Tow hitchNetherlands

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.

Traffic signs

Traffic rules

Netherlands

88. 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.

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.

What is a tow ball?

A tow ball is the ball-shaped part of a common passenger-car towing system onto which the trailer coupling is secured.

Can every car have a tow hitch?

No. The vehicle must be approved or technically suitable for the coupling and intended towing load. Some vehicles have limited or no approved towing capacity.

Does fitting a tow hitch automatically mean you may tow any trailer?

No. You must respect the towing vehicle's approved towing capacity, the hitch rating, trailer limits and the driving-licence rules applying to the combination.

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.

What is nose weight?

Nose weight is the downward vertical force that a trailer applies to the towing vehicle through the coupling. It must remain within the limits specified for the vehicle, hitch and trailer.

Can a tow hitch be removable?

Yes. Tow hitches may be fixed, detachable or retractable. Detachable systems must be correctly installed and securely locked before towing.

Can a tow hitch be used for a bicycle carrier?

Yes, if the hitch and carrier are designed for that purpose. The permitted vertical load and vehicle manufacturer's restrictions must still be respected.

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.

What should you check before towing?

Check that the coupling is fully engaged and locked, the safety connection is correctly attached, the electrical connector works and the trailer lights and brakes operate correctly where required.

Trailer

Fire truck

1 Netherlands 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Cycling street 10 Pedestrian zone 11 Slope 12 Bus stop 13 Dead end 14 Stop sign 15 Give way 16 Roundabout 17 Priority road 18 Railway crossing 19 School area 20 Overtaking 21 Crossing animals 22 Roadworks 23 Weight limit 24 Radar speed sign 25 Selective barriers 26 Low-emission zone 27 Priority at the next junction 28 Traffic lights 29 Traffic lights warning 30 Road markings 31 Speed feedback 32 Traffic mirror 33 Emergency telephone 34 Cycling route 35 Parking 36 No parking 37 No stopping 38 Park and ride 39 Kiss and ride 40 Parking disc 41 Disabled parking 42 Traffic management 43 Merging 44 Reversing 45 Uncontrolled crossroad 46 Advisory cycle lane 47 Rush-hour lane 48 Emergency exit 49 Oversize load 50 City limit 51 Parking zone 52 Axle weight limit 53 Licence plate 54 Charging station 55 Dangers 56 Equestrian trail 57 Cyclist 58 Truck 59 Bus 60 Police 61 Ambulance 62 Bicycle parking station 63 Tram lights 64 European emission standard 65 Pothole 66 Path 67 Particulates 68 Air pollution 69 Rush hour 70 Road code 71 Street gutter 72 Cargo bike 73 Forestry vehicle 74 Construction vehicle 75 Semi-trailer truck 76 Trolleybus 77 Speed pedelec 78 Delivery vehicle 79 Idling 80 Tow truck 81 Four-wheel drive 82 No vehicles 83 Bicycle 84 Motorcycle equipment 85 Rail track 86 Caravan 87 Trailer 88 Tow hitch 89 Fire truck 90 Siren 91 Convoy 92 Emergency vehicle lighting 93 Agricultural machinery 94 Electric bicycle 95 Electric vehicle 96 Pedelec 97 Quadricycle 98 Microcar 99 All-terrain vehicle 100 Van ...