Towing limits in New Zealand
Overloading a trailer is a danger to you and others - not to mention the severe penalties the Polica will impose. Trailer loading and towing are the legal responsibility of the driver, so it pays to know your limits.
Light Trailers fall into three categories:
Weights quoted are the combined weight of the trailer and the product it carries.
The Police will weigh the vehicle coupled to the trailer, usually by driving the vehicle over a weigh bridge or portable roadside scales. They will take three measurements: Weight of the tow vehicle, weight of the combined vehicle and trailer, and finally, the weight of the trailer.
Light Trailers fall into three categories:
- Up to 2000kg (No legal requirement for brakes.)
- From 2000kg to 2500kg (Brakes must be fitted to at least one axle.)
- From 2501kg to 3500kg (Brakes must be fitted to at least on axle AND have an independent parking brake.)
Weights quoted are the combined weight of the trailer and the product it carries.
The Police will weigh the vehicle coupled to the trailer, usually by driving the vehicle over a weigh bridge or portable roadside scales. They will take three measurements: Weight of the tow vehicle, weight of the combined vehicle and trailer, and finally, the weight of the trailer.