Tow hitchAustralia

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Australia. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


78. Tow hitch

A tow hitch, also called a trailer hitch or towing coupling, is a device fitted to a vehicle so that a trailer, caravan or other towable vehicle can be securely connected to it. Passenger cars commonly use a tow ball, while heavier vehicles may use other types of mechanical coupling.

The tow hitch and towing vehicle must be suitable for the trailer and the loads involved. Drivers must respect the vehicle's approved towing capacity, the coupling limits, trailer mass and any applicable driving-licence, braking and safety requirements.

Tow hitch
Weight-distribution and sway-control trailer hitch for towing trailers and recreational vehicles.
Wikimedia.org • Tony Webster • CC BY
What is a tow hitch?

A tow hitch is a mechanical coupling fitted to a vehicle so that a trailer, caravan or other towable vehicle can be attached.

🔗 cdn.group.renault.com • Dacia Sandero, Stepway and Jogger owner’s manual, pages 6.6–6.8, weights, towing and tow-ball loads; model-specific example

🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK, towing weight and width limits; GB example

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 1, 30 and Annex 5, vehicle connections; international framework subject to national law

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Driving Licence Decree of 23 March 1998, Article 2, licence and trailer categories; national example

🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK, trailers and towing equipment, breakaway/secondary coupling; GB example

What is the maximum load on a tow hitch?

The permitted load depends on the vehicle and coupling. The coupling normally has specified maximum towing and vertical-load ratings that must not be exceeded.

🔗 cdn.group.renault.com • Dacia Sandero, Stepway and Jogger owner’s manual, pages 6.6–6.8, weights, towing and tow-ball loads; model-specific example

🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK, towing weight and width limits; GB example

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 1, 30 and Annex 5, vehicle connections; international framework subject to national law

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Driving Licence Decree of 23 March 1998, Article 2, licence and trailer categories; national example

🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK, trailers and towing equipment, breakaway/secondary coupling; GB example

Does a trailer need a secondary safety connection?

Depending on the trailer's braking system and local law, a safety cable, chain or breakaway system may be required in addition to the main coupling.

🔗 cdn.group.renault.com • Dacia Sandero, Stepway and Jogger owner’s manual, pages 6.6–6.8, weights, towing and tow-ball loads; model-specific example

🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK, towing weight and width limits; GB example

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 1, 30 and Annex 5, vehicle connections; international framework subject to national law

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Driving Licence Decree of 23 March 1998, Article 2, licence and trailer categories; national example

🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK, trailers and towing equipment, breakaway/secondary coupling; GB example

1 Australia 2 Motorway 3 Residential area 4 Speed limit 5 Advisory speed 6 Bike path 7 Pedestrian warning 8 Bridge 9 Speed bump 10 Toll road 11 One-way traffic 12 Slope 13 Bus stop 14 Stop sign 15 Give way 16 Roundabout 17 Pedestrian crossing 18 Railway crossing 19 Mandatory direction 20 Turn prohibition 21 School area 22 Crossing animals 23 Slippery road 24 Curve 25 Chevron 26 Wrong-way driving 27 Height limit 28 Radar speed sign 29 Selective barriers 30 Traffic lights 31 Traffic lights warning 32 Pedestrian lights 33 Road markings 34 Left-hand traffic 35 Driving licence 36 Location marker 37 Emergency telephone 38 No parking 39 No stopping 40 Disabled parking 41 Traffic management 42 Reversing 43 U-turn 44 Uncontrolled crossroad 45 Oversize load 46 Licence plate 47 Charging station 48 Local traffic 49 Moped 50 Truck 51 Bus 52 Police 53 Ambulance 54 Pothole 55 Path 56 Particulates 57 Air pollution 58 Rush hour 59 Road code 60 Two-way traffic 61 Street gutter 62 Cargo bike 63 Forestry vehicle 64 Construction vehicle 65 Semi-trailer truck 66 Trolleybus 67 Speed pedelec 68 Delivery vehicle 69 Idling 70 Tow truck 71 Four-wheel drive 72 Bicycle 73 Motorcycle equipment 74 Tram 75 Rail track 76 Caravan 77 Trailer 78 Tow hitch 79 Fire truck 80 Siren 81 Convoy 82 Emergency vehicle lighting 83 Agricultural machinery 84 Electric bicycle 85 Electric vehicle 86 Pedelec 87 Quadricycle 88 Microcar 89 All-terrain vehicle 90 Van 91 Recreational vehicle 92 Scooter 93 Trikke 94 Personal mobility device 95 Skateboard 96 Segway 97 Kick scooter 98 Roller skates 99 Mailman 100 Hitchhiker ...