My friend has asked me to tow a car for him. We have a towing bar, and the car is taxed and MOT'd but i dont know if he is being honest about his insurance. If we get stopped and hes not insured, will i be liable?
Also, I dont have a towing licence. Do the new trailer towing laws also apply to cars? or are cars different? Cant find anything on this at Direct.gov or any other legal site.
I can only add that I think that the Reg Number of the TOWING car has to be shown on the rear of the car being TOWED if you are going any distance and not just getting the towed car started. I would also think that Hazard lights of the TOWED car being switched on would be a good idea.
for all intents and purpuses the towed car is a trailer and has no relavance to being a vehicle in it's own right. Does not need tax/ins/mot for itself but the towing car keeper is liable for it.Treat the same as a caravan legally.
It's up to your friend to have insurance, nothing to do with you or your car.
The biggest risk is if he crashes into the back of your car whilst being towed !
As long as you are towing in a recovery situation, for the shortest distance practicable, there shouldn't be a problem.
The problem with insurance will only occur if the cars crash. you will be liable for your car and he will be liable for his. not unless he visits the insurance before towing and insures your vehicle.
http://4wheelonline.com/Towing/Trailer_Hitches.206140