What are the rules on driving with a tow hook in the EU?
I am getting a tow hook installed on my car, the type that you can take off by removing two screws (tools needed). And hence two question:
- What are the rules in EU governing driving with the hook installed if it is empty?
- If I am using one of these bike racks mounted on the towing hook, what are the speed limits? Are they the same as for (standalone) cars, or the same as for cars towing caravans?
EDIT:
In the near future I am planning to drive through Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Germany and France - so I am mostly interested in these countries.
europe automobiles bicycles
edited Apr 30 '16 at 9:49
JonathanReez♦
50.1k41238515
asked Apr 26 '16 at 14:48
GrzenioGrzenio
12.8k64286
|
show 1 more comment
I am getting a tow hook installed on my car, the type that you can take off by removing two screws (tools needed). And hence two question:
- What are the rules in EU governing driving with the hook installed if it is empty?
- If I am using one of these bike racks mounted on the towing hook, what are the speed limits? Are they the same as for (standalone) cars, or the same as for cars towing caravans?
EDIT:
In the near future I am planning to drive through Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Germany and France - so I am mostly interested in these countries.
europe automobiles bicycles
edited Apr 30 '16 at 9:49
JonathanReez♦
50.1k41238515
asked Apr 26 '16 at 14:48
GrzenioGrzenio
12.8k64286
5
Where in Europe? Every country will have its own rules on this sort of thing.
– CMaster
Apr 26 '16 at 14:51
@CMaster, I was thinking what is the best way to ask this question. I currently live in Poland, so mostly I am interested in Poland and neighbouring countries. But having said that, Europe is pretty small and it is easy to drive to e.g. Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, France, etc. So a list/table would be a perfect answer.
– Grzenio
Apr 26 '16 at 15:18
It can be a closed list question, so it's ok as it is.. imo
– Nean Der Thal
Apr 26 '16 at 15:20
2
Europe might be pretty small, but it's more than 30 countries all with their own rules. It's a monster of an answer to expect from anyone.
– CMaster
Apr 26 '16 at 15:40
@CMaster, I narrowed it down a bit.
– Grzenio
Apr 26 '16 at 15:44
|
show 1 more comment
I am getting a tow hook installed on my car, the type that you can take off by removing two screws (tools needed). And hence two question:
- What are the rules in EU governing driving with the hook installed if it is empty?
- If I am using one of these bike racks mounted on the towing hook, what are the speed limits? Are they the same as for (standalone) cars, or the same as for cars towing caravans?
EDIT:
In the near future I am planning to drive through Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Germany and France - so I am mostly interested in these countries.
europe automobiles bicycles
edited Apr 30 '16 at 9:49
JonathanReez♦
50.1k41238515
asked Apr 26 '16 at 14:48
GrzenioGrzenio
12.8k64286
I am getting a tow hook installed on my car, the type that you can take off by removing two screws (tools needed). And hence two question:
- What are the rules in EU governing driving with the hook installed if it is empty?
- If I am using one of these bike racks mounted on the towing hook, what are the speed limits? Are they the same as for (standalone) cars, or the same as for cars towing caravans?
EDIT:
In the near future I am planning to drive through Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Germany and France - so I am mostly interested in these countries.
europe automobiles bicycles
europe automobiles bicycles
edited Apr 30 '16 at 9:49
JonathanReez♦
50.1k41238515
asked Apr 26 '16 at 14:48
GrzenioGrzenio
12.8k64286
edited Apr 30 '16 at 9:49
JonathanReez♦
50.1k41238515
asked Apr 26 '16 at 14:48
GrzenioGrzenio
12.8k64286
edited Apr 30 '16 at 9:49
JonathanReez♦
50.1k41238515
edited Apr 30 '16 at 9:49
JonathanReez♦
50.1k41238515
edited Apr 30 '16 at 9:49
JonathanReez♦
50.1k41238515
50.1k41238515
asked Apr 26 '16 at 14:48
GrzenioGrzenio
12.8k64286
asked Apr 26 '16 at 14:48
GrzenioGrzenio
12.8k64286
asked Apr 26 '16 at 14:48
GrzenioGrzenio
12.8k64286
12.8k64286
5
Where in Europe? Every country will have its own rules on this sort of thing.
– CMaster
Apr 26 '16 at 14:51
@CMaster, I was thinking what is the best way to ask this question. I currently live in Poland, so mostly I am interested in Poland and neighbouring countries. But having said that, Europe is pretty small and it is easy to drive to e.g. Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, France, etc. So a list/table would be a perfect answer.
– Grzenio
Apr 26 '16 at 15:18
It can be a closed list question, so it's ok as it is.. imo
– Nean Der Thal
Apr 26 '16 at 15:20
2
Europe might be pretty small, but it's more than 30 countries all with their own rules. It's a monster of an answer to expect from anyone.
– CMaster
Apr 26 '16 at 15:40
@CMaster, I narrowed it down a bit.
– Grzenio
Apr 26 '16 at 15:44
|
show 1 more comment
5
Where in Europe? Every country will have its own rules on this sort of thing.
– CMaster
Apr 26 '16 at 14:51
@CMaster, I was thinking what is the best way to ask this question. I currently live in Poland, so mostly I am interested in Poland and neighbouring countries. But having said that, Europe is pretty small and it is easy to drive to e.g. Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, France, etc. So a list/table would be a perfect answer.
– Grzenio
Apr 26 '16 at 15:18
It can be a closed list question, so it's ok as it is.. imo
– Nean Der Thal
Apr 26 '16 at 15:20
2
Europe might be pretty small, but it's more than 30 countries all with their own rules. It's a monster of an answer to expect from anyone.
– CMaster
Apr 26 '16 at 15:40
@CMaster, I narrowed it down a bit.
– Grzenio
Apr 26 '16 at 15:44
5
5
Where in Europe? Every country will have its own rules on this sort of thing.
– CMaster
Apr 26 '16 at 14:51
Where in Europe? Every country will have its own rules on this sort of thing.
– CMaster
Apr 26 '16 at 14:51
@CMaster, I was thinking what is the best way to ask this question. I currently live in Poland, so mostly I am interested in Poland and neighbouring countries. But having said that, Europe is pretty small and it is easy to drive to e.g. Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, France, etc. So a list/table would be a perfect answer.
– Grzenio
Apr 26 '16 at 15:18
@CMaster, I was thinking what is the best way to ask this question. I currently live in Poland, so mostly I am interested in Poland and neighbouring countries. But having said that, Europe is pretty small and it is easy to drive to e.g. Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, France, etc. So a list/table would be a perfect answer.
– Grzenio
Apr 26 '16 at 15:18
It can be a closed list question, so it's ok as it is.. imo
– Nean Der Thal
Apr 26 '16 at 15:20
It can be a closed list question, so it's ok as it is.. imo
– Nean Der Thal
Apr 26 '16 at 15:20
2
2
Europe might be pretty small, but it's more than 30 countries all with their own rules. It's a monster of an answer to expect from anyone.
– CMaster
Apr 26 '16 at 15:40
Europe might be pretty small, but it's more than 30 countries all with their own rules. It's a monster of an answer to expect from anyone.
– CMaster
Apr 26 '16 at 15:40
@CMaster, I narrowed it down a bit.
– Grzenio
Apr 26 '16 at 15:44
@CMaster, I narrowed it down a bit.
– Grzenio
Apr 26 '16 at 15:44
|
show 1 more comment
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
Partial answer:
I assume you mean a tow hitch normally used for this, instead of an hook for this (because I never heard of bike racks for the latter one).
Germany
The empty hitch: If it obstructs the view to the license plate, it must be removed. There are no other "hard" rules. However, in an accident, if the hitch causes more damage than it would be without, it can influence who pays how much of the whole cost (at least, courts tend to do it like this).
The bike rack: If it blocks the view to the license plate, you'll need a third plate (really a third, not just relocating the existing one). If there is a stricter speed limit depends on the model, there should be some limit in the manuals (at least). If it is not indicated on the rack itself too, take the manual with you.
(source: StVO and FZV, and some statements of lawyers in the internet)
Austria
Same as in Germany
(altough there are red license plates that can be used for the third instead of the normal one, but that's not important for foreigners). (source this time: KFG)
answered Apr 30 '16 at 11:15
deviantfandeviantfan
1,86711717
1
This is pretty much as I see it in the Netherlands. Many times the top of the hook is 'protected' by a tennis ball or an official cover, but that is as far as people go. Bike transport racks often get their own license plate, which is the trailers plate, not that of the car.
– Willeke♦
Apr 30 '16 at 11:19
add a comment |
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1 Answer
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1 Answer
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oldest
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Partial answer:
I assume you mean a tow hitch normally used for this, instead of an hook for this (because I never heard of bike racks for the latter one).
Germany
The empty hitch: If it obstructs the view to the license plate, it must be removed. There are no other "hard" rules. However, in an accident, if the hitch causes more damage than it would be without, it can influence who pays how much of the whole cost (at least, courts tend to do it like this).
The bike rack: If it blocks the view to the license plate, you'll need a third plate (really a third, not just relocating the existing one). If there is a stricter speed limit depends on the model, there should be some limit in the manuals (at least). If it is not indicated on the rack itself too, take the manual with you.
(source: StVO and FZV, and some statements of lawyers in the internet)
Austria
Same as in Germany
(altough there are red license plates that can be used for the third instead of the normal one, but that's not important for foreigners). (source this time: KFG)
answered Apr 30 '16 at 11:15
deviantfandeviantfan
1,86711717
1
This is pretty much as I see it in the Netherlands. Many times the top of the hook is 'protected' by a tennis ball or an official cover, but that is as far as people go. Bike transport racks often get their own license plate, which is the trailers plate, not that of the car.
– Willeke♦
Apr 30 '16 at 11:19
add a comment |
Partial answer:
I assume you mean a tow hitch normally used for this, instead of an hook for this (because I never heard of bike racks for the latter one).
Germany
The empty hitch: If it obstructs the view to the license plate, it must be removed. There are no other "hard" rules. However, in an accident, if the hitch causes more damage than it would be without, it can influence who pays how much of the whole cost (at least, courts tend to do it like this).
The bike rack: If it blocks the view to the license plate, you'll need a third plate (really a third, not just relocating the existing one). If there is a stricter speed limit depends on the model, there should be some limit in the manuals (at least). If it is not indicated on the rack itself too, take the manual with you.
(source: StVO and FZV, and some statements of lawyers in the internet)
Austria
Same as in Germany
(altough there are red license plates that can be used for the third instead of the normal one, but that's not important for foreigners). (source this time: KFG)
answered Apr 30 '16 at 11:15
deviantfandeviantfan
1,86711717
1
This is pretty much as I see it in the Netherlands. Many times the top of the hook is 'protected' by a tennis ball or an official cover, but that is as far as people go. Bike transport racks often get their own license plate, which is the trailers plate, not that of the car.
– Willeke♦
Apr 30 '16 at 11:19
add a comment |
Partial answer:
I assume you mean a tow hitch normally used for this, instead of an hook for this (because I never heard of bike racks for the latter one).
Germany
The empty hitch: If it obstructs the view to the license plate, it must be removed. There are no other "hard" rules. However, in an accident, if the hitch causes more damage than it would be without, it can influence who pays how much of the whole cost (at least, courts tend to do it like this).
The bike rack: If it blocks the view to the license plate, you'll need a third plate (really a third, not just relocating the existing one). If there is a stricter speed limit depends on the model, there should be some limit in the manuals (at least). If it is not indicated on the rack itself too, take the manual with you.
(source: StVO and FZV, and some statements of lawyers in the internet)
Austria
Same as in Germany
(altough there are red license plates that can be used for the third instead of the normal one, but that's not important for foreigners). (source this time: KFG)
answered Apr 30 '16 at 11:15
deviantfandeviantfan
1,86711717
Partial answer:
I assume you mean a tow hitch normally used for this, instead of an hook for this (because I never heard of bike racks for the latter one).
Germany
The empty hitch: If it obstructs the view to the license plate, it must be removed. There are no other "hard" rules. However, in an accident, if the hitch causes more damage than it would be without, it can influence who pays how much of the whole cost (at least, courts tend to do it like this).
The bike rack: If it blocks the view to the license plate, you'll need a third plate (really a third, not just relocating the existing one). If there is a stricter speed limit depends on the model, there should be some limit in the manuals (at least). If it is not indicated on the rack itself too, take the manual with you.
(source: StVO and FZV, and some statements of lawyers in the internet)
Austria
Same as in Germany
(altough there are red license plates that can be used for the third instead of the normal one, but that's not important for foreigners). (source this time: KFG)
answered Apr 30 '16 at 11:15
deviantfandeviantfan
1,86711717
edited Apr 30 '16 at 16:13
answered Apr 30 '16 at 11:15
deviantfandeviantfan
1,86711717
answered Apr 30 '16 at 11:15
deviantfandeviantfan
1,86711717
answered Apr 30 '16 at 11:15
deviantfandeviantfan
1,86711717
1,86711717
1
This is pretty much as I see it in the Netherlands. Many times the top of the hook is 'protected' by a tennis ball or an official cover, but that is as far as people go. Bike transport racks often get their own license plate, which is the trailers plate, not that of the car.
– Willeke♦
Apr 30 '16 at 11:19
add a comment |
1
This is pretty much as I see it in the Netherlands. Many times the top of the hook is 'protected' by a tennis ball or an official cover, but that is as far as people go. Bike transport racks often get their own license plate, which is the trailers plate, not that of the car.
– Willeke♦
Apr 30 '16 at 11:19
1
1
This is pretty much as I see it in the Netherlands. Many times the top of the hook is 'protected' by a tennis ball or an official cover, but that is as far as people go. Bike transport racks often get their own license plate, which is the trailers plate, not that of the car.
– Willeke♦
Apr 30 '16 at 11:19
This is pretty much as I see it in the Netherlands. Many times the top of the hook is 'protected' by a tennis ball or an official cover, but that is as far as people go. Bike transport racks often get their own license plate, which is the trailers plate, not that of the car.
– Willeke♦
Apr 30 '16 at 11:19
add a comment |
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5
Where in Europe? Every country will have its own rules on this sort of thing.
– CMaster
Apr 26 '16 at 14:51
@CMaster, I was thinking what is the best way to ask this question. I currently live in Poland, so mostly I am interested in Poland and neighbouring countries. But having said that, Europe is pretty small and it is easy to drive to e.g. Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, France, etc. So a list/table would be a perfect answer.
– Grzenio
Apr 26 '16 at 15:18
It can be a closed list question, so it's ok as it is.. imo
– Nean Der Thal
Apr 26 '16 at 15:20
2
Europe might be pretty small, but it's more than 30 countries all with their own rules. It's a monster of an answer to expect from anyone.
– CMaster
Apr 26 '16 at 15:40
@CMaster, I narrowed it down a bit.
– Grzenio
Apr 26 '16 at 15:44