Rules for driving cars with a trailer

There are various reasons for driving a vehicle with a trailer, whether it's to transport bulky loads, a caravan, a boat or something else. If you have a category B driving license, you should know that under specific conditions you can drive vehicles with trailers.

Yes, it's true! Your category B license allows you to drive cars with trailers if the gross weight of the trailer is up to 750 kg or the gross weight of the trailer + tractor combination is up to 3500 kg.

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The gross weight is the maximum capacity that a transport vehicle can carry and is the sum of the vehicle's unladen weight (tare weight) and the payload capacity (capacity).

If the gross weight of the combination is between 3500 Kg and 4250 Kg, the license required to drive will be for light vehicles with a trailer, i.e. category B+E. To be a holder of this category, if you already have a light vehicle license, you don't need to take a theory test, you must apply for a learner's permit directly at the IMT Regional Directorates and District Delegations, and the practical test can be taken at the IMT, IP. or at private test centers.

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Regarding the gross weight of the trailer:

Up to 300 Kg - you do not need your own license plate, however, if you cover the vehicle's you must put a license plate on the trailer;

Over 300 Kg - you need your own license plate, single vehicle document and insurance;

Between 750 and 3500 Kg - You also need a compulsory periodic inspection. The first after 2 years of registration and then annually.

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As for the lights on the trailer:

• 1 license plate light;

• 2 red position lights;

• 2 red brake lights, if the vehicle's lights are not fully visible;

• Turn signal lights;

• Fog lights, if the trailer was registered after 1990;

• 2 red triangular reflectors;

• Non-triangular amber reflectors on the sides, if the trailer is from after 1994;

• 13-pin electrical plug for reversing lights.

• The approval of trailers is national, so if you're traveling abroad you'll need to find out if your trailer's approval is also valid in those countries. Fortunately, there are several brands whose trailers are legal to drive in various countries.

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Also pay attention to speed limits:

• In localities: 50 km/h

• Other public roads: 70 km/h

• Roads reserved for cars and motorcycles: 80 km/h

• Freeway: 100 km/h

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Source: acp.pt

Translated with DeepL.com