Towing is hugely beneficial for construction workers – you might need to move items around on-site, or transport different attachments or independently operated equipment like a generator. Up to now, it’s been illegal for plant machinery operators to tow on UK roads. But as of July 2024, a deviation to towing trailers for engineering plant is making this a possibility for businesses and individual trailer owners involved in the construction and maintenance of public roads. Read on as we explain how you can tow legally and safely with your JCB machine.

How is the law changing for towing a trailer? 

In 2017, the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) stated that it’s not permitted to use any earthmoving equipment to tow a trailer on the UK highway – even if it’s only to transport attachments. This proved to be hugely restrictive for anyone operating engineering plant machinery, as it prevents you moving additional equipment between sites. Since then, there’s been significant advancements in towing safety and technology to make it a possibility. And after our continual promotion of the benefits, reduce carbon, reduce costs and increase efficiency, we’re pleased to report that a ministerial decision was made by the DfT that towing a trailer should be permitted for the activities listed below. 

So what is the change on towing a trailer? This July, the VCA confirmed that users who obtain a Vehicle Special Order (VSO) may use any wheeled earthmoving machinery (Engineering Plant) to tow a trailer on the UK highway for road construction, maintenance and repair. It may be limited applications, but this deviation from the prohibition in The Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) General Order (STGO)  for towing a trailer allows JCB customers to carry certain attachments and materials with their machines – making urban working more convenient and efficient.

As mentioned, any operator who wishes to tow has to apply for the VSO – and a vehicle must fulfil certain criteria to qualify. It has to:

• Be wheeled engineering plant engaging in the construction, maintenance or repair of public roads.
• Measure less than 8 metres in overall length.
• Have a wheeled trailer that complies in all respects with the requirements of the relevant 1986 Regulations.
• Be unladen; be carrying excavated materials having completed the construction, maintenance or repair of a public highway; or be returning to collect more material.
• Be being used solely for the carriage of materials and tools required for construction, maintenance and repair of public roads. 

On top of this, VSOs are limited to 20mph and not permitted on motorways. If you use your engineering plant machinery for any purpose other than those described above – or without a valid VSO issued by the VCA – it will still be illegal.

How do I get a VSO? 

The process starts with the application to the VCA – and your engineering plant vehicle must be road registered, taxed and insured before you can begin. If this is all present and correct, send the following details to vso@vca.gov.uk:

1. The Name and address of person/organisation making the application (advise if registered vehicles will be made available for hire.)
2. The following details as displayed in the table below:

Operators are not permitted to tow until the VSO is granted, and even when it is, there are several restrictions and responsibilities that must be adhered to by owners and operators of the EMM & trailer combination: 

1. The Vehicle and trailer combination must have the correct insurance – if you’re unsure, it’s best to check with your insurance provider before proceeding. 
2. You must confirm that the combination of Engineering Plant, tow hitch and trailer is suitable. Again, if you’re unsure about your equipment or appropriate tow bar attachments, check with the Engineering Plant manufacturer before proceeding. 
3. The drivers must have a full UK driving license, be suitably trained to tow using the engineering plant and be permitted to tow the mass of the laden trailer (as per the new rules for towing a trailer with a car from 16 December 2021: www.gov.uk.)

It also goes without saying that it’s the responsibility of the owner/driver to abide by all applicable road and work laws – and that other road rules, license, training or restriction may apply. 

Clearly, there are a lot of rules surrounding these new regulations that can be confusing. One thing you can be sure of, is that JCB machines are expertly engineered for towing. Two of our bestselling models have all the features and capabilities you need to tow materials and equipment safely.