Unbraked Trailer up to 750 kg
Unbraked trailer, 750 kg trailer, B licence trailer, trailer without brakes, small trailer, light trailer, anhänger ohne bremse, remorque sans frein
An unbraked trailer is a trailer with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of up to 750 kg that is legally permitted in the EU without its own braking system, relying entirely on the towing vehicle's brakes.
EU Directive 2021/2346: trailers up to 750 kg MAM may be unbraked. Category B licence covers the combination as long as total MAM does not exceed 3,500 kg. For safe handling, the trailer's laden mass should not exceed 50% of the towing vehicle's kerb weight. Trailers between 750 kg and 3,500 kg must be braked. National rules for lighting, reflectors and speed limits vary — in Germany unbraked trailers are limited to 80 km/h even on motorways.
FAQ
What driving licence do I need to tow a trailer up to 750 kg?
Category B is sufficient, provided the total combination (car + trailer) does not exceed 3,500 kg MAM. If the trailer's own MAM exceeds 750 kg, brakes are required and you may need category BE (a separate practical test in most EU countries). Always check your vehicle handbook for the manufacturer's maximum towing capacity.
What is the maximum speed when towing an unbraked trailer?
Speed limits vary by country: Germany 80 km/h (motorway and rural road); France 90/110/130 km/h (matching regular limits but check for specific trailer restrictions); Spain 90/100 km/h. Most EU countries limit trailer combinations to 80–90 km/h on rural roads. Obey the lower of the national trailer limit and your vehicle's maximum towing speed.
