Question:
Good day! What are the regulations regarding trailers being drawn by motorcycles please? 1. Is it legal 2. If so then what are the requirements and regulations?
Answer
No, reg 330 of the regulations do not allow motorcycles to draw trailers in SA.
Reg 330. Towing of vehicles
No person shall operate a vehicle on a public road towing another vehicle—
(a) if the length of the tow‑rope, chain or tow‑bar between the two vehicles exceeds three and a half metres;
(b) if the towed vehicle is connected to the towing vehicle in such a manner that both vehicles are not under control;
(c) unless the steering gear of the vehicle being towed is controlled by a person holding a code of driving licence authorising him or her to drive the class of such vehicle, if the towed vehicle is fitted with steering gear contemplated in regulation 200(1): Provided that the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply in the case where—
(i) the steerable wheels of the towed vehicle are being carried clear of the ground; or
(ii) the device connecting the towing vehicle to the towed vehicle is such that the steerable wheels of the towed vehicle are controlled by such device;
(d) if the brakes of the towed vehicle do not comply with the provisions of regulation 155, unless the towing vehicle is connected to the towed vehicle by means of a drawbar or tow‑bar;
(e) at a speed in excess of 30 kilometres per hour, unless the towing vehicle is connected to the towed vehicle by means of a drawbar or a tow‑bar;
(f) if the towed vehicle is conveying persons at a speed in excess of 30 kilometres per hour, unless the towed vehicle is a semi‑trailer; or
(g) if the towing vehicle is a motorcycle, motor tricycle, motor quadrucycle or pedal cycle.