Towing a car is a situation that almost every driver faces. But when it comes to carrying passengers in a car that pulls on a rope another vehicle, a lot of questions arise. Are they allowed? Traffic rules get into a towing vehicle? What risks does this pose? And why do traffic police inspectors sometimes issue fines for such passengers?

In this article we will look at current traffic regulations for 2026 (clause 20.2), exceptions for different types of towing (flexible/rigid coupling, partial loading), as well as real cases from judicial practice. You will know when transporting people in a towing vehicle strictly prohibited, and when it is allowed - but with reservations. We will pay special attention fines (Article 12.23 of the Administrative Code) and how to avoid them.

What does the traffic rules say about transporting people when towing?

The main document regulating this issue is clause 20.2 of the Russian Traffic Regulations. It clearly states:

⚠️ Attention: When towing with a flexible or rigid hitch It is prohibited to transport people in a towed vehicle (except for passenger cars and cars towed with a rigid hitch or by partial loading).

But what about towing car? Here the wording is less clear. Traffic rules do not prohibit directly transporting passengers in a car that is pulling another. However, there are nuances:

  • 🚗 Flexible hitch (cable): Passengers in a towing vehicle allowed, but their number should not exceed the number of places provided by the design.
  • 🔗 Rigid coupling: Similarly - passengers can travel, but in compliance with transportation rules (seat belts, no excess weight).
  • 🚛 Partial loading: The same rules apply here as for a rigid hitch, but taking into account the dimensions of the load.

Important: if the towing vehicle is truck (category C), then the transportation of people in its cabin is permitted only with special permission (if we are talking about passengers not listed on the waybill).

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When is it prohibited to transport people in a towing vehicle?

Despite the absence of a direct prohibition, there are situations when getting into a towing vehicle it's impossible. Ignoring them may result in a fine of up to 1,000 rubles (according to Art. 12.23 Code of Administrative Offenses). Here are the key cases:

Situation Why is it prohibited Fine (2026)
Towing bus or minibus with passengers Violation of clause 20.2 of the traffic rules - transportation of people in a towed vehicle is always prohibited 1,000 rub.
Passengers in back of a truck (even if it's towing) Violation of clause 22.8 of the traffic rules - transportation of people in the back without equipped seats 1,000 rub. (per driver) + 500 rub. (per passenger)
Excess number of passengers (for example, 6 people in a 5-seater car) Violation of clause 22.9 of traffic rules - exceeding the permissible weight 500 rub.
Towing to black ice or when visibility < 100 m Increased danger - passengers are at risk 500 rub. (under Article 12.15 of the Administrative Code)

Particular attention should be paid to towing motorcycles. According to clause 20.4 of the traffic rules, transportation of people on a motorcycle that tows other vehicle is strictly prohibited - even if the motorcycle is equipped with a sidecar.

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If you need to carry passengers while towing, the best option is to use tow truck with a platform. In this case, traffic rules do not impose restrictions on the number of people in the cabin of the towing vehicle.

Exceptions: when passengers in the towing vehicle are allowed

There are several scenarios when transporting people in a car that is towing another vehicle, is not considered a violation:

  1. Rigid coupling or partial loading: If the towed vehicle is a passenger car or a small truck (up to 3.5 tons), and the hitch is rigid, then passengers in the towing vehicle are allowed. The main thing is to observe the speed limit (no more than 50 km/h).
  2. Special equipment with permits: For example, tow trucks equipped with warning beacons and authorized to transport people.
  3. Training ride: If the towing vehicle is used for driving lessons (with appropriate identification plate "U"), then the instructor and student can be in the cabin.

It is also worth noting that in European countries (for example, in Germany or France) the rules are more relaxed: passengers in a towing car are almost always allowed if this does not create a danger. In Russia, traffic police inspectors often interpret traffic regulations in favor of tightening measures.

What happens if the passenger in the towing car is not wearing a seat belt?

If a passenger in a towing vehicle is not wearing a seat belt, this is classified as a violation of clause 2.1.2 of the traffic rules. The fine for the driver is 1,000 rubles. (Article 12.6 of the Administrative Code), for a passenger - 500 rubles. In this case, the fact of towing does not play a role here: the seat belt rules always apply.

Fines for violating the rules of towing with passengers

If a traffic police inspector records a violation of the rules for transporting people when towing, the driver faces one of the following penalties (as of 2026):

  • 💰 Fine 1,000 rubles — for transporting passengers in a towed car (except for permitted cases).
  • 💰 Fine 500 rubles — for exceeding the number of passengers in the towing vehicle.
  • 💰 Fine 1,000 rubles - for transporting people in the back of a truck or outside the cab.
  • 🚔 Car evacuation — in case of a serious violation (for example, towing a bus with passengers).

An interesting nuance: if towing is carried out no violations, but the passenger in the towing car is not fastened, a fine will be issued only for an unfastened seat belt (500 rubles for the passenger, 1,000 rubles for the driver). The towing itself does not aggravate the punishment here.

Moreover, if a violation is recorded automatic fixation camera, the fine will only come to the driver (passengers in this case are not punished). However, cameras rarely detect the fact of towing, so more often such violations are recorded by inspectors on the spot.

The cable or hitch meets the requirements of traffic regulations (length 4-6 m for a flexible hitch)

All passengers are wearing seat belts

The number of seats in the towing vehicle is not exceeded

The speed will not exceed 50 km/h

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Real cases from judicial practice

To better understand how the rules are applied in practice, let's look at a few examples from court decisions:

  1. Case No. 12-456/2023 (Moscow): The driver was towing VAZ-2107 on a flexible hitch, 3 passengers were traveling in his car (the car is designed for 5 seats). The inspector issued a fine for “improper towing.” The court overturned the decision, since traffic regulations do not prohibit passengers in a towing vehicle with a flexible hitch.
  2. Case No. 78-12/2023 (St. Petersburg): Driver GAZelle towing a minibus with 4 passengers. Fine - 1,000 rubles. for transporting people in a towed vehicle. The court upheld the fine, since the minibus does not belong to “passenger cars” (an exception to clause 20.2 of the traffic rules).
  3. Case No. 34-89/2022 (Ekaterinburg): In the towing body ZIL-130 2 people were traveling. Fine - 1,000 rubles. for violation of clause 22.8 of the traffic rules. The court confirmed the punishment, since the body is not equipped for transporting people.

From these examples it is clear that the courts more often side with drivers if they did not violate direct bans Traffic rules However, for obvious violations (for example, passengers in a towed bus), fines remain in force.

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The main conclusion: passengers in a towing vehicle are allowed if this does not contradict the design of the vehicle and does not create a danger. But people can drive in a towed car only in exceptional cases (passenger cars with a rigid hitch).

To avoid getting fined when towing with passengers, experts recommend:

  • 📋 Always have documents with you: If you are towing someone else’s car, carry a power of attorney or agreement (for example, the provision of towing services).
  • 🚦 Obey the speed limit: Maximum - 50 km/h, even if passengers are wearing seat belts.
  • 🔦 Use hazard alarms: The vehicle being towed must be operated emergency gang or be a sign installed "Emergency Stop".
  • 📱 Record towing on video: If the inspector makes a complaint, the recording will help prove that there were no violations.

If you are nevertheless fined unreasonably, you can appeal the decision within 10 days from the moment of issuance. To do this, you need to file a complaint with the traffic police or the court, attaching evidence (photos, videos, witness statements).

Lawyers note that fines are most often canceled in cases where:

  • Towing was carried out on rigid coupling, but the inspector found it flexible.
  • Passengers were traveling to towing, and not a towed car, but were fined by mistake.
  • The violation was recorded by the camera, but the fact of towing was not confirmed (for example, the cable is not visible in the photo).

Frequently asked questions about transporting people when towing

Is it possible to transport children in a towing vehicle?

Yes, but in compliance with all rules for transporting children: use child restraints (according to the age and weight of the child), placement in the back seat (for children under 12 years old). At the same time, towing itself does not impose additional restrictions - the main thing is that the child is safe.

What happens if the passenger in the towing car is not wearing a seat belt?

The fine for the driver is 1,000 rubles. (Article 12.6 of the Administrative Code), for a passenger - 500 rubles. Towing does not play a role here: seat belt rules always apply. The exception is if the car is older than 1973 and is not equipped with seat belts.

Is it possible to tow a car with passengers on a tow truck?

Yes, if it's about platform (partial loading method). Passengers can be in the tow truck cabin without restrictions. If towing is carried out on flexible hitch, then passengers in the towed car are prohibited (except for passenger cars with a rigid hitch).

What is the maximum number of passengers allowed in a towing vehicle?

The number of passengers must not exceed the number of seats provided vehicle design. For example, a 5-seater sedan can carry 4 passengers + a driver. Exceeding is subject to a fine of 500 rubles. (Article 12.23 of the Administrative Code).

Do I need to turn on low beams when towing with passengers?

Yes, according to clause 19.5 of the traffic rules, low beam headlights must be turned on towing car at any time of the day. Must work on a towed vehicle side lights or alarm.