The presence of passengers in a towed vehicle when using a rigid or flexible hitch is a direct violation of paragraph 20.1 of the current Traffic Rules of the Russian Federation. The legislation clearly prohibits the presence of citizens in the body or cabin of a vehicle that is being towed, unless the hitch is of the partial loading type. This requirement is dictated by safety considerations, since the controllability of a faulty vehicle is limited, and the risk of an accident if a cable breaks or a rod breaks is critically high.
Compliance with towing regulations is a prerequisite for the safe movement of faulty equipment on public roads. Violation of these norms not only entails administrative liability in the form of a fine, but also creates a real threat to the lives of road users. The driver of the towing vehicle is responsible for choosing the method of evacuation and must ensure that the number of people in the towed vehicle complies with the law.
Basic requirements for towing according to traffic regulations
The Code of Highway Regulations regulates the towing process in section 20, which details the conditions for using different types of coupling devices. The main principle is to ensure the safety of the maneuver, which implies the absence of people in the towed vehicle when using flexible or tough couplings. The exception is when the design of the towed vehicle does not allow it to be moved in any other way, but even then strict restrictions apply.
When choosing an evacuation method, it is necessary to take into account the technical condition of the braking system and steering. If the towed vehicle has a faulty steering system, towing is only permitted using the partial loading. In this case, the front wheels must be raised above the road, and control is carried out by the driver of the tractor. The presence of people in the body or cabin in such a situation is also prohibited, except in cases where this is provided for by the design of a special tow truck.
⚠️ Attention: Transporting people in a towed vehicle using a flexible or rigid hitch is strictly prohibited. This rule has no exceptions for cars and trucks.
It is important to distinguish between the concepts of towing and evacuation by specialized transport. Tow trucks equipped with platforms can transport people in the cabin of the towed vehicle only if this is provided for by the factory design of the tow truck and does not exceed the permissible weight. However, the classic towing of one car by another on a cable or bar excludes the presence of passengers in the driven vehicle.
Types of coupling devices and restrictions
The choice of hitch type directly affects the ability to transport people and the requirements for driver qualifications. There are three main types of connections, each of which has its own operating characteristics and restrictions prescribed in the traffic rules. The wrong choice of equipment can lead to an emergency on the road.
A flexible hitch is a cable, chain or belt, the length of which should be from 4 to 6 meters. When using this method, both vehicles must be drivable and their braking systems must be in good working order. Retroreflective elements or flags must be installed on the cable to indicate dimensions. Travel speed when using a flexible hitch, it should not exceed 50 km/h, and in populated areas - the speed limit for this type of vehicle.
Rigid coupling is performed using a special rod, which ensures a constant distance between cars. This method is more stable, but requires the towed vehicle to have proper steering. The length of the rod must be at least 4 meters. As with a cable, transporting people in a towed vehicle when using a rigid hitch prohibited.
The partial loading method involves lifting the front or rear wheels of the towed vehicle off the road. This is the only way in which the steering and brake requirements of the towed vehicle can be less stringent (when the steered wheels are raised). However, strict restrictions apply here too: if the front wheels are raised, there should be no one in the cabin of the towed vehicle, since steering is impossible.
Technical requirements for cars
To tow safely, both vehicles must meet a number of technical requirements. The driver of the tractor is obliged to make sure that his vehicle is in good working order, especially the brake system and coupling device, before starting to move. It is unacceptable to use homemade cables or rods that have not been certified.
The towed vehicle must also be prepared for movement. If a flexible hitch is used, it should work side lights and brake lights. In the dark or when visibility is poor, turning on the headlights is mandatory. The steering must allow the driver of the towed vehicle to maintain its trajectory while following the tow vehicle.
☑️ Check before towing
Particular attention should be paid to the weight of the towed vehicle. It must not exceed the weight of the towing vehicle. The exception is cases when towing is carried out using the partial loading method. Excess weight can cause the tractor to skid, especially on slippery roads or during emergency braking.
⚠️ Attention: The weight of the towed vehicle must not exceed the weight of the towing vehicle. Violation of this rule makes it almost impossible to control the hitch in an emergency.
Driver requirements and experience
Drivers involved in the towing process are subject to increased demands. The driver of the towing vehicle must have at least 2 years of driving experience. This requirement is aimed at minimizing risks, since driving a road train requires skills that are different from driving a single vehicle.
The driver of the towed vehicle (if he is driving, for example in a flexible hitch) must also have an appropriate driver's license. Its task is to monitor the signals of the driver in front, maintain tension on the cable and, if necessary, brake. Communication between drivers must be established in advance, since sound signals may not be heard while driving.
The table below shows the basic requirements for drivers depending on the type of hitch:
| Hitch type | Tractor driver experience | Presence of a driver in the towed car | Possibility of transporting people |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flexible (rope) | At least 2 years | Required | Prohibited |
| Rigid (bar) | At least 2 years | Mandatory (if not 3 wheels) | Prohibited |
| Partial loading | At least 2 years | Not required (if wheels are raised) | Prohibited (if wheels are raised) |
Speed and maneuvering limits
The speed limit when towing is strictly regulated. The maximum permitted speed when using a flexible or rigid hitch is 50 km/h. In populated areas, you must adhere to the general speed limit for this type of road, but not exceed 50 km/h. Driving at such speeds requires increased attention from other road users.
Maneuvering, especially turning and changing lanes, must be done smoothly and in advance. The turning radius of a road train is much larger than that of a single vehicle. The driver of the towed vehicle must accurately follow the trajectory of the tow vehicle, cutting off the turn so that the cable or rod does not encounter obstacles or touch curbs.
Reversing when towing with a flexible hitch is prohibited. On a rigid coupling, reversing is possible only in exceptional cases and with extreme caution, since the stability of the vehicle is sharply reduced. Any sudden movement may cause the vehicle combination to collapse or damage the coupling device.
Fines and liability for violations
Violation of towing rules, including illegal transportation of people in a towed vehicle, entails administrative liability in accordance with the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. The fine for violating towing rules (Article 12.9 Part 1) is 500 rubles. However, if it is proven that the driver’s actions created a safety hazard, the amount may be reclassified.
Particular attention should be paid to the case when there are children in the towed vehicle. This is regarded as a gross violation of the rules for transporting passengers and may lead to more serious consequences, including the detention of the vehicle. Traffic police officers have every right to stop the movement of such a road train until the violations are eliminated.
In the event of an accident while towing with passengers in a driven car, the insurance company may refuse to pay, citing violation of the rules for operating the vehicle. Therefore, compliance with traffic rules is not only a way to avoid a fine, but also a guarantee of financial protection.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can children be transported in a towed vehicle?
No, transporting children and adults in a towed vehicle when using a flexible or rigid hitch is strictly prohibited by traffic regulations. This poses a direct threat to life.
What is the fine for transporting people in a towed car?
The fine is 500 rubles under Part 1 of Article 12.9 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation for violating towing rules. In the event of an accident, liability may be reclassified to a more serious one.
Is towing allowed with faulty brakes?
Towing on a flexible hitch with faulty brakes is prohibited. On a rigid hitch - allowed if the weight of the towed vehicle is less than the weight of the towing vehicle. The partial loading method also allows for brake failure.
Does the driver of a towed car need experience?
Experience is required only for the driver of a towing vehicle (at least 2 years). The driver of the towed vehicle must simply have a valid driver's license of the appropriate category.