safe.
Here’s a quick overview of key legal points for towing a caravan:
- Licensing requirements: If you passed your test on or after January 1, 1997, your driving licence may restrict the weight of the caravan you can tow. Check your licence details to ensure compliance.
- Weight and size limits: Your car and caravan must not exceed the Gross Train Weight (GTW) specified by the manufacturer. This is the combined weight of your car, the caravan and your load. Ensure the caravan’s Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) is within the towing capacity of your vehicle.
- Tow ball requirements: Your tow ball must support the weight of your caravan and include a breakaway cable for caravans over 750kg.
- Towing mirrors: You must fit towing mirrors if the caravan is wider than your car, ensuring clear visibility down both sides and behind. Failure to do so can lead to fines and points on your licence.
- Mechanical condition: Ensure your car and caravan are roadworthy, checking lights, tyres, brakes, number plates and other key components. Your caravan must display a rear number plate that matches the one on your towing vehicle.
- Trailer brakes: Caravans over 750kg must have functional brakes, which should be inspected regularly.
- Passengers: It’s illegal to carry passengers in a caravan while it’s being towed.
Having appropriate insurance is also an important legal consideration. Make sure to inform your insurer if you’ve added a tow bar or made modifications to your vehicle. Most car insurance policies don’t automatically cover caravans, so it’s essential to check your coverage.
Specialist caravan insurance policies (like the cover we provide at Howden Insurance), protect your caravan against damage, theft or accidents while towing or parked. Comprehensive cover gives you peace of mind, no matter where the road takes you.
In summary: speed limits for cars towing caravans
Towing a caravan is a wonderful way to explore, with freedom to travel at your own pace. However, it’s crucial to stick to speed limits to ensure safety and avoid penalty points. For cars towing caravans, there’s a 60 mph speed limit on motorways and dual carriageways. On single carriageways, it’s capped at 50 mph. In built-up areas, the caravan speed limit drops to 30 mph unless signs indicate otherwise.
These limits account for the added weight and handling challenges of towing, making careful driving essential. Always adjust your speed to suit the road and weather conditions, keeping safety your top priority. By following the rules and driving cautiously, you can enjoy a smooth and hassle-free journey.
Happy travels!
Need comprehensive insurance to protect your caravan? Look no further than Howden for the right policy.
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