Motor vehicle towing devices

SUMMARY OF:

Regulation (EU) No 1005/2010 on type-approval requirements for motor vehicle towing devices

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE REGULATION?

It sets out rules on the type-approval of motor vehicle towing devices*.
It aims to adapt current requirements to developments in scientific and technical knowledge.
It forms part of the implementation of the Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 on the general safety of motor vehicles.

KEY POINTS

Types of vehicles concerned

This regulation applies to vehicles of category M and N, namely:

motor vehicles designed and built for passenger transport having at least 4 wheels;
motor vehicles designed and built to transport goods having at least 4 wheels.

Requirements for towing devices

Manufacturers are required to equip vehicles with a towing device. Towing devices must be able to withstand a tractive and compressive static force equivalent to at least half the technically permissible maximum laden mass of the vehicle.
The regulation also establishes test procedures to check compliance of devices.

Rules for EU type-approval

The vehicle manufacturer must submit an application for EU type-approval to the competent authority. This application must contain certain information, namely:

the make and type of the vehicle;
the technically permissible maximum laden mass declared by the manufacturer;
a drawing or photograph of the chassis/area of the vehicle body showing the position, construction and mounting of the towing device.

If the competent authority considers that the vehicle satisfies all of the requirements concerning towing devices, it grants EU type-approval and issues a type-approval number in accordance with Directive 2007/46/EC.

FROM WHEN DOES THE REGULATION APPLY?

It has applied since 29 November 2010.

BACKGROUND

For more information, see:

Directives and regulations on motor vehicles, their trailers, systems and components (European Commission).

KEY TERMS

Towing device: a device in the shape of a hook, eye or other form, to which a connecting part, such as a towing bar or towing rope, can be fitted.

MAIN DOCUMENT

Commission Regulation (EU) No 1005/2010 of 8 November 2010 concerning type-approval requirements for motor vehicle towing devices and implementing Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning type-approval requirements for the general safety of motor vehicles, their trailers and systems, components and separate technical units intended therefor (OJ L 291, 9.11.2010, pp. 36-42)