Do I need to turn on the emergency towing car when towing?

The situation on the road is not always predictable, and even a serviceable car can fail at the most inopportune moment. When a car breaks down in the middle of a highway or in a remote area, the only solution is often towing to the nearest service or parking spot. In such moments, drivers often forget about the rules of the road due to stress or rush, relying on intuition.

One of the most common issues that arise in the process of preparing for the evacuation of a faulty vehicle is the light indication. Many drivers mistakenly believe that flashing “turn-rounders” are only necessary for the person being dragged, and the driving car can go in normal mode. However, the legislation clearly regulates the use of lighting devices to ensure the safety of all traffic participants.

In this article, we will discuss in detail whether the driver of the tractor is obliged to turn on the alarm, what exceptions exist and what the danger of ignoring these rules is. Understanding these nuances will help you avoid fines and, more importantly, prevent road accidents.

SDA requirements for lighting designations

The traffic rules of the Russian Federation contain specific instructions on the use of external lighting devices in various traffic situations. According to paragraph 19.1 of the traffic rules, the alarm must be turned on in case of forced stop or when creating traffic interference. This is a basic rule that most drivers know, but it doesn’t cover all the nuances of towing.

For the process of towing power-driven vehicles, there is a separate section of the rules - paragraph 20. It states that when towing on a flexible or rigid coupling, the passing beam headlamps shall be switched on on on the towing vehicle. This requirement is mandatory and is aimed at ensuring that other participants of the movement can see the coupling of two cars better.

As for the alarm, for a towing car it is not strictly mandatory by default if it is moving as part of a road train. However, there are situations where it becomes necessary or highly desirable for safety. For example, if the towed car does not have serviceable position lights or turn signals, the driving machine must compensate for this.

⚠️ Attention: Movement with the dipped headlights on when towing is mandatory even in daylight hours. Ignoring this rule is equivalent to driving without lights on.

It is important to distinguish passing beam and the alarm. If the first requirement is unconditional for the tractor, the second depends on the specific situation on the road and the state of the car towed. The driver of the driving car is responsible for the safety of the entire train.

Duties of the driver of a towed vehicle

Unlike the driver of the tractor, on the shoulders of the owner of the faulty car falls much more obligations on light indication. According to paragraph 20.2 of the traffic rules, when towing on a flexible or rigid coupling on the towed vehicle must be activated alarm. This rule applies regardless of the time of day and weather conditions.

The logic here is simple: an emergency alerts other drivers that the car is moving at a limited speed and its maneuverability is reduced. In addition, the included “collars” on the sides help to understand where the entire train plans to turn, since the tractor may not be visible due to the corner or terrain of the road.

If the towed vehicle does not have an alarm or is not designed, an emergency stop sign shall be displayed at the rear of the vehicle. This requirement also applies to cases where towing is carried out by partial loading. In the dark or in conditions of insufficient visibility, the presence of a working emergency is critically important.

The driver of a faulty car must constantly monitor the operation of lighting devices. If during the movement the emergency went out, it is necessary to give the driver of the tractor a stop signal to eliminate the malfunction or to display a sign.

Nuances in towing by partial loading

Partial loading towing, when the front or rear wheels of a faulty car are raised above the ground, has its own characteristics. In this case, the requirements for lighting devices remain similar, but the factor of dimensions is added. If the towed car with its body covers the lighting devices of the tractor, this creates a dangerous situation.

The driver of the tractor must make sure that his stop lights, turn signals and dimensions are visible from behind. If the raised body of the "gazebo" closes the rear of the driving car, then the corresponding signals should burn on the towed car. In such cases, it is often necessary to install additional lighting devices on a special frame.

For partial loading, the alarm on the towed vehicle must also be turned on. This helps drivers following the rear to correctly estimate the length of the composite vehicle and the distance to it. This is especially true when remodeling or braking.

⚠️ Attention: If the towed car covers the license plate or lighting devices of the tractor, this is a violation of the rules for admission of the vehicle to operation. Use extra lights.

It is worth noting that when towing with full loading (on the tow truck) the requirements for the lighting devices of the towed car are removed, since it is a cargo. However, if the tow truck platform does not have its own backlight dimensions, additional marking measures may be required.

Speed and distance restrictions

The safety of towing depends not only on light, but also on the speed mode. Paragraph 20.1 of the traffic rules sets a strict limit: when towing power-driven vehicles, the speed should not exceed 50 km/h. This restriction applies on all roads, including motorways, where the total limit may be higher.

Compliance with the speed limit is critical due to the inertia and complexity of the road train. In emergency braking, the towed car can “fold” or push the tractor, especially on slippery roads. The distance to the vehicles in front should be increased.

The driver of the tractor must choose a speed that allows you to confidently control the clutch. If the road has a difficult terrain, many turns or poor surface, the speed should be reduced even more, up to 20-30 km / h. Ignoring these norms often results in a cable rupture or collision.

For different types of coupling, there are recommendations for distance. When using a flexible coupling (cord), the distance between the vehicles should be from 4 to 6 meters. The rigid coupling fixes the distance rigidly, but requires special care in cornering due to the displacement of the trajectory of the rear wheels.

Table of requirements for lighting devices

For convenience of perception of information we will reduce the basic requirements for the use of lighting devices in a single table. This will help you quickly navigate the rules depending on the type of towing and the role of the car.

Type of vehicle	Type of coupling	Required light	Note
Towing	Flexible/Rigid	Near-light headlights	Accident - on the situation
towed	Flexible/Rigid	Emergency alarms	Always.
Towing	Partial loading	Near beam + Dimensions	Unless closed by the body
towed	Partial loading	Accident or sign	Depends on the serviceability

From the table it is clear that the main “luminous” element in the bundle is a faulty car. However, the driver of the tractor does not absolve himself of responsibility for the overall visibility of the road train. In fog, rain or snow conditions, turning on the alarm on both cars is a reasonable precaution, even if the traffic rules do not directly dictate to the tractor.

It should be remembered that Traffic rules This is the minimum set of requirements. In a real traffic situation, the driver must act in a way that does not create danger, even if he is formally right. Visibility on the road is a variable factor, and an extra flashing “light bulb” can save lives.

Penalties for towing violations

Violation of towing rules is classified as an administrative offence. According to part 1 of article 12.9 of the administrative code of the Russian Federation, non-compliance with the requirements prescribed by road signs or markings, as well as violation of the rules of towing - entails a warning or a fine of 500 rubles.

Although the amount of the fine seems insignificant, the consequences of an accident that occurred due to improper towing can be much more serious. In addition, if it is proved that a violation of the rules of towing (for example, the absence of an accident on a towed car) caused the accident, the driver can be found guilty with all the ensuing civil and criminal consequences.

Particular attention should be paid to the technical condition of the cable or barbell. If the length of the cable is not consistent with the norm (less than 4 or more than 6 meters for flexible coupling), this is also a violation. A fine of 500 rubles is issued for the fact of violation of the rules of towing, regardless of what was violated – light, length or speed.

What should I do if the inspector stopped?

If you are stopped by the traffic police inspector during the towing, stay calm. Show the documents for both cars. If the violation is minor (for example, forgot to turn on the emergency), politely admit the error and eliminate it. Often, inspectors will meet if they see that you are moving to the repair site, and not engaged in commercial transportation without a license. However, if the towing is carried out with obvious violations (drunk driver, faulty brakes), the car can be evacuated to the parking lot.

Practical advice on organizing towing

Before starting the movement, it is necessary to properly prepare the cars. Make sure the towing eyelets are securely secured. If you use a cable, check it for scuffs and tears. Ideally, the cable will be fixed with red flags or reflective elements, which will increase its visibility to other drivers.

Talk to the second driver about the signal system. Since communication through glass may be difficult to hear, use (hands) or advance signals with the horn. For example, one short horn is “attention”, two is “slow down”, three is “stop”.

The movement should be smooth, without jerks. This is especially true for starting from the ground. The tractor must slowly choose the weakness of the cable and only then begin to disperse. A sharp jerk can lead to a cable break or damage to the transmission of the towed car, especially if it has automatic transmission.

⚠️ Attention: Towing of a car with an automatic transmission is possible only with the engine running (for lubricating the transmission) or with the driving wheels raised. Otherwise, the CP may fail.

If you are towing a car for the first time, choose a route with minimal traffic and no steep climbs. Avoid busy intersections and difficult interchanges. It is better to drive extra kilometers on a calm road than to risk in a dense stream.

Frequent questions and answers

Can I tow a car if the brakes are not working?

Towing a car with a faulty braking system on a flexible coupling is prohibited. Only towing by partial or full loading is allowed, when the wheels of one of the axles are torn from the ground, or on a rigid coupling, if the design allows you to effectively brake with a tractor (which is rare for passenger cars).

Do I need to run a truck at night?

Traffic rules do not require the inclusion of emergency on the towing car at night, only passing light is required. However, if the train is moving on an unlit track, the inclusion of the “emergency” on the tractor will make the bundle more noticeable, which will increase safety. This will not be a violation, but only a manifestation of prudence.

Is towing allowed on the motorway?

Yes, towing on the motorway is allowed, but the speed should not exceed 50 km / h. The movement must be on the right lane. Tractor drivers should be extremely careful, as the flow on such roads usually moves at high speed.

What to do if the cable breaks on the move?

The driver of the towed vehicle must brake immediately (if the brakes are working) or use the parking brake. The driver of the tractor must stop smoothly, without making sudden movements. Be sure to turn on the alarm on both cars and put an emergency stop sign.