A breakdown of the control system on the road always takes the driver by surprise and poses a dilemma: call an expensive tow truck or try to deliver the vehicle to the repair site under its own power with the help of another car. The situation is aggravated if the breakdown occurred far from civilization, and the budget does not allow paying for the services of specialized equipment. At this moment, many car owners are wondering about the legality and safety of towing a car whose steering has completely or partially failed.
Responsibility for the decision made falls entirely on the shoulders of the driver of the towed vehicle, since the consequences of an error can be fatal. According to current traffic regulations, there are strict restrictions to move vehicles with inoperative life support systems. Ignoring these norms not only leads to significant fines, but also creates a direct threat to the lives of road users. In this article we will analyze in detail the legal aspects, technical nuances and scenarios when towing is strictly prohibited.
What do traffic regulations say about towing defective vehicles?
The main document regulating the procedure for moving motor vehicles is section 20 of the Road Traffic Rules of the Russian Federation. Paragraph 20.2 clearly defines the list of faults in the presence of which towing is prohibited. Steering ranks high on this list along with the braking system. The legislator proceeds from the principle of complete control of the vehicle in all driving situations.
The logic of the ban is simple: if the towed car does not have a steering wheel, the driver cannot adjust the trajectory in emergency situations. On a flexible hitch, such a car turns into an uncontrollable projectile, which, at the slightest jerk or braking of the tractor, will fold into an “accordion” or fly into the oncoming lane. Even with a rigid coupling, the lack of ability to turn the wheels makes maneuvering in dense traffic almost impossible without creating emergency situations.
⚠️ Attention! Towing a vehicle with faulty steering is prohibited by the Highway Code, regardless of the type of towbar used. The only legal way to deliver such a vehicle is to completely load it onto a tow truck platform.
It is important to understand that the degree of malfunction plays a role only if the steering is completely absent or is jammed in a position that does not allow it to maintain a straight path. If the steering wheel has simply become “stiff” due to a failure of the hydraulic booster, but technically the ability to turn the wheels has been preserved, then formally towing is possible, although it requires enormous physical effort from the driver. However, if the mechanism is mechanically damaged (the steering tip is torn off, the rack is broken), operation and towing are strictly unacceptable.
Complete failure of the steering makes towing by any means illegal and dangerous, requiring a mandatory tow truck call with a full load.
Analysis of coupling types: flexible, rigid and partial loading
To assess the risks, it is necessary to consider the three main towing methods and the applicability of each to a vehicle with steering problems. Flexible coupling (cable) is the most popular, but also the most dangerous option in this context. When using a cable, the distance between cars varies from 4 to 6 meters, and the towed car must brake independently and, critically, control the trajectory. If the steering wheel is not working, this is physically impossible, which makes this method absolutely unacceptable.
A rigid hitch (triangle or rod) places fewer demands on the braking system, but the control requirements remain the same. A rigid link fixes the distance between cars, but does not guarantee synchronized turns. If the wheels of the towed vehicle are stuck or the steering wheel does not turn, a rigid hitch will not save you from skidding or overturning when turning. The driver of the towed car simply will not be able to steer to compensate for the shift in the center of gravity.
The only exception that is often confused with towing is partial loading. In this case, the front wheels of the car with the steering wheel not working are raised above the ground and fixed on a special platform or fork of the tow truck. The rear wheels are rolling along the road. In this configuration steering the towed vehicle does not participate in the process, since the steered wheels are torn off the road surface. This is the only legal way to travel.
- 🚫 Flexible coupling (cable) is strictly prohibited for any malfunction of the steering mechanism.
- 🚫 A rigid hitch (bar) is prohibited, as it requires active steering by the driver of the towed vehicle.
- ✅ Partial loading is allowed, since the front wheels responsible for turning do not touch the road.
- ✅ Full loading is permitted and is the safest method of transportation.
Technical risks and process physics
Why are engineers and legislators so categorical? The point is in the physics of the movement of vehicle trains. When towing with a cable or a rigid hitch, the rear vehicle moves along a trajectory that is constantly changing relative to the front one. On a straight line this is not noticeable, but as soon as the tractor begins to change lanes or go around an obstacle, the rear vehicle must describe an arc with a smaller radius. Without a working steering wheel, the driver cannot “pull” the car into the turn.
In addition, inertia must be taken into account. A faulty car often has increased weight due to the lack of effective braking (if the brakes are also in question) or simply due to the weight of the units. When the tractor brakes sharply, the towed vehicle will continue to move forward by inertia. If the steering does not work, the driver will not be able to steer the car away from the tractor's bumper, which will lead to an inevitable collision.
The condition of the road surface is especially dangerous. On wet asphalt, compacted snow or ice, even a serviceable car with inoperative power steering is difficult to keep in the lane. If the mechanism is mechanically damaged, the wheels may be turned to the side or blocked. An attempt to drag such a car will create the effect of a plow, which will instantly turn the entire road train across the road, creating a threat to oncoming traffic.
Hidden risks of towing
Even if the steering wheel turns, but has play or sticks in certain positions, the risk of losing control at speeds above 40 km/h increases exponentially. Vibrations from the cable are transmitted to the steering column, making steering unpredictable.
Legal consequences and fines
Violation of towing rules is an administrative offense for which liability is provided under Part 1 of Article 12.23 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. A traffic police officer who stops a road train with faulty steering in tow has every right to issue a fine. The size of the sanction ranges from 500 to 1000 rubles. It would seem that the amount is small, but this does not take into account the associated risks.
The main problem lies not in the fine, but in civil and criminal liability in the event of an accident. If an accident with injuries occurs during illegal towing, the driver of the towed vehicle will be found guilty of creating conditions that contributed to the accident. Insurance company OSAGO may refuse payment, arguing that this is a gross violation of the rules for operating the vehicle (clause 20.2 of the traffic rules).
In case of serious harm to health or death of people due to negligence, the driver’s actions can be reclassified as a criminal offense. Judicial practice knows cases when an attempt to save money on a tow truck resulted in imprisonment for drivers. Therefore, saving 3-5 thousand rubles on tow truck services when the steering wheel is not working is an extremely short-sighted decision.
| Type of violation | Article of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation | Amount of fine | Add. measures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violation of towing rules | 12.23 p.1 | 500 - 1000 rub. | Prohibition of exploitation |
| Driving a vehicle with a faulty steering wheel | 12.5 part 2 | 500 rub. | Vehicle detention |
| Refusal to pay under OSAGO | Civil Code of the Russian Federation | 100% of the damage amount | Regression requirement |
| Causing harm to health (Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) | 264 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation | Imprisonment | Criminal record |
Algorithm of actions in case of breakdown on the way
If the steering failure occurs away from a populated area, the driver needs to act with composure. The first step should be to evaluate the possibility of self-repair. Sometimes the problem lies in a broken power steering belt or a drop of fluid from the reservoir. In emergency cases, you can add water (as a temporary measure) or replace the belt if you have one with you. However, if the mechanical parts are damaged, on-site repair is not possible.
The second step is organizing a safe parking lot. You need to pull over to the side of the road, turn on your hazard lights and put up a warning triangle. Do not try to “stumble” to the nearest service station under your own power - this is deadly. After this, you should call a specialized tow truck with full or partial loading of the front end.
☑️ Action plan in case of steering failure
When calling a tow truck, be sure to tell the dispatcher the nature of the problem. The phrase “the steering wheel does not work” will help the dispatcher select equipment with the desired type of grip (fork or platform). An attempt to load a car with its wheels turned out onto a tow truck without special adapters may result in damage to the suspension during loading.
⚠️ Attention! Never accept suspended towing (when the front wheels are suspended in the air, but not secured to the platform) without firmly securing the steering wheel. On the way, the wheels may begin to wobble, which will lead to destruction of the suspension or an accident.
Special cases and exceptions to the rules
There are rare situations that drivers interpret incorrectly. For example, failure of the electric power steering (EPS) or hydraulic booster (GUR). In this case, the steering becomes very tight, but technically sound. Traffic regulations do not prohibit the towing of such cars, but they require enormous physical strength from the driver to steer. Over long distances this can lead to rapid fatigue and loss of control.
Another case is electronic steering lock (immobilizer). If the steering wheel is locked due to a low battery, it can be unlocked by applying power to the on-board network. In this case, towing is possible using standard methods, since the mechanical part is in good condition. It is important to distinguish software blocking from mechanical failure.
If your power steering has failed, but the steering wheel turns, you can temporarily increase the tire pressure of the towed vehicle for towing a short distance. This will reduce rolling resistance and make steering easier.
It is also worth mentioning cars with the system Active Steering or adaptive steering. In the event of electronic failures, such systems can go into emergency mode or be completely blocked. Owners of modern cars with complex electronics are better off not taking risks and calling a tow truck right away, since improper towing can damage the steering angle sensors, which will lead to expensive repairs.
Failure of the power steering is not a complete ban on towing, unlike mechanical damage to the rack or rods, but requires increased caution.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to tow a car with a disabled steering wheel on a rigid hitch if the driver in the cabin turns the steering wheel?
No, you can't. Even on a rigid coupling (triangle), active steering is required to compensate for drifts and accurately follow the tractor’s trajectory. If the steering mechanism is completely faulty (broken, jammed), the driver will physically be unable to turn the wheels, which will make the movement uncontrollable and dangerous.
What is the fine for towing with faulty steering?
According to Part 1 of Art. 12.23 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, violation of towing rules entails an administrative fine in the amount of 500 rubles. However, if this leads to an accident, the liability may be significantly higher, even criminal.
What to do if the steering wheel is stuck in a straight position?
If the steering wheel is jammed in the “straight” position and the wheels do not wobble, driving in a straight line is theoretically possible. However, any turn, detour around a hole or changing lanes will become impossible. Traffic regulations interpret a steering malfunction as a complete ban on towing, since it will be impossible to perform an evasive maneuver to avoid an impact.
Is partial towing permitted if the steering wheel fails?
Yes, the partial loading method (with the front wheels off the road) is a legal and safe way to transport vehicles with faulty steering or brakes. In this case, the requirements for the handling of the towed vehicle do not apply.
Is it possible to get to the service station under your own power if the power steering is lost?
If the mechanical part is intact and the wheels turn (albeit with great effort), you can get there. However, this is only permitted to the repair or parking area. If the force on the steering wheel makes steering impossible or dangerous, further movement is prohibited.