Can I tow a trailer without a special licence?
Yes, within the B-licence limits. With a plain B licence, you can tow a trailer in two cases: if the trailer's GVW doesn't exceed 750 kg (whatever the car), or if the trailer is over 750 kg but the combination (car + trailer) doesn't exceed 3.5 tonnes. Between 3.5 and 4.25 tonnes total GVW, you must take the B96 training (7 hours, no test). Above 4.25 t, the BE licence (with a test) is needed. Also think about lighting, the plate and, above 500 kg, the trailer's own registration.
📋 The rules
- B licence: trailer ≤ 750 kg GVW
- B licence: combination ≤ 3.5 t even if trailer > 750 kg
- Combination 3.5 to 4.25 t: B96 training (7 h)
- Combination > 4.25 t: BE licence (test)
- Trailer > 500 kg: own registration
🔓 Exceptions
- Check the towable weight on the towing vehicle's registration document
- Caravan: same weight rules; mind the size and speed
- Reduced speed limits with a heavy trailer
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Driving a combination above your licence category amounts to driving without a valid licence for that category: up to €15,000 fine and void insurance in a crash. A poorly lit, overloaded or unregistered trailer is also fineable. Respect the towable weight on the towing vehicle's registration, on pain of a fine and danger.
📎 Official sources
- Service-Public.fr · Licence to tow a trailer →
- Road safety · Towing a trailer or caravan →
- Légifrance · Licence categories (art. R221-4 of the Highway Code) →
❓ Frequently asked
Is the B licence enough for a trailer?
Yes if the trailer has a GVW of 750 kg max, or if the car + trailer combination doesn't exceed 3.5 tonnes. Above that, you need the B96 training (up to 4.25 t) or the BE licence (beyond).
What's the B96 training?
A 7-hour training, with no test, letting you tow with a B licence a combination whose total GVW is between 3.5 and 4.25 tonnes. Above 4.25 t, the BE licence applies.
Does a trailer need registration?
Yes, as soon as its GVW exceeds 500 kg: the trailer then has its own registration document and plate. Below that, it carries the towing vehicle's plate. Lighting and signalling are mandatory in all cases.
What's the risk of towing above your licence?
It's treated as driving without a valid licence for the category, liable to a €15,000 fine, with a risk of void insurance in a crash. Check the combination's weight before setting off.
Is speed limited with a trailer?
Yes, reduced speed limits apply above a certain towed weight, notably on motorways and roads. A heavy trailer also changes braking distances: adapt your driving.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “tow trailer b licence”
- “trailer 750 kg licence”
- “b96 training trailer”
- “be licence trailer”
- “trailer registration 500 kg”
- “towable weight registration”