Using an A Frame in Europe Forums

eRogerd

I am about to go to Europe in the Hymer towing a VW Polo on an A frame. Although I have toured widely accross the water, this will be the first time with a toad and wondered if anybody out there has actually had any problems using an A Frame and if so what was the outcome. I have heard that France and Spain will fine you on the spot about 50 euro, but can anyone verify that? I will be visiting France,Belgium, Germany, Austria and possibly Italy and would be grateful for any advice, like is it best to stay off the autoroutes etc?

Cheers
Roger

Rapide561

Hello

There is a lot on the forum about this very subject.

On a personal level, I towed a car to Italy via France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Switzerland. No one battered an eye lid, other than people who wanted one.

Russell

silversurfa

Not legal in Spain, not allowed to tow,nobody tows cars .but your not likely to be stopped being an extranjero! ,

Medallionman

lookback

Just returned from travelling thru France to Spain towing a car. No problems whatsoever. At the Campsite (La Manga) I made a point of asking motorhomers with A Frames if they has experienced problems with the police. They replied that personally they had not but inevitably could always relate to hearing that someone has been stopped. I recommend that if you are driving solo or your passenger does not have a full uk drivers licence, that you do not tow a car.
I have a photocopy of a fine/summons served on a english motorhomer on 22 Nov 96 for "towing a broken down vehicle with another vehicle not intended for this purpose. A motor caravan towing a private car". He was fined 12,000ptas. On his return to the UK he contacted his MEP who in turn brought his case to the European Parliament. 12 months later his MEP wrote to him stating that he has received a reply from the Spanish Representative in the form of a letter to the Ministry of the Interior, Provincial Traffic Headquarters GIRONA dismissing the fine. Also in the letter is the following:
[B]REF : SECTION 4 - DISMISSAL OF FINE NOTICE

When using a towing frame the towed car is converted to a trailer.
IT SHOULD [U]NOT BE VIEWED AS A MOTOR CAR WHEN ON TOW>
It carries the registration number of the towing vehicle, its lights are operated by the towing vehicle, the same as a caravan or boat trailer.

Superk

Had no problems over 4 separate six-month periods towing throughout France and Spain. Even when I complained about overcharging for the car at a peage and the police were called they never expressed any concern about the tow car only that I better pay up (its all in the book

silversurfa

Yes Brits do tow cars through Spain that are not on a remolque (trailer).and are allowed passage, because of the language barrier ,but the laws of spain are not the laws of GB, or europe? you must use a trailer. or a gruas .tow truck. you can tow a caravana and a remolque but these are registered here, not like uk. and new laws have just come In regarding Speeding , Respect?

Chascass

Silversurfa said
Yes Brits do tow cars through Spain that are not on a remolque (trailer).and are allowed passage, because of the language barrier

If this is the case, will I be allowed to break any road traffic law in spain, if I can not speak the language.

Wizzo

I seem to remember someone saying in a recent thread that if it was lawful to tow a car in your own member state of the EU then the other countries should allow it on a temporary basis. So provided you are complying with UK laws / regs on towing and you are a UK citizen then the Spanish authorities will allow it even though it may contradict their local laws.

Or did I dream it or read it wrongly?

JohnW

frenchfancy

We towed throughout France 2005/2006, no probs at all, the French police photographed it and looked on in amazement, but made it clear it was only for their personal curiosity, i know it is a well debated subject, but if no one stops you and you have no probs, just carry ony.