The driver of a small car towing a trailer landed in hot water with law enforcement last week after being stopped by members of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in Co. Antrim.
The vehicle was stopped on the M2 motorway near Antrim town, according to the PSNI Road Policing and Safety unit.
Following a check, it was determined that the driver of the car did not have the correct category of licence to tow such a trailer. In addition, defects were discovered on the implement.
In a brief statement on social media on Friday, September 25, the road policing unit said:
When towing a trailer, please ensure you have the correct category on your licence which allows you to do so. Not having the correct category could invalidate your insurance.
“This car and trailer combination was stopped earlier today on the M2 motorway near Antrim. The driver didn’t have the correct category.
“Also, there were some defects on the trailer. The driver will have their time to explain the reasons to the local judge,” the post concluded.
NI trailer regulations
According to NI Direct government services, if you passed a car test before January 1, 1997, you are generally entitled to drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8.25t MAM or a minibus with a trailer over 750kg maximum authorised mass (MAM).
If you passed your driving test on or after January 1, 1997 and have an ordinary category B (car) licence, you are limited to vehicles up to 3.5t (3,500kg) MAM towing a trailer up to 750kg, or a vehicle and trailer combination up to 3.5t MAM.
For anything heavier you need to pass a category B+E driving test, the government services agency said.
