Trailer

The trailer must be compatible with the towing vehicle. Otherwise, you not only endanger yourself and other road users, but also risk fines and penalty points if stopped by the police.

Before renting or buying a trailer, you should check your vehicle registration documents to see which trailers are approved for your vehicle.

Trailer load capacity

The trailer load capacity determines the maximum weight your vehicle is allowed to tow.

Old vehicle registration document

Section 28: braked trailer load
Section 29: unbraked trailer load
Section 33: possible load increase, usually in connection with a gradient limit

New vehicle registration document (EU registration certificate)

Section O.1: braked trailer load
Section O.2: unbraked trailer load

You must never exceed the trailer load listed there. However, the actual weight is what matters here: for example, with a trailer load capacity of 1,500 kg, you may attach a trailer with a permitted total weight of 2,000 kg — you just must not load it up to its maximum weight. This is practical if you need a slightly larger trailer for bulky but lightweight goods.