Keep your trailer in tow!

Print version: Keep your trailer in tow! (PDF, 73 KB, 2 pages)

Each year around seven people die and another 26 are seriously injured in crashes involving a caravan, or a boat, garden or horse trailer.

90 km/h is now the maximum speed at which vehicles towing trailers or other vehicles may drive on the open road.

A trailer includes a caravan, boat trailer, garden trailer or horse float.

• Remember when towing, you should leave at least a 4 second gap between you and the vehicle ahead (even more in bad weather) as the extra weight of the trailer or towed vehicle can dramatically affect your ability to slow down and stop.
  
• Don't tow a trailer or another vehicle at the maximum speed of 90 km/h unless you're sure you can do so comfortably and safely.
• Slow down before curves and avoid braking suddenly — especially on gravel or greasy roads. Use a lower gear when travelling downhill.
• Don’t overload your trailer as this will affect its stability and control at any speed.

For more information see the Loading and Towing Safely brochure available online at www.landtransport.govt.nz or call 0800 699 000.

5 km/h
The Police will be applying a 5 km/h discretionary tolerance to all vehicles towing trailers in any applicable speed zone. This means, for example, if you’re caught going 56 km/h in a 50 km/h zone, you can expect a ticket.

So please ... WATCH YOUR SPEED

Page created: 23 February 2005