Towing a faulty vehicle using plug-in It remains one of the most common ways to evacuate a vehicle, but this maneuver requires the driver to tow and the highest concentration. Unlike a rigid coupling or tow truck, the cable creates specific driving conditions where the distance between the machines is constantly changing and trajectory control is difficult. Many motorists mistakenly believe that having a cable in the trunk solves all problems, but the legislation and physics of the process dictate their own strict rules.
Ignoring restrictions can lead not only to penalties from the traffic police, but also to the creation of an emergency situation on the road, where the consequences can be fatal. Paragraph 20.4 of the RF SDA It clearly regulates in which cases the use of a flexible cable is unacceptable, and these rules cannot be violated even for the sake of saving on the services of a tow truck. Understanding these nuances is critical for every car owner, as a breakdown can happen at any time, and it is your knowledge that will depend on the safety of all participants in the movement.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the technical and legal aspects that determine the When flexible coupling is completely prohibited according to the current traffic rules. We will analyze the state of the braking system, steering, and external factors such as weather conditions and the type of road that make towing on the cable impossible.
Technical malfunctions of the braking system
The most critical limitation for the use of a flexible coupling is the faulty braking system of the towed vehicle. If the car that is being pulled does not have brakes, its mass becomes an uncontrolled load, which, with any descent or inertia movement, will begin to push the car ahead. In such a situation, the flexible cable will not be able to effectively transmit braking force, and a collision will become almost inevitable.
Traffic rules strictly prohibit towing on a flexible coupling, if the towed car malfunctioning brakes. In this case, only partial loading (front wheels on the tow truck platform) or full loading of the entire vehicle is allowed. Attempt to pull a car with non-working brakes on the cable is a direct path to accidents, especially on roads with relief.
It should be borne in mind that even if the brakes work, but their effectiveness is reduced (for example, due to suffocation of the system or wear of the pads), the risk of losing control increases many times over. The driver of a towed car must keep the brake pedal at all times ready to pull the cable and stop his car if the driving car slows down.
⚠️ Attention: If you feel the brakes of the towed car are floating or the pedal is falling, stop driving immediately. The use of a flexible coupling in this case is deadly.
To assess the condition of the brakes before driving often requires visual inspection and test braking at low speed. If the vehicle does not respond to the pedal properly, plug-in It should be replaced immediately with a hard or tow truck.
Problems with steering
The second fundamental prohibition is the faulty steering of the towed car. Flexible coupling suggests that the driver in the rear car is actively involved in the trajectory control, steering in the stroke of movement in front of the car. If the steering mechanism is jammed, the backlash is over normal or there is no communication between the steering wheel and the wheels, the car turns into an uncontrolled cart.
When driving on the cable, the rear car is constantly shifted relative to the front: on turns, it cuts the trajectory, and when accelerating or braking it can wag from side to side. Without proper steering, the driver will not be able to fend off these fluctuations, which will lead to the folding of the “train” or flying into the oncoming lane. Therefore faulty steering This is a clear signal to prohibit flexible coupling.
In such cases, traffic rules are prescribed to use only a rigid coupling, which fixes the position of the rear machine relative to the front, or the method of full loading. The rigid bar does not allow the car with a non-working steering wheel to go to the side, ensuring the stability of movement.
Why can the steering wheel jam?
Steering jamming often occurs due to the destruction of the steering rod joints, failure of the GUR pump (when driving on dry asphalt with a jammed pump) or damage to the driveshaft of the steering column. In these cases, turning the wheels becomes impossible or extremely difficult.
Particular attention should be paid to cars with power steering. If the engine is silenced and the GUR pump is not working, the steering wheel becomes very heavy, but it is still possible to turn it. However, if the mechanism is physically damaged, the driver's effort may not be sufficient to correct the trajectory at speed.
Weight and dimensions restrictions
The legislation sets clear limits on the weight of the towed vehicle. The use of a flexible coupling is prohibited if the mass of the towed vehicle exceeds the mass of the towing vehicle. The physics of the process is simple: a heavier object in inertial motion will inevitably roll over to a lighter one, and the power of the engine or brakes of the front car may not be enough to control the situation.
There are also restrictions related to the category of driving licence. If the total mass of the road train (tower + towed) exceeds 3,500 kg, the driver may require category rights. «E» (e.g., BE, CE), even if each vehicle falls individually under category “B”. Ignoring this requirement is equivalent to driving a vehicle without the right to do so.
The dimensions should also be considered. If the towed car is much wider than the towing, this creates "sailability" and increases the risk of skidding on the cable, especially when overtaking freight transport. Although there is no direct ban on the difference in dimensions, common sense and safety requirements dictate the rejection of flexible coupling in favor of rigid.
☑️ Checking before towing
Road conditions and weather restrictions
External conditions dictate their own safety rules. Flexible coupling is prohibited (or highly discouraged by safety regulations, although traffic rules state this through a safety requirement) in conditions of ice, heavy snowfall, fog with visibility less than 100 meters or rain. On a slippery road, the coefficient of adhesion of the wheels with the coating drops, and it becomes almost impossible to predict the behavior of two connected cars.
When driving in mountainous areas or protracted descents, the use of the cable also carries increased risks. A towed car can start to rock the lead, especially if its brakes are not working perfectly. In such conditions, it is preferable to use a rigid coupling or tow truck.
The night time requires special care. According to traffic rules, when towing in the dark or in conditions of insufficient visibility on the towed car should be included position lamps. If the electric equipment of the car does not work and it is impossible to turn on the lights, movement on a flexible coupling at night is prohibited.
| Conditions | Flexible coupling | Hard grip. | Tow truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes are faulty. | Forbidden. | Prohibited (partial loading) | Permitted. |
| Faulty steering wheel. | Forbidden. | Permitted. | Permitted. |
| Ice/Snow | Not recommended | Dangerous. | Safe. |
| Night (no lights) | Forbidden. | Forbidden. | Permitted. |
Weather conditions and the condition of the road can make legal towing deadly. If you doubt the grip of the wheels with the road - call the tow truck.
Requirements for cable and equipment
Even if the technical condition of the vehicles allows for towing, the process itself may be prohibited due to improper equipment. The length of the flexible coupling should be from 4 to 6 meters. Too short a cable leaves the driver no time behind to react when braking, and too long makes maneuvering difficult and increases the risk that outsiders will try to “dive” between cars.
The cable every 2 meters should be fixed retroreflective (flags or ribbons). This requirement is necessary to ensure that other participants of the movement see the boundaries of the corridor between cars. The absence of such marking is a traffic violation and the basis for a fine.
The rope shall be secured only to the standard towing pads or frame elements. Mounting for the bumper, suspension levers or steering thrust is strictly prohibited, since these elements may not withstand the load on the jerk and come off, turning into a dangerous projectile.
⚠️ Attention: The use of homemade ropes or chains without shock absorbers is prohibited. The cable shall be specially designed for towing and shall have a safety margin.
Speed and manoeuvring
When towing on a flexible coupling, a strict speed limit applies: no more than 50 km/h in populated areas and on public roads. Exceeding this limit significantly increases the risk of a cable breaking or loss of control. On a slippery road, the recommended speed is even lower - 20-30 km / h.
Maneuvering requires concerted action by both drivers. Turns should be carried out along an enlarged arc so that the rear car does not cut the corner and does not fly to the side of the road or the oncoming lane. Sharp braking and acceleration are unacceptable, as they lead to jerks that can damage the transmission or break the coupling.
Getting ahead of the train by other vehicles is a dangerous moment. The driver of the towed car should be ready at any time to slow down carefully if an impatient participant tries to fit into the gap between the cars.
Talk to the driver of the towed vehicle about signaling actions (such as short beeps or blinking headlights) to indicate braking or turning, as the forces are transmitted late through the cable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I tow a car with automatic transmission on a flexible coupling?
Towing cars with automatic transmission (AGB) on a flexible coupling is possible, but with serious restrictions. Many manufacturers allow towing only for a distance of 50 km and at a speed of no more than 40-50 km / h. However, if the automatic transmission is completely faulty or the oil level in it has fallen, towing on the cable is prohibited - only the tow truck. Always check the manual. your particular model.
Do I need a sign for a “Train” when towing on a cable?
Yes, according to traffic rules, when towing a power-driven vehicle on a flexible or rigid coupling on a towing car, the identification sign “Road train” should be installed. The absence of a sign entails a fine. The sign should be visible to other participants in the back.
Can I tow a motorcycle on a flexible clutch?
Towing motorcycles on a flexible clutch is prohibited by traffic rules. The motorcycle does not have sufficient stability for movement in conjunction with the car on the cable. A trailer or truck (tow truck) must be used to transport the motorcycle.
What is the penalty for violation of towing rules?
Violation of the rules of towing (part 1 of article 12.9 of the administrative code of the Russian Federation) entails the imposition of an administrative fine in the amount of 500 rubles. However, if the violation led to the creation of an emergency or an accident, liability can be reclassified to more serious articles, up to deprivation of rights.
Safety when towing depends not on the power of the cable, but on the serviceability of the brakes and steering of the towed car. If these systems do not work, flexible coupling is prohibited.