Planning to take your trailer across the Channel? Here’s what you need to know about the new rules for towing in Europe. Whether you’re towing a car trailer, plant trailer, horse trailer, boat trailer, or caravan, it’s important to make sure you have the correct paperwork before setting off.
For UK-registered trailers weighing over 750kg, trailer registration is required for international journeys to or through most European countries.
At Three Shires Trailers, we service and sell trailers up to 3,500kg, so we know that preparing a trailer for an overseas journey involves more than simply checking the tyres and hitch. Making sure your trailer has the correct registration, and documentation is an important part of getting ready to travel.
Does my trailer need to be registered?
If your trailer has a gross weight over 750kg and you’re taking it abroad, you’ll need to check whether trailer registration is required for the countries on your route.
Trailer registration is required when travelling to or through most European countries.
There are currently exceptions for journeys solely to:
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Ireland
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Cyprus
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Malta
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Spain
However, if your journey to one of these countries involves travelling through a country where trailer registration is required, you will need to register your trailer.
For example: if you’re towing your caravan from the UK to Spain and travelling through France, you will need to register the trailer because France requires registration for trailers over 750kg.
Check the latest GOV.UK trailer registration requirements
What does trailer registration mean?
Unlike a trailer that simply carries the same registration number as the towing vehicle in the UK, a registered trailer travelling internationally will have its own registration number.
There are two important things you’ll need:
1. A separate trailer registration plate
Your trailer must display its own registration plate at the rear.
This is separate from the registration plate on the car or other vehicle towing it.
So, if you’re taking your:
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Car trailer
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Horse trailer
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Boat trailer
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Caravan
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Other trailer over 750kg
abroad, make sure the trailer has the correct registration plate before you travel.
2. Your trailer registration certificate
You also need to carry your trailer registration certificate when travelling internationally.
Authorities can ask to see this document, so keep it with your other vehicle and trailer paperwork throughout your journey.
How do I register my trailer?
Trailer registration is carried out through the DVLA’s trailer registration service on GOV.UK.
You’ll need information about your trailer, including details such as its:
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Manufacturer
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Type
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VIN or chassis number
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Gross weight
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Unladen weight
You will also need to provide your contact details and pay the registration fee.
Register your trailer online
REGISTER YOUR TRAILER – GOV.UK
The current GOV.UK guidance should always be checked before travelling, as requirements and fees can change.
Once your application has been successfully completed, you’ll receive the relevant documentation and information needed to have your trailer registration plate produced.
Which trailers does this effect?
The rules apply to all trailers over 750kg.
Car trailers
Taking a car trailer abroad? If the trailer weighs over 750kg and you’re travelling through a country where registration is required, you’ll need to make sure it is registered.
Whether you’re transporting a classic car, race car, project vehicle or another vehicle, don’t forget to check the trailer paperwork before departure.
Plant trailers
Taking plant or machinery overseas?
Plant trailers are also covered by the trailer registration requirements where applicable. If your plant trailer is over 750kg and you’re travelling through a country that requires trailer registration, make sure it is registered before you set off.
Whether you’re transporting a mini digger, or other plant machinery, it’s worth checking the trailer’s weight, documentation and registration requirements before your journey.
Horse trailers
Taking your horses on an overseas trip or competition?
All horse trailers will need to be registered for travel abroad. Make sure the trailer’s registration plate and certificate are sorted before you leave.
Boat trailers
Heading to the coast or taking your boat overseas?
Check your route and the registration requirements for every country you’ll travel through.
Caravans
Caravans are trailers too, so the same registration requirements can apply.
If you’re planning a European caravan holiday, it’s worth checking your trailer registration well before your departure date.
Don’t leave it until the last minute
Getting your trailer registered is only one part of preparing for a European journey.
Before you set off, we recommend checking:
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The gross weight of your trailer
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The countries you’ll be travelling through
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Whether trailer registration is required
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That your trailer has its own registration plate
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That you have your trailer registration certificate
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Your trailer tyres and pressures
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Your wheel bearings
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Your brakes
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Your lights and electrical connections
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Your coupling and breakaway system
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Your insurance and breakdown cover
It’s also worth checking the specific requirements of each country on your route, as European countries can have different rules covering trailers, towing speeds, equipment and documentation.
Need your trailer checked before you travel?
At Three Shires Trailers, we service all trailers up to 3,500kg, covering everything from car and boat trailers to horse trailers and caravans.
If you’re planning a trip to Europe, getting your trailer checked before you go can give you peace of mind that everything is ready for the journey.
Whether you need routine servicing, repairs, replacement parts or advice about your trailer, our team can help.
Register your trailer before your European trip
If you’re taking a trailer over 750kg abroad, don’t assume that the registration number on your towing vehicle is all you need.
Check the requirements for your route, register your trailer where required, display the correct trailer registration plate and remember to take your registration certificate with you.
Useful GOV.UK links
Register your trailer to take it abroad – GOV.UK
Trailer registration guidance – GOV.UK
Check the rules for driving abroad – GOV.UK
This article is intended as general information for Three Shires Trailers customers. Always check the latest GOV.UK guidance and the requirements of the countries on your route before travelling.