Towing

Towing

Towing - the activity of pulling a motor vehicle by another motor vehicle or a moped using a flexible or rigid connection.

When towing a motorcycle, use a flexible connection that allows easy detachment. The method of connecting other vehicles is to exclude detachment while driving.

A rigid connection may be used for towing, provided that at least one braking system is functional in the towed vehicle, while in a flexible connection both systems must be functional. An efficient braking system is not required in a towed vehicle whose front suspension is based on the mechanical part of the towing vehicle.

Referring to the Road Traffic Code (Chapter 3, Section 9, Article 31), the driver may tow a motor vehicle only provided that:

1. the speed of the towing vehicle does not exceed 30 km/h in built-up areas and 60 km/h outside this area;
2. the towing vehicle has its dipped headlights on also during periods of sufficient visibility;
3. there is a driver in the towed vehicle who is authorized to drive the vehicle, unless the vehicle is towed in a way that excludes the need to drive it;
4. the towed vehicle is connected to the towing vehicle in a way that prevents it from becoming detached while driving; this does not apply to towing a motorcycle, which should be connected to the towing vehicle with a flexible connection in a way that allows easy detachment;
5. the towed vehicle, with the exception of a motorcycle, is marked on the rear left side with a warning reflective triangle, and its position lights are also on during periods of insufficient visibility; instead of being marked with a reflective triangle, the towed vehicle may send yellow flash signals visible to other road users;
6. in a vehicle towed on a rigid connection, at least one brake system is operational, and in a vehicle towed on a flexible connection - two systems;
7. the distance between vehicles is no more than 3 m for a rigid connection, and from 4 m to 6 m for a flexible connection, and the connection is marked with alternating white and red stripes or equipped with a yellow or red flag; this provision does not apply to towing vehicles of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland.

Towing is prohibited:

1. a vehicle with defective steering or brakes, unless the towing method precludes the need to use them
2. vehicle by means of a flexible connection, if the operation of the braking system in this vehicle depends on the operation of the engine and the engine is stationary;
3. more than one vehicle, except for a articulated vehicle;
4. a vehicle with a trailer (semi-trailer);
5. on a highway, except when towed by vehicles intended to be towed to the next exit or service point.

If a vehicle is towed in a manner that eliminates the need to steer or use the brakes, the actual total weight of the towed vehicle must not exceed the actual total weight of the towing vehicle.

Permissible speeds of the towed vehicle

• Residence zone – 20 km/h
• Built-up area – 30 km/h
• Unbuilt area – 60 km/h
• Expressway – 60 km/h
• Highway – 60 km/h roadside assistance only