Q Can you tell me, or give me a statutory
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reference to, the position concerning a plated goods vehicle (not plated for train weight), which is used to tow in a brokendown vehicle, the total train weight then exceeding the plated weight of the towing vehicle?
AAs you may know. Section 14(5) of the Road Safety Act 1967 makes it an offence to use a plated goods vehicle on a road to draw a trailer unless the plating certificate issued for the drawing vehicle specifies the maximum laden weight for the vehicle, together with any trailer drawn by it (i.e. the -train weight").
However, specific exemption from this provision is set out in Regulation 56 of the Plating and Testing regulations in respect of motor vehicles which are not constructed or adapted to form part of an articulated vehicle. We assume that the towing vehicle is a rigid vehicle and if this is the case. because of Regulation 56, Section 14151 does not apply to that vehicle.
The position is, therefore, that the general weight limitation imposed by Regulation 73111 of the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations would apply in the case mentioned, i.e. the total laden weight of drawing vehicle and trailer must not exceed 24 tons.