Is it possible to tow a car in icy conditions if the towed vehicle has working brakes and steering?

Icy conditions are one of the most dangerous road conditions, causing even experienced drivers to struggle. And when it comes to towing, the risks increase significantly. Many motorists ask: Is towing allowed in icy conditions if the towed vehicle has working brakes and steering?? At first glance, the serviceability of key systems should guarantee security, but in practice everything is more complicated.

In this article, we'll look at what the law says, what restrictions apply in 2026, and why even good brakes and steering don't always make towing in icy conditions acceptable. You will learn about the nuances of traffic rules, possible fines, as well as how to minimize risks if towing cannot be avoided. We will pay special attention to alternative methods of evacuation, which may be safer in icy road conditions.

What the law says: Traffic regulations on towing in icy conditions

The main document regulating towing in Russia is Traffic rules (traffic rules), namely section 20. However, there is no direct mention of black ice. Instead, there are general towing requirements that indirectly apply to severe weather conditions.

According to clause 20.4 of the traffic rules, towing with a flexible hitch is prohibited in icy conditions anyway, regardless of the condition of the towed vehicle. This is associated with a high risk of loss of control and the creation of an emergency situation. But towing with a rigid coupling or partial loading method (for example, using a tow truck) theoretically possible, but with a number of reservations.

It is important to understand that even if the towed vehicle is in working order brakes and steering, this does not change the general restrictions. The traffic police inspector may interpret the situation as a violation clause 2.7 of traffic rules, which prohibits the operation of a vehicle if its condition or loading creates a danger to traffic. Ice in itself is already a factor of increased risk, and towing in such conditions is an additional complication.

Working brakes and steering: is this enough for safe towing?

At first glance, if the towed vehicle is in good working order braking system and steering, this should reduce risks. However, in icy conditions, even a fully operational vehicle can become uncontrollable. Why?

• 🔹 Road grip: on ice, the coefficient of adhesion between tires and pavement drops by 5–10 times. Even good brakes may not work effectively, and the steering will become useless if you skid.
• 🔹 Inertia of the towed vehicle: During sudden braking or maneuvering, the towed vehicle may “run into” the towing vehicle, especially on a flexible hitch.
• 🔹 Psychological factor: the driver of a towed car, even if he controls the steering wheel and brakes, is not always able to adequately react to changes in trajectory due to a slippery road.

In addition, according to clause 20.3 of the traffic rules, when towing on a flexible hitch, the driver must be behind the wheel of the towed vehicle (except for cases where the design of the hitch ensures that the trajectory of the towing vehicle is repeated). But even this requirement does not guarantee safety in icy conditions: the driver may simply not have time to react to a skid.

Fines and liability for towing in icy conditions

If a traffic police inspector detects towing on a flexible hitch in icy conditions, this will be classified as a violation clause 20.4 of the traffic rules. The penalty for this is:

Type of violation	Fine (2026)	Additional measures
Towing on a flexible hitch in icy conditions	500 ₽	Warning or fine at the discretion of the inspector
Towing with faulty brakes/steering (not even in icy conditions)	500–800 ₽	Prohibition on further movement until the fault is eliminated
Creating an emergency due to towing in icy conditions	1 000–1 500 ₽	Possible deprivation of rights for 1–3 months for repeated violation

However, the fine is not the worst thing. The main danger is administrative and criminal liability in case of an accident. If an accident with serious consequences occurs due to towing in icy conditions, the driver may be charged with Art. 264 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (“Violation of traffic rules resulting in death or serious harm to health”). In such cases, the punishment can reach imprisonment up to 7 years.

⚠️ Attention! If the towed vehicle does not have a valid MTPL policy, liability for damage in the event of an accident will fall on the owner of the towing vehicle. Icy conditions increase the risk of an accident, so check your insurance before towing.

When is towing in icy conditions still permitted?

There are several scenarios when towing in icy conditions. not prohibited law, but requires compliance with strict conditions:

1. Rigid coupling: if a hitch is used that prevents yaw of the towed vehicle (for example, a triangle or a special bar).
2. Partial loading: When the front or rear axle of the towed vehicle is lifted onto the tow truck bed.
3. Tow truck: Full-load towing is the safest option in icy conditions.

However, even in these cases it is necessary:

• 🚨 Reduce speed to 20–30 km/h.
• 🚨 Turn on the hazard warning lights on both vehicles.
• 🚨 Increase the distance to cars in front by 2-3 times.
• 🚨 Avoid sudden braking and turning.

Check the serviceability of the brakes and steering of the towed vehicle |

Use only a rigid hitch or tow truck|

Make sure both drivers have the appropriate license category|

Reduce speed to minimum and turn on hazard lights |

Avoid towing on uphill and downhill slopes-->

In this case, the only way out is to call a tow truck.

Alternatives to towing in icy conditions

If it is possible to avoid towing in icy conditions, it is better to take advantage of it. Let's consider alternative methods of transporting a faulty vehicle:

• 🚛 Tow truck: The safest, but also the most expensive option. Average departure cost — 1 500–3 000 ₽ depending on the region.
• 🔧 Mobile car service: If the problem is not serious (for example, a dead battery or a punctured tire), the technician can fix the problem on the spot.
• 📞 Insurance assistance: If you have a CASCO or extended insurance policy, check whether it covers evacuation.
• 🚗 DIY repair: if you are an experienced driver, you can try to fix the breakdown on the spot (for example, replace a wheel or “light” the battery).

If you still decide to tow your car, but are unsure about safety, use ice map (for example, service Yandex.Weather or Gismeteo such data is often published). If icing is expected along the route, it is better to reschedule the towing to another day or choose an alternative method of transportation.

What to do if towing is unavoidable and the road is slippery?

If you find yourself in a situation where it is necessary to tow your car in icy conditions (for example, on a highway far from cities), follow these rules:

1. Use snow chains on the driving wheels of the towing vehicle.

2. Increase the cable length to 4–6 meters (for a flexible hitch) to smooth out jerks.

3. Drive in the far right lane or shoulder unless prohibited.

4. Stop periodically to check the heating of the brake pads of the towed vehicle (they can overheat with constant braking).

Common mistakes when towing in icy conditions

Even experienced drivers make mistakes, which in icy conditions can lead to serious consequences. Let's look at the most common ones:

1. Using a flexible hitch: Despite the serviceability of the brakes, the flexible cable does not provide stability, and the towed vehicle may wobble.
2. Speeding: even 40 km/h in icy conditions that's a lot to tow. Optimal speed - 20 km/h.
3. Sudden braking: They lead to wheel locking and skidding. You need to brake smoothly, releasing the gas in advance.
4. Incorrect weight distribution: if the towed vehicle is heavier than the towing vehicle, steering the “train” becomes almost impossible.
5. Ignoring signs: for example, sign 3.7 "Driving with a trailer is prohibited" automatically prohibits towing.

Critical error: towing a car with an automatic transmission on a flexible hitch in icy conditions. In such vehicles, when towing over long distances (more than 50 km) or at speeds above 30 km/h, the gearbox may fail due to lack of lubrication. During icy conditions, the risk of breakdown increases significantly.

⚠️ Attention! If the towed vehicle is equipped electric power steering (EUR), when the engine is stopped, the steering will become very heavy. In icy conditions this can lead to loss of control. Before towing, check whether the EUR can be disconnected or provide power from the battery.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about towing in icy conditions

Is it possible to tow a car with an automatic transmission in icy conditions if the brakes and steering are working properly?

Towing a vehicle with Automatic transmission In icy conditions it is highly not recommended, even if the brakes and steering are working properly. Reasons:

• Risk of overheating of the box due to lack of lubrication when the engine is turned off.
• In icy conditions, even a small skid can lead to wheel locking and transmission failure.

If there is no alternative, tow with a rigid hitch at a speed no more than 20 km/h and at a distance no more 20–30 km. It's better to call a tow truck.

What is the penalty for towing with a flexible hitch in icy conditions if the inspector stops you?

According to clause 20.4 of the traffic rules, towing with a flexible hitch in icy conditions is prohibited. The fine is 500 ₽ (by Part 1 Art. 12.21 Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation). However, the inspector may limit himself to a warning if the violation does not create a danger to other road users.

If towing led to an accident, the punishment will be more severe: a fine of up to 5 000 ₽ or deprivation of rights to 1–3 months (by Part 2 Art. 12.21 Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).

Is it possible to tow a car with faulty brakes if there is a rigid hitch?

No, towing a vehicle with faulty brakes prohibited in any conditions, even on a rigid coupling (clause 20.4 of the traffic rules). An exception is towing by partial or full loading (for example, on a tow truck).

During icy conditions, this prohibition is especially strict: faulty brakes make towing extremely dangerous, even if a rigid hitch is used.

What should you do if your car is stuck in icy conditions and you can’t tow it?

If towing is not possible or prohibited, proceed as follows:

1. Try it rock the car back and forth (if there is no risk of damage to the transmission).
2. Put it under the wheels sand, salt or special anti-slip mats.
3. If there are other drivers nearby, ask push the car (but only on a flat surface!).
4. Call tow truck or a mobile technician if you can’t go out on your own.

Do not try to tow your vehicle with a flexible hitch - this may make the situation worse.

Do I need to turn on my hazard lights when towing in icy conditions?

Yes, The hazard lights must be on on both vehicles (clause 7.1 of traffic rules). This is especially important during icy conditions, as other drivers may not be expecting a slow-moving “train.”

Additionally recommended:

• Install a sign on the towed vehicle "Emergency Stop" (if it does not interfere with the view).
• Use fog lights for better visibility.