Is it always necessary to call a tow truck? It turns out that it is not – in certain cases, a disabled car can be towed, e.g. on a rope. However, in order to ensure safety and avoid a ticket, it is necessary to follow several rules described in the act. Check what towing a car involves and when it is possible!
What is car towing?
Towing Service Near Me is a road maneuver that involves pulling a car (the towed vehicle) by another vehicle (the towing vehicle). In most cases, this requires two drivers. A flexible connection (4–6 m long) or a rigid connection (up to 3 m long) is used to tow a car. So you have a choice:
- tow rope,
- towing strap,
- stiff toe.
In addition, the connection between the vehicles must be strong and undamaged. It is also necessary to secure the car in such a way that it cannot be accidentally unhitched or torn off, e.g. when turning. The exception is when towing a motorcycle. The cable, tape or rigid tow bar is attached to special handles located in the bumper or directly under it.
Towing a car – regulations and rules
Properly performed towing is in accordance with Polish law. You will find detailed rules in the Act of 20 June 1997 – Road Traffic Law . What to remember when towing a car? The regulations specify such issues as:
- maximum speed – 30 km/h in built-up areas, 60 km/h outside built-up areas;
- lighting – the dipped headlights in the towing vehicle are always on, in case of poor visibility (e.g. rain, night) the side lights in the towed vehicle are on;
- distance between vehicles – from 4 to 6 m on a flexible tow bar and up to 3 m on a rigid tow bar;
- marking of the towed vehicle – reflective warning triangle on the rear left side or yellow flashing lights;
- tow marking – flag (yellow or red) or white and red stripes at the junction;
- brakes of the towed vehicle – 2 functional systems on the flexible tow bar, at least 1 system on the rigid tow bar.
When should you not tow a car?
The regulations not only specify the rules for proper towing. They also indicate when this maneuver is prohibited. As a rule, you are not allowed to tow a car:
- if the brakes or steering do not work;
- which has a trailer or semi-trailer;
- on the highway.
Furthermore, it is illegal to tow a car without a check or third-party accountability insurance. If the vehicle does not have valid documents, it can only be conveyed on a tow truck without risking a fine or other unpleasantness.
Worth knowing:
The services of a tow truck are frequently referred to as “towing on a tow truck”. However, a tow truck does not drag the vehicle behind itself, but convey it on a special platform (in the form of a trailer or desegregated with the car – a so-called auto tow truck). In this way, any vehicle can be conveyed in any condition and at any distance, counting on the highway.
Towing a car on a rope
A tow rope is a so-called flexible tow. Due to its low price, wide availability and ease of transport (it takes up little space), it is the most popular solution among drivers. If you want to tow a car on a rope, the towed vehicle must have 2 functional brake systems and an engine (if the brakes depend on its efficiency). Additionally, the distance between the cars must be 4–6 m.
Towing a car in a built-up area
Towing a car in a built-up area is possible. Remember to adjust your speed, which can be a maximum of 30 km/h. However, performing such a maneuver in the city is difficult, among other things, due to heavy traffic.
Towing a car without a driver
During towing, both cars must have drivers with qualifications, i.e. valid driving licenses. The aforementioned act allows for an exception if “the vehicle is towed in a way that eliminates the need to steer it”. In practice, standard towing of a car without a driver is virtually impossible, even with a rigid tow.
Towing an electric car
If an electric or hybrid breaks down, the driver usually has to call a tow truck. Towing an electric or hybrid car is usually not recommended by the manufacturer. For example, the Tesla Model S manual states that the car’s wheels cannot move during transport. Why? Such action can lead to, among other things, overheating.
Towing a car with an automatic transmission
Owners of automatics are in a similar situation. Most manuals advise against towing a car with an automatic transmission, to avoid, among other things, serious engine damage.
Safety issues when towing a car
What to do when towing a car? Regulations are not everything. It is also worth following a few other rules to ensure safety and driving comfort:
- Install the towing connection correctly to avoid, for example, tearing off the bumper;
- choose the route with the least traffic, number of turns, etc.;
- be in constant contact with the other driver (e.g. using headphones);
- drive in the right lane and at an appropriate speed;
- remember to turn on your turn signals in both cars;
- Do not turn on hazard warning lights while driving.
How much does it cost to tow a car?
Towing a car is usually done without the involvement of professionals. So you only pay for the necessary tools (mainly a rope/tape or a rigid tow bar) and fuel. When you choose to call roadside assistance, you will pay from around PLN 150 heavenwards for a tow truck – depending on the route to the shelter.
How much does it price to tow a car from the highway? Can the cost of a tow truck be subtracted from insurance? You will find answers to these and other questions in the article: When is a Flatbed Towing Service Near Me needed and what determines the price of the service?
Contrary to appearances, the towing maneuver requires a lot of experience and skills. The towed and towing vehicle may also pose a threat to road traffic. Incorrectly performing the maneuver also exposes drivers to a breakdown or a ticket.
