MTPL insurance rules for car trailers

Driving with a trailer in a car according to the new rules

Hi all! Caravan owners often ask many legal questions and are interested in the nuances of operating this type of trailer.

That's why I decided to talk a little about this topic. Today we are mostly interested in driving a passenger car with a trailer according to the new rules for 2021. I will say right away that it was 2021 that became the most significant in terms of changes than 2021 or the current year 2018.

If you are planning to purchase a trailer for transporting various types of cargo, or want to know what rules are in force this year, I will try to help you. Let's consider the main issues and the most pressing topics.

General rules

Here I would advise you to look at previous materials so that I don’t have to repeat myself.

In general, the rules for driving a car with a trailer are not very different from the general rules for driving the car itself.

But there are a few nuances that you should be aware of. Namely:

All these rules apply in the Russian Federation. Although many visitors to our site are from the Republic of Belarus (Belarus) and Ukraine, I am still talking mostly about Russian legislation.

What the traffic rules say

To obtain the right to drive a vehicle, a person must have a driver's license. There is a list of open categories, that is, types of vehicles that the driver can drive.

The traffic rules contain specific situations in which a driver is allowed to drive a trailer on public roads:

If you comply with all these conditions, you will not have any obstacles to driving with a trailer.

In the attached links you will find a lot of useful and relevant information, including important videos. So I don’t see any point in duplicating everything in a new article.

Fines

I understand that the most pressing issue is the fine that the driver risks receiving if he violates the rules for driving with a trailer.

If you do not follow the rules, violate traffic rules, do not take documents with you or simply do not receive them, or do not register the trailer, then the chances of issuing a fine are simply huge.

There are several legislative acts in this regard. I suggest you familiarize yourself with them:

By the way, if technical faults are identified, you will not get off with a simple fine. You will have to stop driving, fix the problem, and only then continue your trip. And then you pay a fine because you violated the traffic rules regarding the operation of the trailer, and also created a dangerous situation on the road.

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About the established rules for driving with a trailer

Recently, there have been constant changes or additions to traffic rules regarding various issues.

According to the new rules, a tow hitch is also a vehicle and in cases specified by law, namely for legal entities and when transporting goods over 3.5 tons, it must be registered, and the driver when transporting goods exceeding the total weight of 3.5 tons of the road train must have the appropriate category “E” on your driver’s license.

There are more different nuances regarding the transportation of cargo in a trailer, and the order of qualification groups in the traffic rules has expanded; when passing the exam to drive a vehicle with a trailer, the driver must have a certain driver’s category in his license.

The answer to the question of how to drive with a trailer and what documents are needed when driving a vehicle is as follows:

Driving with a trailer as part of a road train requires the driver to comply with all the rules and regulations established by the adopted laws and regulations of Russia, and traffic rules.

Is it necessary to have insurance for a trailer?

So is it necessary to insure your trailer? The situation depends on several factors, in particular the type of vehicle that is driving the trailer . It can be a passenger car or a truck.

Trailers are available for cars and trucks

For passenger cars

Trailers for cars are most often used by ordinary citizens, rather than large organizations. If the owner of a passenger car is an individual who uses a trailer for personal needs, purchasing an insurance policy is an optional event (Federal Law 40 of April 25, 2002). And from January 1, 2012, such vehicles are not subject to technical inspection.

The main condition under which the driver has the right to choose is that the weight of the trailer should not exceed 3.5 tons . In addition, the trailer must undergo a mandatory registration procedure within the framework of the traffic police. In these cases, insurance for a passenger trailer is not required.

For trucks

This category of cars is clearly covered and regulated by insurance laws. That is, based on current regulations, purchasing an MTPL policy for a trailer is mandatory, as is undergoing technical inspection. Moreover, this does not depend on who is the owner of the vehicle - an individual or a legal entity - cargo trailers always need a policy

About preparing a trailer for operation and fines for violations

The driver must remember that the towbar should also be inspected and serviced before making a trip. You must be sure that it is in good working order and meets safety requirements.

The following measures should be taken before traveling with a tow hitch:

The driver must comply with the loading standards on the towbar and the rules for placing and securing the load. Overload is not allowed. When placing a load on a single-axle trailer, it is very important to position the load strictly on the trailer axis and secure it.

A slight displacement can affect the stability and maneuverability of the towbar and the load can even break the hitch. Excessive forward movement of the load can prematurely wear out the trailer hitch and lead to deformation of the tow bar.

Shifting the load backward reduces the safety of transportation; contact and controllability drop sharply. Premature wear of car and trailer tires occurs. Avoid shifting the load and secure it using seat belts.

If the driver fails to comply with traffic rules while driving a car with a tow hitch, an administrative fine may be applied to the driver in the following cases:

There may also be other situations. The driver must remember that moving with a trailer must strictly comply with laws, traffic rules, and operating instructions for devices.

Documents required for trailer insurance

All cars and trailers for them, regardless of type and model, must be registered with the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate (MREO) of the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate (Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia dated November 24, 2008 No. 1001). Since now trailers do not need to draw up a separate MTPL policy, it is enough to provide the insurance company with:

• personal data of the car owner (general passport);
• driver's license of a person authorized to drive;
• registration certificate or passport of the vehicle (tractor, bus or other).

The owner has the right to enter into a comprehensive insurance agreement with the insurance company. In this case, the applicant will be required to provide a certificate of registration of the device and its title. This policy is especially relevant for companies and individuals using trailers in commercial cargo transportation.

About the features of driving with a trailer

Each driver has to master the skills of driving with a towbar on his own, gradually delving into the process of control and driving. And the method of reversing with a trailer is generally unique in each case and a beginner will not be able to cope with it right away.

When driving back with a tow hitch, you should monitor the condition of the trailer in the rear mirror; when it moves to the right, turn the steering wheel to the left and otherwise in the opposite sequence. The steering wheel should be turned smoothly without sudden jerks to avoid turning the trailer sideways.

What documents are needed to drive a car with a light trailer and what is the fine?

Documents for the trailer

Trailers are, by definition of traffic regulations, a real vehicle - just like cars, motorcycles and others. Although this is not an independent vehicle that works exclusively in conjunction with its leading vehicle, a number of requirements for the list of necessary documents in 2021 still apply to them. In this article, we will look at what documents you need to carry with you and hand over to the traffic police officer for inspection on the trailer, what the size of the fine is for driving without documents, we will look at the subtleties when it is homemade, and we will also find out what legal entities need to have. Please note that this article is specifically about papers for driving vehicles with a coupling device - we have a separate article about a set of documents for registering a trailer.

Which trailer requires OSAGO?

The main purpose of using a tow hitch is to transport a variety of cargo. The intended purpose may be different, so it is indicated in the contract. Not everyone needs MTPL insurance for a trailer and not in all cases. Let's look at this question in more detail:

1. pp. "d" clause 3 art. 4 of Federal Law No. 40 “On compulsory civil liability insurance of vehicle owners” states that the obligation to issue compulsory motor vehicle liability insurance for a trailer for a passenger car does not apply to private individuals. It is worth noting that this applies to passenger cars whose weight does not exceed 750 kg. In this case, the weight of the vehicle together with the towbar cannot exceed 3500 kg.
2. If an individual owns a trailer for a truck, such a device is subject to compulsory insurance.
3. Legal entities are required to insure the towbar along with the car in the general manner, regardless of its purpose: whether for a passenger car or a truck.

Thus, private owners can use their trailer without taking out insurance for it and without indicating information about it in the MTPL contract for the car. In cases where insurance for a trailer is needed, there is no need to take out a separate policy, since the car and the trailer are considered one. This is regulated by clause 7 of Art. 4 Federal Law No. 40. Legal entities and owners of cargo trailers must notify the insurer about its operation, after which the relevant information will be entered in the “Special Notes” column.

Good to know! The characteristics of the towbar are not included in the car insurance contract. It should only contain information about whether a trailer is being used. The fact is that the insurer does not have the right to demand from the policyholder any information regarding a specific trailer. This is provided so that the policyholder can change the towbar at any time without the need to make changes to the contract.

For passenger car

Trailers used on passenger cars by individuals in 2021 do not require a note to be included in the MTPL policy. Including no need to contact the insurance company or indicate anything in the insurance if you purchased one.

To confirm this, there are 3 references to the regulatory framework of the Russian Federation:

• subparagraph “e” of Part 3 of Article 4 of the Federal Law on Compulsory Motor Liability Liability Liability Insurance specifies citizens’ trailers for passenger cars as an exception to the obligation to issue a separate MTPL for them,
• Part 7 of the same article prescribes that in other cases the obligation to insure the liability of vehicles with carts is implemented in the form of purchasing insurance indicating in the appropriate column that they are used with a trailer,
• The Supreme Court directly indicated the same thing in one of its explanations (paragraph 44 of the Resolution of the Plenum of the RF Supreme Court No. 58).

Thus, there are 2 conditions when MTPL for a trailer and the corresponding mark in the policy are not needed:

1. if your car is a passenger car,
2. if you are not a legal entity.

Do you need documents for a passenger trailer in 2021?

Yes. Separate documents for trailer vehicles are required for its operation, and a standard set for the ability to drive a car will not work here.

It is an independent vehicle, according to the Road Traffic Regulations. It follows that:

But it's not all that complicated! Let's look at the lists of papers that you will need in certain cases, which depend on the type and weight of the trailer, the legal status of the manager and a number of other factors.

Types of trailer policies

Before you issue a policy, the trailer must be registered with the state traffic police, have a registration certificate and a license plate. The state duty is lower than when paying for a car.

For obtaining registration numbers, you pay 1,500 rubles, for issuing a registration certificate - 500 rubles. A trailer, like any vehicle, must pay tax. Its size depends on the load capacity, weight and dimensions.

Before taking out insurance, it is mandatory to undergo a technical inspection for the trailer attached to a passenger car. The choice of insurance affects the number of drivers who are allowed to drive. There are two main types of policies – limited and unlimited.

What documents should I take with me?

So, in the standard case - when you are driving a passenger car with a trailer weighing no more than 750 kg, you are an individual, you will need only one document: a registration certificate (hereinafter referred to as "STS", it is also mistakenly called a technical passport), confirming, that you have registered the trailer with the traffic police.

Thus, the general set of papers for the car and its trailer will be as follows:

Of course, the trailer, being properly registered with the traffic police, must have license plates.

Now let's take a closer look at what documents you will need in a number of special cases. And let’s go not through these situations, but through specific documents, and find out when you need a specific one of them.

Installing a towing device (TCU) on a car always means making changes to the design. But there is no need to register them with the traffic police if one of two conditions is met:

The driver is not required to carry any pages from the “product catalogue”, nor declarations and certificates.

In other cases, registration of changes to the design is subject to registration, and a special mark is affixed to the registration certificate.

Registration certificate

So, we found out above that you will always need STS on the roads of Russia. Clause 2.1.1 of the Traffic Regulations directly regulates this document as mandatory. Moreover, you are obliged to carry it with you and present it to the traffic police inspector when you stop.

This applies to both passenger and cargo trailers belonging to both individuals and legal entities. The only exception here is trailers for mopeds and scooters, although this case is very rare.

Please note that if your trailer is homemade, then the obligation to have an STS with you is not canceled. But acquiring this document will be much more difficult for homemade products.

What category of rights?

But the driver's license is a little more confusing. The fact is that according to the new laws in 2021, there are a number of criteria, depending on which you may need different categories and subcategories.

But don't worry, if your car weighs less than 3.5 tons and your trailer weighs up to 750 kilograms, then category "B" is enough for you. It will also be enough if the trailer weighs more than 750 kg, but together with the vehicle the total weight is no more than the same 3.5 tons. If one of the above factors is not met, then the “BE” category will be required.

Moreover, in these numbers we are talking specifically about the permitted maximum weight of vehicles - its exact value is indicated precisely in the registration certificate.

Thus, you will need to have it on the back of your driver’s license only in one case - when the trailer weighs more than 750 kg, and the car with it weighs more than 3.5 tons in total (but the car without it weighs no more than 3,500 kg) .

But for cargo trailers there are two more possible combinations of categories and subcategories: C, C1, CE, C1E. We will not describe here the possible combinations of masses of the vehicle and its trailer - you can easily find out all this in our special article and receive an interactive answer about the required category. In general, all of the above is regulated by Article 25 of the Federal Law on Road Safety.

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Do I need to include it in my car policy?

With the note about the possibility of driving a car with a trailer, everything is also simple, and there are no auto subtleties here. The above-mentioned Federal Law stipulates the obligation to insure trailers only for trucks, and not a word is said about marks on the use of passenger cars with a trailer.

At the same time, paragraph 7 of Article 4 of the Federal Law “On Compulsory Motor Liability Insurance” provides for the procedure for concluding a compulsory insurance contract for trailers for trucks:

7. The obligation to insure the civil liability of owners of trailers for vehicles, with the exception of trailers for passenger cars belonging to citizens, is fulfilled by concluding a compulsory insurance agreement, which provides for the possibility of driving a vehicle with a trailer attached to it, information about which is entered into the compulsory insurance insurance policy.

And, if you have ever heard anything about the mandatory presence of an insurance policy, then this applies to trucks. The trailer must be included in the truck policy.

Why is this particular note put, and not a separate policy issued for the trailer? The point here is that among trucks there are tractors with trailers (trucks in common parlance). And in this case, one tractor can even drive with different trailers within one day. It is therefore illogical that every trailer must have an insurance policy. And a note in the MTPL policy of the truck itself gives it the right to travel with any trailer.

Calculate the cost of your MTPL policy

Do you need a trailer license for a car?

When purchasing a trailer for personal needs, owners are often not sufficiently informed about whether there will be a need to open an additional category on the driver’s license. Before purchasing automotive equipment, familiarize yourself with the operational and legal details provided for in the legislation for 2021. Otherwise, you may unintentionally violate traffic rules, create an emergency situation, and also be fined for not registering the vehicle on time.

Trailer, its types - official terminology

“Trailer” is a vehicle that is not equipped with an engine and is intended to be driven in conjunction with a power-driven vehicle. The term also applies to semi-trailers and trailers.

Official terminology, depending on the technical characteristics of trailers, divides them into several types:

The best trailer for boats and boats

A boat trailer is designed not only for transporting small vessels and boats, but also for launching and storing them. One of the best models is produced by the Moscow Specialized Vehicles Plant.

MZSA 822131.402

Reinforced boat trailer. The design is made in such a way as to protect electrical cables from damage as much as possible. The front end is equipped with a winch and a modernized adjustment system. Thanks to this, mobile cradle can be installed in the most convenient position.

Specifications:

1. Dimensions - 713x236x136 cm.
2. Load capacity - up to 1200 kg.
3. Wheel size - R13.
4. The number of autonomous braking systems is 3.
5. Dynamic load of the support wheel is up to 300 kg.

Pros of the trailer:

1. Frame with four footrests.
2. Additional keel roller.
3. Adjustable angle and height.
4. Easier loading of the boat onto a trailer and securing it when launching using a winch.
5. The ability to adjust the location of the axle and reliable protection against exceeding the permissible load thanks to the movable wheel drive.
6. Rubber harness suspension - provides a load capacity of up to 1200 kg.
7. High-quality bearings from a German company.
8. Three independent brakes ensure maximum safety.
9. A high-quality galvanized support wheel with a handle bearing is adjustable in height and can withstand large dynamic and static loads.
10. Reliable protection of electrical wiring with a corrugated casing.

Trailer cons:

1. Overpriced.

Types of trailers and their designations

Depending on the total weight of the vehicle, section 5 of GOST R 52051-2003 identifies several categories, each of which has its own designation:

Category O1 - Trailers with a technically permissible maximum weight of no more than 0.75 tons.

Category O2 - Trailers with a technically permissible maximum weight of more than 0.75 tons, but not more than 3.5 tons.

Category O3 - Trailers with a technically permissible maximum weight of more than 3.5 tons, but not more than 10 tons.

Does this affect the cost of MTPL insurance?

Yes. But again, we are talking about trucks. The policy price is calculated in stages: first, the base rate is taken, and then coefficients are applied to it, which reduce (if less than one) or increase (if more than one) the final cost.

And here, among others, there is in the relevant Directive of the Bank of Russia on the procedure for calculating the insurance premium a coefficient depending on the presence of a trailer for the car. Almost all of its values ​​increase the cost of compulsory motor liability insurance. But by different amounts:

• trailers for passenger cars of legal entities – 1.16,
• for trucks (this also includes semi-trailers and trailers) with a permissible maximum weight (specified in the registration certificate) up to 16 tons - 1.4,
• for the same trucks weighing more than 16 tons - 1.25,
• for tractors and other self-propelled machines – 1.24.

How much more expensive is the policy?

Thus, for example, if you drive a passenger car with a trailer that belongs to a legal entity, and the base tariff for this car is set at 2,911 rubles, then this coefficient increases the cost of compulsory motor liability insurance to 3,376.76 rubles (2,911 x 1.16 ).

But this is a primitive calculation for an example - even before this coefficient is applied, others are applied to the base tariff (territory of use, vehicle power, length of service of registered drivers, and so on).

Conditions for using trailers weighing more than 750 kg

In 2021, licenses will be required not only for a trailer for a passenger car, but also for a trailer. Category “B”, according to the traffic rules, gives the right to drive cars and small trucks, SUVs (jeeps), minibuses, sidecars, vehicles with trailers with a maximum permitted weight of up to 0.75 tons. If this figure is more than 750 kg, then such a vehicle composition must meet the additional requirements specified in Art. 25 196-FZ for 2021:

Best Jet Ski Trailer

MZSA is a proven brand in the trailer market. The Moscow plant produces a large number of models for various purposes, including a means for transporting a jet ski.

MZSA 81771A.101

Lightweight steel trailer. It is characterized by high strength. The wiring is reliably protected from breaks and short circuits along the entire length of the frame.

Specifications:

1. Dimensions - 347x162x94 cm.
2. Wheel size - R13.
3. The number of movable load securing loops is 2.
4. Maximum axle load is 750 kg.

Pros of the trailer:

1. Easy.
2. Galvanized body.
3. Suspension with hydraulic shock absorbers.

Trailer cons:

1. Low load capacity.

Rules for moving cargo

Safe transportation of goods in trailers for drivers and road users has its own characteristics.

A towbar is the only possible way to securely secure a load. Sometimes on difficult trails or winding roads the additional use of a chain or safety rope may be required.

When parking your trailer, you must use the trailer locks , even if you park it separately.

The amount of permissible projection of oversized cargo beyond the trailer, the special designation of cargo during the day and night is determined by traffic regulations.

Carrying a passenger in a trailer is prohibited, even if it is a mobile home. The ban also applies to explosive and flammable substances, gas cylinders, and fuel.

The permissible speed of a passenger car with a trailer is:

Design specifics

Any vehicle must be registered no later than 10 days from the date of purchase. For registration, you can apply to any registration department of the traffic police, regardless of the applicant’s place of residence or region of stay.

The rules for registering trailers in 2021 are regulated by Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated December 21, 2019 No. 1764. Regardless of the number of axles, vehicles must be registered with the state traffic police authorities, while persons who have a driver’s license with an OSAGO do not need to purchase an additional OSAGO policy directly for it ( Clause 3, Article 4 of the Federal Law of April 25, 2002 N 40-FZ On Compulsory Motor Liability Insurance).

There was an accident with an unregistered trailer - will there be recourse?

For the absence of an appropriate mark indicating that the vehicle is used with a trailer, the law provides for recourse from the insurance company in 2021. But this, again, depends on whether there is an obligation to put the following mark in the MTPL policy:

• if you are driving a truck, then the insurance company has the right to make a recourse claim - to recover exactly the amount that it will pay to the victim in the accident; Moreover, regardless of whether there was contact in the accident with the trailer itself or not,
• if we are talking about a passenger car, then there is no obligation to include this additional device, and therefore there can be no recourse.

The very possibility of a recourse claim is prescribed by subparagraph “l” of Part 1 of Article 14 of the Federal Law on Compulsory Motor Liability Insurance.

List of documents for registration of a trailer

Before going to the traffic police to register a trailer, you must prepare the following documents:

After registering the trailer, the new owner receives:

The registration procedure includes: submission of documents to the traffic police, inspection of the vehicle by a traffic police officer (the VIN number is verified, checked for problems), and the subsequent execution of registration papers.

The period for bringing administrative liability for this offense is two months and is calculated after 10 days from the moment when the owner or other owner of a motorcycle or trailer is obliged to register it or change the registration data about it (Review No. 2, approved by the Presidium of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation on June 26. 2015).

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Let's take it in tow

16 questions about car trailers

1) What license do you need to drive with a trailer?

According to the current legislation, a license with category “B” is sufficient if the permitted maximum weight of the towed trailer does not exceed 750 kg. Or if the permitted maximum weight of the trailer does not exceed the weight of a curb vehicle belonging to category “B”, and the permitted maximum weight of such a combination of vehicles does not exceed 3,500 kg.

In the event that a trailer or a “vehicle+trailer” combination does not fit into this framework, you will have to open an additional “E” category in your license. On average in St. Petersburg, the cost of training will be 8,000-10,000 rubles, the duration of training is about one and a half months.

2) Can the trailer be used with any vehicle?

Yes, if its permissible maximum weight does not exceed the curb weight of a vehicle belonging to category “B”. As for the trailer unit - the tow bar, technically it can be installed on any car.

3) How do I need to retrofit my car to use a trailer?

This, as already mentioned, is the installation of a tow bar, as well as the installation of additional electrical wiring for the lighting devices (dimensions, turn signals and brake lights) of the trailer.

4) What parameters are used to select a trailer for a car?

First of all, you need to answer the question: what do you need a trailer for - to transport boards and bricks, a jet ski or a boat? Or maybe a mobile country house? Next, we carefully read the technical characteristics of the trailer and evaluate whether the future composition fits into category “B” or not.

It would also be a good idea to read the instructions for your car, where there is a clause “maximum weight of a towed trailer equipped/not equipped with brakes.” You can search for this information on the Internet or call your dealer. After that we make a choice.

5) What are the features of driving with a trailer?

In fact, a trailer, especially a loaded one, significantly reduces the acceleration dynamics of the car and increases the braking distance. This must be taken into account when braking and overtaking.

You need to brake smoothly - regardless of whether the trailer is empty or loaded. It is important to maintain a distance from the car in front. Before turning, it is better to reduce the speed in advance and go through it “pull”. Jerky braking, especially when cornering, can cause the trailer or car to skid and “collapse.”

At high speeds, the trailer is prone to swaying from side to side. According to traffic regulations, the maximum speed of a passenger car with a trailer outside populated areas on highways should not exceed 90 km/h, on other roads – 70 km/h.

When driving with a trailer, changing lanes in traffic, maneuvering and parking in urban conditions becomes much more difficult. Reversing is especially difficult. At the same time, a large trailer impairs rear visibility.

So, in the interior mirror, for example, you can no longer see anything except your own caravan trailer. True, if necessary, you can install additional, so-called caravan, rearview mirrors. They are installed either on the hood of the car or on the standard rearview mirrors. With trailers with a large body area - such as a caravan or a cargo trailer - you need to be careful when driving in strong winds.

6) How to load a trailer correctly?

The load should be placed evenly - so that its center of gravity is above the axle (if there is one) or between the axles of the trailer. Shifting the center of gravity forward will place unnecessary stress on the towbar and the entire rear of the vehicle, reducing the traction of the steering wheels.

Moving rearward will cause the rear of the vehicle to lift, reducing rear wheel traction. In this case, the center of gravity of the transported cargo should be as low as possible, since the higher it is, the more prone the trailer is to longitudinal and lateral swing, which impairs handling.