Car-trailer combinations

Permissible speeds

The permissible maximum speed for passenger car-trailer combinations varies from country to country. We have created a summary for you that shows the permissible maximum speed with a trailer in various countries, plus details of any additional requirements.

80 km/h or 100 km/h regulation in Germany

The maximum speed for a car-trailer combination in urban areas in Germany is generally 50 km/h. The maximum speed in extra-urban areas is 80 km/h.

In some situations, however, the relevant traffic authorities may grant a special permit to travel at speeds of up to 100 km/h. If you have been granted this permit, you are permitted to drive your car-trailer combination at speeds of up to 100 km/h on motorways and dual carriageways (but not country roads!), instead of up to 80 km/h. You will need a speed limit sticker to certify that you are permitted to drive at speeds of up to 100 km/h; this can be obtained from your vehicle licensing agency.

Explanation of various factors for which the 100 km/h regulation applies | © Humbaur GmbH

Requirements

The maximum weight of the towing vehicle must not exceed 3,500 kg.

The towing vehicle must be equipped with an anti-lock braking system.

The trailer tyres must be approved for speeds of at least 120 km/h (speed rating L). This is standard with Humbaur trailers. The tyres must also be no more than six years old.

You must attach a 100-km/h sticker to the rear of the trailer.

If the trailer is braked, it must also be fitted with hydraulic wheel shock absorbers.

Icon of car with trailer attached | © Humbaur GmbH

Calculator

Certain weight ratios must be observed between the trailer and towing vehicle. The permissible maximum weight (also known as GVW, or gross vehicle weight) of a trailer being certified to travel at up to 100 km/h depends on the unladen weight of the towing vehicle. The unladen weight of the towing vehicle is multiplied by a specific factor. This factor is:

  • 0.3 for unbraked trailers and braked trailers without shock absorbers
  • 1.1 for braked trailers with shock absorbers
  • 1.2 if a stabiliser coupling (AKS) is fitted and trailer is braked and equipped with shock absorber

If the actual permissible maximum weight of the trailer exceeds the calculated value, the trailer load capacity must be reduced. Please contact a technical service provider to help with this. In addition, observe the maximum trailer load specified in the registration documents for the towing vehicle.

Overview of permissible maximum speeds for car-trailer combinations

GERMANY

  • Inner cities: 50 km/h

  • Out of town: 80 km/h

  • Motorway / Dual carriageway: 80 / 100 km/h

AUSTRIA

  • Inner cities: 50 km/h

  • Out of town: 70 - 100 km/h

  • Motorway / Dual carriageway: 70 - 100 km/h

Switzerland

  • Inner cities: 50 km/h

  • Out of town: 80 km/h

  • Motorway / Dual carriageway: 80 / 100 km/h

Speed limits for trailer combinations in Austria

In Austria, the permissible maximum speeds for trailer combinations are based on the weight rating. In urban areas, the permissible maximum speed is generally 50 km/h; in extra-urban areas and on motorways and dual carriageways it varies between 70 km/h and 100 km/h.

  • Cars with a permissible maximum weight of up to 3.5 tonnes and a light trailer with a permissible maximum weight of 750 kg may drive at 100 km/h in extra-urban areas, on motorways and on dual carriageways.

  • Cars with a permissible maximum weight of up to 3.5 tonnes including all trailers and with the relevant technical approval in accordance with the general vehicle certification may drive at 70 km/h in extra-urban areas and at 80 km/h on motorways and dual carriageways.

  • Cars and trailers with studded tyres may drive at 80 km/h in extra-urban areas and at 100 km/h on motorways and dual carriageways.

  • Provided the combined permissible maximum weight of both vehicles does not exceed 3500 kg, cars with a permissible maximum weight of up to 3.5 tonnes including all trailers may drive at 80 km/h in extra-urban areas and at 100 km/h on motorways and dual carriageways.

  • Cars with a permissible maximum weight in excess of 3.5 tonnes—including those towing trailers—may drive at 70 km/h in extra-urban areas and at 80 km/h on motorways and dual carriageways.

  • Cars and trailers with snow chains may not drive any faster than 50 km/h regardless of location.

Trailer lock

Please also note that in Switzerland, Austria and The Netherlands, an additional safety cable is required to prevent the trailer from detaching from the towing vehicle; this requirement also applies to braked trailers. The safety cable must be secured against slipping, on both braked and unbraked trailers. This can be achieved by attaching it to an eye, hook or clamp. In the case of removable couplings, the breakaway cable must be connected to the vehicle. Caution: Failure to comply with these requirements may result in large fines! Further information can be found on our page about coupling correctly and in the Operating Manual (Part 1 — General) for our trailers.

Coupling correctly

The information provided here has been carefully compiled but no guarantee is made of correctness and the information is not legally binding. Humbaur GmbH accepts no liability for inaccuracies or damages.