Towing trailers and caravans in France (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: The motorway limit is 130 km/h, or 90 km/h when the combination exceeds 3,500 kg. A second right-hand exterior mirror is required if the trailer hides the view or is wider than the car.

RuleWhat applies
Maximum speed on motorways when towingCar with a trailer or caravan; Car with a trailer, combination up to 3,500 kg130 km/h [1]
Maximum speed on motorways when towingCar with a trailer or caravan; Car with a trailer, combination over 3,500 kg90 km/h [2]
Trailer mass allowed with a car licence in any combinationCar with a trailer or caravan750 kg [3]
Heavier trailer with a category B licenceCar with a trailer or caravanA trailer over 750 kg is allowed if the combined maximum authorised mass of vehicle and trailer does not exceed 4,250 kg; above 3,500 kg specific training is required. [3]
Higher categories for trailers (B96, BE)Car with a trailer or caravanCategory BE: a category B vehicle with a trailer whose maximum authorised mass does not exceed 3,500 kg, where the combination is not within category B. [3]
Extra mirrors when towingCar with a trailer or caravanA passenger car towing a trailer must have a second exterior mirror on the right when the trailer hides the view in the interior mirror or is wider than the car. [4]
Warning triangle or hazard deviceCar with a trailer or caravanWhile driving, the driver must carry a warning triangle (pre-signalling triangle). [5]

Notes

  • No trailer-specific lower limit appears in the speed section. In rain the limit is 110 km/h.
  • The training is set by an arrêté of 17 January 2013, as amended on 2 August 2018.
  • The rule applies to passenger cars (voitures).

Sources

  1. Légifrance (Premier ministre / DILA): Section 1 : Vitesses maximales autorisées (Articles R413-1 à R413-16), Code de la route (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Légifrance (Premier ministre / DILA): Article R413-8 - Code de la route (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Légifrance (Premier ministre / DILA): Article R221-4 - Code de la route (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  4. Légifrance (Premier ministre / DILA): Article 2 - Arrêté du 20 novembre 1969 relatif aux rétroviseurs des véhicules (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  5. Légifrance (Premier ministre / DILA): Article R416-19 - Code de la route (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.