Towing trailers and caravans in Germany (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: On Autobahnen a car with a trailer may drive at most 80 km/h. Class B covers trailers up to 750 kg, or heavier ones if the combination stays within 3,500 kg.

RuleWhat applies
Maximum speed on motorways when towingCar with a trailer or caravan; Car with a trailer or caravan80 km/h [1]
Trailer mass allowed with a car licence in any combinationCar with a trailer or caravan750 kg [2]
Heavier trailer with a category B licenceCar with a trailer or caravanA trailer over 750 kg maximum authorised mass is allowed if the combination does not exceed 3,500 kg. [2]
Higher categories for trailers (B96, BE)Car with a trailer or caravanClass BE: a class B towing vehicle with a trailer up to 3,500 kg. Code 96 (B96): a combination over 3,500 kg and up to 4,250 kg with a trailer over 750 kg. [2]
Extra mirrors when towingCar with a trailer or caravanMotor vehicles must have mirrors or other indirect-vision devices that give the required view to the rear and sides, also when towing a trailer. [3]
Warning triangle or hazard deviceCar with a trailer or caravanA passenger car must carry one warning triangle. [4]

Notes

  • Both classes are defined in the Driving Licence Regulation (FeV).
  • The detailed mirror specifications are in the annex to § 56 StVZO and were not read.
  • The provision names motor vehicles; trailers are not named in it.

Sources

  1. Bundesministerium der Justiz / Bundesamt für Justiz (gesetze-im-internet.de): § 18 StVO 2013 - Einzelnorm (Autobahnen und Kraftfahrstraßen) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Bundesministerium der Justiz / Bundesamt für Justiz (gesetze-im-internet.de): § 6 FeV - Einzelnorm (Einteilung der Fahrerlaubnisklassen) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Bundesministerium der Justiz / Bundesamt für Justiz (gesetze-im-internet.de): § 56 StVZO - Einzelnorm (Spiegel und andere Einrichtungen für indirekte Sicht) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  4. Bundesministerium der Justiz / Bundesamt für Justiz (gesetze-im-internet.de): § 53a StVZO - Einzelnorm (Feuerlöscher, Warndreieck u. a.) (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.