Is it possible to continue towing after stopping: analysis of traffic rules with examples and fines

You are towing a faulty car, but the traffic police inspector stopped you for inspection - or the towing itself was interrupted due to technical reasons. Is it possible continue without violations? This issue is controversial even among experienced drivers. The traffic rules do not directly prohibit the resumption of towing, but there are strict conditions under which this is permitted. A failure to comply with them will result in a fine of up to RUB 5,000 or even evacuation.

In the article we will analyze Three Critical Points 90% of Drivers Miss When Resuming Towing: 1) When the inspector has the right to prohibit the continuation of movement (spoiler: this is not only for a drunk driver). 2) What technical requirements to the towed vehicle must be carried out after stops (yes, they are different from the initial ones!). 3) Why towing flexible hitch after stopping it automatically becomes a violation in 7 cases out of 10.

We will study the latest clarifications of the traffic police in 2026, judicial practice and provide a checklist for drivers.

1. Traffic rules 2026: what the law says about the continuation of towing

Main document - clause 20.4 of the Russian Federation Traffic Regulations, but there is no direct mention of “continuing” towing. However, the logic of applying the rules is based on three key points:

• 📜 Towing is a single process, which can only be interrupted if all initial conditions are met (clauses 20.1–20.3 of the Traffic Regulations). If, after stopping, at least one requirement is not met (for example, the cable breaks), you cannot continue moving.
• 🚔 The inspector has the right to prohibit towing, if it reveals violations during the inspection (clause 2.3.1 of the traffic rules). For example, the brakes of the towed car do not work, and you forgot to report it.
• ⚖️ Courts interpret “continuation” as a new towing (Resolution of the Plenum of the Supreme Council No. 20 of June 25, 2019). This means that all conditions must be checked again, as if you were just starting the movement.

Key nuance: if towing was interrupted at the inspector's initiative (for example, to check documents), its resumption is possible only after all comments have been eliminated. If a stop occurs it's your fault (breakdown, accident), then the rules become stricter - a re-inspection of the vehicle is required.

2. When the inspector prohibits you from continuing towing: 5 reasons

Even if the towing was initially organized according to the rules, the inspector may prohibit its continuation. Here exhaustive list of reasons (based on clause 2.3.1 of the Traffic Regulations and Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 664):

1. Malfunctions of a towed carthat appeared after the start of movement (for example, the brakes or steering have failed).
2. Coupling failure: the cable is broken, the rigid coupling is cracked, or the distance between the machines exceeds 4–6 m (for flexible coupling).
3. Changing visibility conditions: it started to rain/snow, but the towed car’s lights are off dimensions or emergency gang.
4. Driver of a towed vehicle does not have rights of the required category (for example, he only has B, and the car weighs >3.5 tons).
5. Lack of documents: there is no insurance for the towed car or it is not issued waybill (for legal entities).

⚠️ Attention! If the inspector prohibits towing due to a malfunction, but you fixed it on the spot (for example, repaired the brakes), he has no right demand a tow truck. However, you will have to provide evidence of repairs (receipts, videos, witness statements).

3. Technical requirements for a car after stopping: what has changed in 2026

On March 1, 2026, amendments to Technical Regulations of the Customs Union 018/2011, which tightened the requirements for towed vehicles. Now after any stop you need to check:

Parameter	Requirements before stopping	Requirements after shutdown (2026)
Brake system	Must work on at least one circuit	Both circuits must be in good working order (if towing on a flexible hitch)
Steering	Should work without backlash	Backlash no more 10° (previously it was 20°)
Lighting	Dimensions + emergency lights	Additionally rear fog lights (if visibility < 300 m)
Hitch	Cable - no shorter than 4 m, rigid coupling - no longer than 4 m	For the cable - maximum 6 m, for a rigid coupling - 3 m (previously it was 4 m)

Special attention - automatic towing. If the towed vehicle has Automatic transmission, then after stopping necessarily check the oil level in the box. When towing distances >50 km or speeds >40 km/h, the risk of transmission overheating increases by 3 times (US data).

What happens if you ignore the new requirements?

The fine for malfunctions during towing is 500–1,500 rubles (part 1 of article 12.5 of the Administrative Code). If the inspector finds that the brakes do not work on both circuits, the fine will increase to 5,000 rubles (part 2 of article 12.5), plus the evacuation of both cars is possible.

4. Flexible vs rigid coupling: what traffic rules allow after stopping

The choice of hitch type after stopping depends on two factors: 1) Conditions of the towed car (whether the brakes/steering wheel work). 2) Road conditions (city/highway, weather).

Let's look at examples:

• 🚗 Flexible hitch (cable) only allowed if:
  • Brakes and steering wheel of a towed vehicle fully operational.
  • Speed does not exceed 50 km/h.
  • Distance between cars - 4–6 m (previously there was only “4–6 m”, now the upper limit is strict).
• 🔗 Rigid coupling required if:
  • Brakes don't work at least on one wheel.
  • Towing occurs at night or when visibility is < 300 m.
  • The weight of the towed vehicle is >80% of the weight of the towing vehicle (for example, Lada Granta cannot tow Toyota Land Cruiser 200 on a flexible coupling).

⚠️ Attention! If you started towing with a rigid hitch, but after stopping you switched to a cable (for example, because the hitch broke), this is automatically considered a violation. The inspector interprets this as “a change in towing conditions without re-inspection” (letter from the traffic police No. 13/2-124 dated January 15, 2026).

5. Fines for violations: how much will you have to pay in 2026

Penalties for improperly continuing towing are regulated Art. 12.5, 12.21 and 12.23 Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. The fines increased from January 1, 2026:

Violation	Fine (2023)	Fine (2026)	Additional measures
Towing with a faulty cable/hitch	500 ₽	1 500 ₽	Warning or evacuation
No Towing sign (if required)	500 ₽	1 000 ₽	—
Towing with no brakes on a flexible hitch	1 000–1 500 ₽	5 000 ₽	Evacuation of both vehicles
Speeding >50 km/h when towing	1 000–1 500 ₽	2 000–2 500 ₽	Deprivation of rights for 4–6 months (in case of relapse)

The most controversial point - evacuation. Inspectors often threaten her at the slightest violation, but in practice they evacuate only in two cases: 1) If the towed car creates a traffic hazard (for example, sticks out in the middle of the road). 2) If the driver cannot present documents for the vehicle or license.

6. Step-by-step instructions: how to properly resume towing

If you are stopped or towing is interrupted due to technical reasons, follow this algorithm:

1. Assess the condition of the vehicle:
   • Check the brakes, steering wheel, and lighting of the towed vehicle.
   • Make sure that the hitch is not damaged (the cable is not frayed, the rigid hitch is not deformed).
2. Comply with equipment requirements:
   • It should light up on the towed car. low beam or fog lights (if visibility < 300 m).
   • On the towing vehicle - switched on emergency gang.
   • If towing with a flexible hitch, check that the distance between vehicles is 4–6 m.
3. Get inspector's permission (if the stop was on his initiative):
   • Present documents for both vehicles.
   • If there were any comments (for example, on the brakes), show that they have been corrected.

Start moving:

• Speed - no more 50 km/h (in the city) or 60 km/h (on the highway).
• Stay in the right lane and do not overtake.

If towing is interrupted due to hitch failure, but there is no spare, the only legal option is to call a tow truck. An attempt to “get to the workshop on a rope” is equivalent to towing without a hitch and is punishable by a fine. 5 000 ₽.

7. Frequent driver mistakes: what inspectors check

According to traffic police statistics, 65% of fines for towing are related to five common mistakes:

• 🔴 Ignoring the Towing Sign. Many people think that emergency lights are enough, but if towing with a rigid coupling or in the dark, the sign triangle shaped with red stripes mandatory (clause 20.3 of the traffic rules).
• 🔴 Inconsistency between categories of rights. For example, the driver of a towed vehicle GAZelle (weight >3.5 t) has only a category B. Required C or BE.
• 🔴 Speeding. Even if you are driving 55 km/h in the city, this is already a violation (maximum - 50 km/h).
• 🔴 Automatic towing without hanging the drive wheels. For Audi A4, BMW 5-series and other cars with Automatic transmission towing over a distance of >50 km requires the front or rear axle to be suspended (depending on the drive).
• 🔴 Lack of first aid kit/fire extinguisher in a towed car. This is a violation of clause 7.7 of the traffic rules, the fine is 500 ₽.

⚠️ Attention! If you are towing a car with electric power steering (for example, Hyundai Solaris or Kia Rio), after stopping the engine of the towed vehicle must be off. Otherwise, the risk of damaging the amplifier when turning the steering wheel increases by 80% (data from auto experts).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to continue towing if an inspector stops to check documents?

Yes, but only if: 1) All documents are in order (STS, license, insurance for both vehicles). 2) The technical condition of the vehicles complies with traffic regulations (brakes, steering wheel, lighting). 3) The inspector did not find any other violations (for example, speeding).

If at least one condition is not met, towing will be prohibited.

What to do if the cable breaks while towing?

Stop, turn on the hazard lights on both cars and: 1) Try to temporarily connect the cars with another cable (if it exists and complies with traffic regulations). 2) If there is no spare cable, call a tow truck. You cannot continue towing with crampons or a rope: this is equivalent to driving without a hitch (fine 5,000 ₽).

Is it possible to tow a car with an automatic transmission after stopping?

It is possible, but with reservations: 1) For most cars with Automatic transmission (for example, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Polo) maximum towing distance — 50 km, speed - 40 km/h. 2) If towing is interrupted, before continuing necessarily check the oil level in the box. If there is a shortage of it, towing is prohibited. 3) For cars with CVT (for example, Nissan Qashqai) towing is permitted only with a rigid hitch with the drive wheels hanging.

What documents must be presented to the inspector when checking the towing?

List of documents:

• Drivers' rights both cars (the category must correspond to the weight of the vehicle).
• STS (registration certificate) for both cars.
• MTPL insurance for the towing car (for the towed car is not mandatory, but in the event of an accident both drivers will have problems).
• If the towing is commercial (for example, a tow truck), a waybill.

The absence of at least one document is a reason for a fine 500–800 ₽.

What happens if you continue towing after the inspector prohibits it?

This qualifies as failure to comply with the requirement to prohibit the operation of a vehicle (Part 2 of Article 12.3 of the Administrative Code). Punishment:

• Fine 500–800 ₽ (if the violation is detected again - until 5 000 ₽).
• Evacuation both cars to the impound lot.
• In some cases - vehicle detention until the reasons for the prohibition are eliminated (for example, if the brakes are faulty).

Advice: if the inspector prohibits towing, it is better to call a tow truck than to take risks.