Rules for transporting passengers in a towed vehicle

A direct ban on people being in a towed vehicle while driving is fixed in paragraph 20.1 of the current Traffic Rules of the Russian Federation, which makes any attempts at such transportation illegal. This standard applies to all types of towing, whether using a flexible hitch, a rigid rod connection, or full loading onto a tow truck platform, if in the latter case the wheels of the damaged vehicle touch the road. Ignoring this requirement creates a critical safety hazard, since the towed vehicle is deprived of the ability to effectively brake and maneuver, regardless of the actions of the driver behind the wheel of the tractor.

Many car enthusiasts mistakenly believe that the presence of an experienced driver in the towed car or the serviceability of the brake system allows them to neglect this rule in order to save on tow truck services. However, the legislator proceeds from the principle of minimizing risks: even with working brakes, operating a towed vehicle requires the highest concentration and physical strength, and the presence of passengers distracts from these tasks and increases the likelihood of serious injuries in the event of a sharp pull on the cable or a collision. Passenger safety in this context, it is placed above convenience or financial gain, therefore, violation of this clause of the traffic rules entails administrative liability.

It is important to understand that the restriction applies not only to passenger cars, but also to any other motor vehicles that are towed on public roads. Clause 20.1 Traffic Regulations clearly states the requirement that only drivers must be in the towing and towed vehicles. This means that taking children, relatives or friends into the cabin of a faulty car that you are dragging on a cable is strictly prohibited. Next, we will analyze in detail the technical and legal aspects of this ban, and also consider exceptions and nuances that every car owner should be aware of.

Legislative framework and traffic regulations requirements

The main document regulating the towing process is section 20 of the Road Traffic Rules. It is here that the basic principle is formulated that prohibits people from being in a towed vehicle. Clause 20.1 states that there should be no people other than the driver in the towed vehicle. This requirement is absolute and does not depend on the type of fault, route length or time of day. The legislator proceeds from the fact that the towed vehicle is a source of increased danger, and any unnecessary movement inside the vehicle can destabilize the hitch.

In addition, the rules impose strict requirements on the technical condition of the towed vehicle. If the machine does not have steering control, towing with a partial loading method or with a flexible hitch is completely prohibited - only a rigid hitch or loading on a platform is allowed. In the event of a malfunction of the braking system, only a rigid hitch is allowed, and the weight of the towed vehicle should not exceed 50% of the weight of the towing vehicle. Violation of these norms is equivalent to driving a technically defective vehicle.

⚠️ Attention: Trying to deceive the traffic police inspector by claiming that the people in the towed car were only in the parking lot and not while driving, usually does not work. Police officers have the right to stop the convoy at any time and demand that all passengers disembark from the towed vehicle. Repeated violation or creation of an emergency situation can lead to more serious consequences, including the detention of transport.

It's also worth noting that towing regulations apply to motorcycles as well. Motorcycles are prohibited from towing vehicles, and towing of motorcycles is prohibited except for partial load towing. The driver of the towing vehicle must have at least 2 years of driving experience, which is also an important condition for the legality of the process. Legal Compliance in this case, this is not just a formality, but a guarantee that in the event of an accident you will not have problems with the insurance company, which may refuse to pay due to violation of the vehicle operation rules.

Technical risks and process physics

The ban on transporting people in a towed vehicle is dictated not only by legal regulations, but also by the harsh physics of traffic. When a car is towed, its dynamics are radically different from normal driving. Any change in the speed or direction of movement of the tractor is transmitted to the towed vehicle with a delay and often with a whiplash effect. Passengers in the rear car are subjected to forces they are not prepared for, which can cause neck and spine injuries even when driving smoothly.

Inertia poses a particular danger. When the towing vehicle is braked, the towed vehicle continues to move by inertia, and its weight “leans” onto the hitch. If there are people in the cabin, their bodies also continue to move forward. In conditions where the car can be folded into a “fracture” (the effect of a trailer folding), passengers find themselves trapped without the ability to influence the situation. Flexible hitch (cable) creates additional risks, since when the tension is weakened and the subsequent jerk, the load on the body and interior increases many times over.

• 🚗 High risk of hitting the front panel or windshield when the tractor brakes sharply due to inertia.
• 🚙 It is impossible for a passenger to influence the trajectory of movement in the event of a skid or demolition of the rear axle of a towed car.
• 🚕 Psychological stress and disorientation that prevent the passenger from correctly grouping in the event of an accident.

In addition, the safety systems in a towed vehicle are often faulty. Airbags may not deploy correctly due to the way the crash sensors operate when towing, and seat belt pretensioners may not activate in a timely manner. Car electronicsWhen in tow mode, it is often in limp mode or disabled, making the interior an unsafe place to be.

Features of towing with different types of hitch

The type of hitch used directly affects the degree of danger, but does not eliminate the prohibition on transporting people. Let's look at the main types of towing and the risks associated with them. When using a flexible hitch (cable), the distance between vehicles should be from 4 to 6 meters. This length is necessary to ensure visibility and maneuverability, but it also creates a “pendulum” effect. A towed car constantly scours from side to side, and it is extremely difficult for the driver to keep it on the lane, and scary and dangerous for passengers.

A rigid hitch (rod) provides a more stable position for the vehicles, since the distance is fixed and is usually about 4 meters. However, even in this case, driving a towed vehicle requires constant effort. The steering must be in good working order, otherwise towing is prohibited. Rigid coupling transfers all vibrations and shocks from the road directly to the body of the second car, which, if there are passengers, can lead to their injury from interior elements.

The partial loading method, where the front or rear wheels of the towed vehicle are on the towing platform, is also covered by the regulations. If the wheels of one of the axles are rolling along the road, there should be no people in the cabin of the towed car. The exception is a complete loading onto a tow truck, when the vehicle is entirely on the platform - in this case, it is not formally involved in traffic as a vehicle, but the safety rules of tow truck services also usually prohibit people from being in the back while driving along the highway.

Fines and liability for violation

Violation of towing rules, including transportation of people in a towed vehicle, is classified by the Code of Administrative Offenses (CAO) of the Russian Federation. The driver of a towed car with passengers in it violates part 1 of article 12.9 (excessive speed when towing, if any) or, more likely, part 1 of article 12.7 (driving a vehicle by a driver who does not have the right to drive the corresponding category, if towing is considered as a separate mode) or article 12.5 (malfunctions). However, most often Part 1 of Article 12.9 or Article 12.31 (violation of requirements for ensuring transportation safety) is applied.

The most common practice is a fine for violating towing rules under Part 1 of Article 12.9 or specialized standards, which entails a fine of 500 rubles. Although the amount seems small, the danger lies elsewhere. If, in the event of an accident involving such a hitch, the passengers in the towed car are injured, the drivers of both cars face criminal liability under Article 264 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. Criminal Code in this case, does not make any allowance for the “good desire to help a friend.”

Insurance companies (OSAGO and CASCO) very carefully study the circumstances of the accident. If it is established that towing was carried out in violation of traffic rules (including passengers in the towed car), the insurer has every right to apply a recourse claim. This means that the company will pay damages to the victims, but then recover the entire amount from the person responsible for the accident. Financial losses in this case, they can amount to millions of rubles, especially if we are talking about harm to health.

• ⚖️ Fine under Art. 12.9 or 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation - 500 rubles.
• 👮 Possibility of detaining the vehicle and sending it to the impound lot.
• 🏥 The risk of the insurance company refusing to pay compensation for damage.

In addition, the driver of the towing vehicle is also responsible. He is obliged to monitor compliance with towing rules, including the absence of passengers in the driven vehicle. If the inspector stops the hitch, questions will be asked of both drivers. Ignoring the inspector's demands or attempting to hide passengers (for example, forcing them to duck) may be considered insubordination and subject to additional sanctions.

Exceptions and special cases

Are there situations when carrying people in a towed vehicle is still permitted? According to the current version of the traffic rules, there are no direct exceptions for passenger cars. However, there is a nuance associated with full loading. If the vehicle is loaded onto the tow truck platform entirely and secured, it is considered cargo. In this case, the presence of people in the cabin is not formally prohibited by traffic regulations, but is strictly prohibited by safety rules for cargo transportation and the rules of towing services. Moving such a “cargo” with people inside along the highway is a huge risk, and no self-respecting company will allow this.

The only conditional exception can be considered the movement of convoys or special events, where towing is carried out as part of organized events under the control of the traffic police, but even there, safety rules, as a rule, prohibit the presence of people in towed vehicles. Military equipment or special equipment may have their own regulations, but they do not cancel the general traffic rules for civilians.

The question about children often arises. Parents who find themselves in a breakdown situation may think that leaving their child in a warm car in tow is safer than driving them along the side of the road. This is a fatal mistake. A child in a towed car is absolutely defenseless. In the event of a rear impact or sudden braking, inertia can be fatal. Child safety requires that they remain in another, serviceable vehicle or await evacuation in a safe location, accompanied by an adult.

Correct algorithm of actions in case of breakdown

What to do if the car breaks down and you need to take passengers somewhere? The only correct algorithm of action excludes towing with people inside. First, you need to ensure the safety of the stop: turn on the hazard warning lights, put up an emergency stop sign (in a populated area - 15 meters, outside a populated area - 30 meters). Then a decision must be made on the method of transportation.

If it is possible to call a tow truck with a full load, this is the best option. In this case, passengers can get to their destination in a tow truck (if there is space) or by taxi. If another vehicle is called for towing, all occupants must leave the disabled vehicle. They can get into the towing vehicle (if there are free seats and it does not exceed the permissible load for the number of people specified in the traffic regulations - no more than the number of seats) or leave on passing transport.

You can’t crowd the salon, even if you really want to help everyone at once. Vehicle overload It is also a traffic violation and reduces controllability, which is critical when towing.

⚠️ Warning: Never agree to carry passengers in a towed vehicle, even if they beg for it because of the cold or rain. Your responsibility as the driver and owner of the car is not commensurate with the short-term discomfort of passengers. Suggest that it is better for them to wait in a cafe or ride in the cab of a tractor, if the design of the vehicle allows this.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)