Towing a trailer requires carefulness and precision. A trailer that has been loaded and attached incorrectly is a risk in traffic.
There are two things that regulate towing a trailer
- Driving licence requirement defined by the maximum permissible (theoretical) total mass of the towing vehicle and the trailer
- Maximum permissible mass of the trailer = information that can usually be found on the registration certificate of the towing vehicle. This means the mass imposed on the road by the wheels of the trailer (total mass).
A trailer can be towed with a category B (towing vehicle: a passenger car or van with a total mass not exceeding 3,500 kg) driving licence with certain weight restrictions:
- a trailer with a maximum total mass of 750 kg (category O1) can be attached to the vehicle.
- a trailer with a total mass of over 750 kg (category O2) can also be attached to the vehicle. However, in this case, the total mass of the vehicle combination can be a maximum of 3,500 kg.
With a B/96 combination driving licence a person is entitled to drive a vehicle combination where the towing vehicle is a passenger car or van, the trailer’s mass exceeds 750 kg and the total mass of the vehicle combination exceeds 3,500 kg but not 4,250 kg. In order to get a B/96 combination driving licence, you need a driving licence permit (External link).
With a category BE driving licence a person is entitled to drive a vehicle combination where the towing vehicle is a passenger car or van and the total mass of the towed vehicle does not exceed 3,500 kg (category O2). In this case, the total mass of the vehicle combination can be a maximum of 3,500 + 3,500 = 7,000 kg.
Read more about driving licence categories (in Finnish). (External link)
Permissible driving speed
When towing a trailer whose total mass does not exceed 750 kg (category O1), the highest permissible driving speed is 100 km/hour, also when the trailer is empty. The highest permissible speed of trailers of other categories is 80 km/h.
Checklist for towing a trailer
Check your right to drive and find out what type of a trailer you are entitled to tow.
Check the type of trailers that you may tow with your car.
This information can be found in the registration certificate or in Traficom’s My e-Services.
Check the condition of the tyres and the tyre pressures on the trailer.
Connect the power cord and make sure that the trailer’s lights and indicators work.
Lift up the trailer's supporting wheel before you drive off and also attach the trailer’s safety chain if there is one.
Check that the trailer is firmly locked up to the tow hitch.
Adjust the car’s wing mirrors so that you can see the trailer and the area around it.
Secure the goods with load straps even when using a covered trailer.
If there is no cover, you should also use different types of netting and tarpaulins to protect the goods and prevent anything from falling or shaking onto the road.
Load the goods evenly, ensuring that the load’s centre of gravity remains as low and as close to the middle as possible.
Place the heaviest goods in the middle of the trailer. Loads of the trailer must be arranged so that they impose a small vertical force on the towing hook of the towing vehicle (Road Traffic Act, section 108).
If the load you are transporting extends over one metre behind the rear of the trailer, attach a visible flag or a piece of material at the end of the load.
If you are transporting a long load in the dark, the end of the load must also have a light.
Drive steadily and avoid sudden moves.
Remember to keep an eye on the trailer’s movements.
Remember the speed limit
The limit of 100 km/h also applies when you are towing an empty trailer of category O1.
More information on loading a trailer
Watch on ruutu.fi webside a video about loading a trailer (External link) (in Finnish) (HS.fi and Traficom)
Read more about loading a trailer (External link) (in Finnish) (Finnish Road Safety Council)
Watch on YouTube a video about loading a trailer (External link) (in Finnish) (Kauppalehti and the Automobile and Touring Club of Finland)
Read more about loading a trailer (External link) (in Finnish) (Traficom)
Reversing a trailer
Watch on YouTube a video about reversing a trailer (External link) (in Finnish) (the Automobile and Touring Club of Finland)
Watch on YouTube a video about reversing a trailer (External link) (in Finnish) (Aamulehti)