Skip to content A breakdown usually comes out of nowhere, often at the worst possible moment – and suddenly the question is staring you in the face: can I tow the vehicle myself, or do I need professional help? Every driver needs to know what to keep in mind when towing a car, because mistakes in this situation can be both expensive and genuinely dangerous, not just for you but for everyone else on the road.
In this guide you’ll learn everything about the relevant traffic-law rules, the technical quirks of automatic, dual-clutch and electric vehicles, and the safety aspects that matter most whenever a car is being towed. The article applies equally to cars, motorcycles and modern vehicles with a start button or advanced driver-assistance systems. We also clear up the common cost traps drivers fall into and explain, step by step, when calling roadside assistance is simply the better and safer choice.
Table of contents
- The 5 most important points when towing
- What to do when you break down
- Traffic-law rules and legal requirements
- Technical quirks: manual, automatic, dual-clutch
- Towing electric and hybrid vehicles
- Hazard lights, lighting and communication
- Motorcycles and special cases
- Costs, roadside assistance and professional help
- Conclusion
The 5 most important points: what you absolutely need to know before towing
Before you tow a car, you should know the basic rules. These five points sum up what you need to keep in mind when towing:
1) Towing only for a genuine breakdown or fault: Towing a vehicle is only permitted when the car is not roadworthy on the spot and cannot be repaired immediately. An empty tank or missing registration does not justify towing – here you risk fines of up to 70 euros and a point on your licence.
2) Follow the traffic-law requirements: The recommended maximum speed is 50 km/h, ideally even just 20 km/h. Both vehicles must have their hazard lights on for the entire towing process. On the Autobahn, the combination must leave at the next exit without delay.
3) Use suitable equipment: An approved tow rope or a tow bar with sufficient load capacity is mandatory. The distance between the vehicles must not exceed 5 metres. If a rope is used, its midpoint must be clearly marked with a red flag or cloth.
4) Only tow roadworthy vehicles: The towed vehicle must have working brakes, steering and lights. The driver of the towed car needs a valid licence of the relevant category.
5) Pay attention to modern technology: Special rules apply to vehicles with automatic transmission, dual-clutch transmission or an electric motor. Towing these incorrectly can lead to expensive drivetrain damage.
When am I even allowed to tow a car?
The question of “when” is crucial, because not every situation justifies towing. Here are the clear criteria:
- Allowed: Engine damage, an electrical fault, gearbox damage, accident damage, or other technical faults that make it impossible to continue driving
- Allowed: Driving directly to the nearest suitable workshop or a safe parking spot
- Prohibited: “Convenience towing” because of a missing TÜV inspection, expired registration, or no insurance
- Prohibited: Transport over long distances – towing should be limited to the shortest possible route
If you’re at all unsure about the condition of the vehicle or the right way to proceed, it’s a good idea to contact a towing service or a motoring club before attempting anything yourself. A professional roadside assistance provider can assess the situation on site and tell you quickly whether a towing attempt can even be carried out safely, or whether the vehicle needs to be loaded instead.
Who is allowed to tow, and which vehicle is suitable?
In principle, any adult driver with a valid licence may tow another motor vehicle. However, there are important restrictions:
- The towing vehicle must have enough power and weight to move the load safely
- The towed car should be registered and have working steering and brakes
- Both drivers must be able to control their vehicles throughout the entire process
- Without the correct licence category, towing can be treated as driving without a licence
If in doubt, private individuals are always better off calling a professional, both for liability and for basic safety reasons; for heavy goods vehicles, for example, a specialised truck towing and emergency service is available around the clock. Responsibility for any damage to the towed vehicle, or for accidents that occur during the process, lies squarely with the vehicle’s owner and its driver.
What to do in a breakdown before towing begins
Before the actual towing process begins, you first need to secure the situation properly. Getting the sequence right, from the moment you break down to the moment the tow actually starts, can genuinely save lives:
- Secure the vehicle: If possible, steer the car immediately onto the hard shoulder, into a parking bay, or onto a car park
- Turn on the hazard lights: Activate immediately, and in darkness also use the sidelights
- Leave the vehicle: All occupants should exit on the side facing away from traffic
- Put on a hi-vis vest: In Germany at least one hi-vis vest per vehicle is mandatory
- Find a safe spot: Wait behind the crash barrier or well away from the carriageway
- Set up the warning triangle:
Within built-up areas: approx. 50 m behind the vehicle
Outside built-up areas: approx. 100 m behind the vehicle
On the Autobahn: 150–200 m behind the vehicle
- Within built-up areas: approx. 50 m behind the vehicle
- Outside built-up areas: approx. 100 m behind the vehicle
- On the Autobahn: 150–200 m behind the vehicle
Before every towing attempt, you should establish whether a safe location can even be reached without professional help.
Extra caution on the Autobahn
Breakdowns on the Autobahn are among the most dangerous situations you can encounter in road traffic, given the speeds involved and the limited room for error. Special rules apply here for everyone involved:
- Where possible, the vehicle must be parked on the hard shoulder with the hazard lights on
- Everyone must move behind the crash barrier immediately and stay away from the traffic
- Contact the emergency services or roadside assistance by mobile phone or via an emergency call post
- Private towing on the Autobahn is only allowed in order to reach the next exit
- If the carriageway is blocked or in the event of serious accidents, only the police and professional towing services may act
Towing on the Autobahn carries considerable risks, since a towed vehicle with no engine power has no full power assistance for steering or brakes.
Traffic-law rules: what does the law require when towing?
The legal basis for towing is set out in § 15a of the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO). These provisions were made more specific with the 2013 amendment to the StVO, and apply to all private towing operations carried out on public roads:
Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
Permitted purpose | Only to the nearest workshop or exit |
Maximum speed | Recommended max. 50 km/h, better 20 km/h |
Hazard lights | Both vehicles on continuously |
Autobahn | Entering with an already faulty vehicle is prohibited |
Exit | The next exit must be taken without delay |
Violating these rules can lead to fines and also has consequences under insurance law. Entering the Autobahn with a vehicle that is already faulty is fundamentally prohibited. |
Requirements for the connection: rope, bar and marking
The connection between the two vehicles is subject to clear requirements:
- Only approved tow ropes or tow bars with sufficient load capacity are permitted
- The maximum distance between the vehicles must not exceed 5 metres – this ensures enough reaction and braking distance
- The tow rope or tow bar must be clearly marked, for example with a red cloth or a built-in marker
- The connection must be attached in a straight line, not diagonally
- Only the towing eyes specified in the vehicle’s owner’s manual may be used
A tow bar is usually safer than a rope, since it guides the rear vehicle and helps avoid rear-end collisions. A rope, on the other hand, demands more attention from the driver of the towed car.
Fines and possible consequences of violations
Breaking the towing rules is not only dangerous, but also costly:
- 20-euro fine: For not leaving the Autobahn at the next exit while towing
- 20-euro fine: For entering the Autobahn with a faulty vehicle
- 70 euros and 1 point: For towing an unregistered or uninsured vehicle
In cases of gross negligence or where an accident results, additional points and considerably higher penalties are also possible. Insurers can reduce or refuse cover entirely in the event of a claim if towing was carried out illegally.
Technical quirks: manual gearbox, automatic, dual-clutch
The differences between classic manual vehicles and modern automatic transmissions are crucial when towing. Getting it wrong can quickly lead to expensive follow-on damage.
Important: Always check the vehicle’s owner’s manual before towing!
Vehicles with a manual gearbox:
- Put the gearbox in neutral
- Turn the ignition to “accessory” so the steering and, where fitted, power steering still work
- Release the handbrake
- Relatively straightforward to tow
Vehicles with an automatic gearbox:
- Put the gear selector in N (neutral)
- Only allow short towing distances
- Insufficient oil supply can cause gearbox damage
- Maximum 50 km at 50 km/h
Vehicles with a dual-clutch gearbox:
- Particularly sensitive to towing
- Insufficient oil supply quickly leads to expensive follow-on damage
- Strictly follow the manufacturer’s instructions
- If in doubt: transport on a flatbed tow truck
If the manufacturer’s approval is unclear, transporting the vehicle on a flatbed tow truck is always safer than pulling it on a rope.
Vehicles with a push-button start and immobiliser
Modern vehicles without a classic ignition lock present particular challenges:
- Without the electronics switched on, power steering assistance is often unavailable
- The brake booster may not work
- The hazard lights cannot be activated
- The steering wheel lock may be engaged
Many of these vehicles have a special towing mode that must be activated according to the owner’s manual. If the on-board electronics have failed completely, you should always call roadside assistance or a towing service straight away – safe towing is then barely possible.
Towing electric and hybrid vehicles
For electric cars a clear rule applies: in most cases, these vehicles should not be towed in the classic way at all but should instead be lifted or loaded onto a flatbed transporter. The risks of doing otherwise are considerable and should not be underestimated:
- While rolling, the electric motor acts as a generator and can generate dangerously high voltages
- Without active vehicle control, damage to the high-voltage system can occur
- Regenerative braking can feed energy into the battery in an uncontrolled way
- The high-voltage battery may overheat
The same safety guidance applies to plug-in hybrids and full hybrids. For electric or hybrid vehicles, you should always contact roadside assistance and, if in doubt, only have the vehicle moved by a transporter or a specialised tow truck.
Extra safety around the high-voltage system
The high-voltage system found in electric vehicles requires special precautions:
- Untrained people must not touch any connectors, orange cables, or the high-voltage battery
- After an accident, specialised high-voltage teams or trained towing services should be used
- Improperly towing an electric car can be not only expensive but life-threatening
- Even vehicles that appear undamaged can have internal damage
Using a regular tow rope on an electric vehicle can very quickly cause irreparable and expensive damage to the entire drivetrain.
Hazard lights, lighting and communication while towing
Visibility to other road users is crucial to everyone’s safety during towing.
Mandatory measures:
- Both vehicles switch on their hazard lights at the start of the tow
- In darkness or poor visibility, all required lights must be working and switched on
- If the towed vehicle’s electrics are faulty, a professional towing service is required
Communication between the drivers:
- Agree a clear communication system before setting off
- Options: mobile phone with hands-free kit, pre-agreed hand signals, flashing the headlights
- The driver of the rear vehicle constantly watches the brake lights and indicators of the vehicle in front
Nothing is more dangerous during a tow than poor coordination between the two drivers – it is very often the root cause of accidents in these situations.
Driving behaviour in a towing combination
A towing combination must be driven calmly and predictably. Here are the most important tips for both drivers:
- Pull away gently: Always avoid jerking the rope
- Keep a constant distance: Especially important on downhill stretches
- Brake actively: The rear vehicle brakes along with the front one, to keep the rope taut
- Drive ahead of the situation: It’s not only the front car that slows down
- Avoid manoeuvres: Sudden lane changes, tight corners and jerky movements are off-limits
- Adapt your speed: When in doubt, it’s better to drive more slowly
The route to the workshop should always be well planned in advance – avoid Autobahns, steep mountain roads and narrow city centres wherever this is at all possible.
Towing motorcycles and other special cases
Fundamentally different rules apply to two-wheelers than to a normal car. Towing motorcycles with a rope or bar is generally prohibited under § 15a (4) StVO.
Reasons for the ban:
- Their single-track design makes towing unstable
- They lack mechanical fallback systems
- Risk of tipping over or losing control
Permitted transport methods for motorcycles:
- A trailer with suitable fastenings
- A transporter with a motorcycle mount
- A specialised motorcycle tow vehicle
In the event of a breakdown, motorcyclists should contact a specialised roadside assistance service or a motoring club directly. For freight transport, a Europe-wide network of 24/7 truck roadside assistance provides fast support. Special towing conditions, set by the relevant manufacturer, often also apply to motorhomes, trailers and small vans.
Safety precautions for everyone involved
Regardless of the vehicle type involved, these protective measures apply:
- Everyone wears a hi-vis vest
- No one stands between the two vehicles – not even briefly
- Children or pets may not travel in the towed vehicle unless they can be properly secured
- Passengers should, if possible, leave the combination and wait in a safe place
- Check the connection and all towing eyes for a firm fit before every journey
Costs, roadside assistance, and when to call in a professional
Private towing attempts aren’t always cheaper, and they’re certainly not always safer, than calling a professional service. The overall cost of a professional towing service depends on several factors:
Factor | Effect on towing costs |
|---|---|
Distance | The longer, the more expensive |
Time of day | Surcharges at night and on weekends |
Vehicle type | Electric cars and heavy vehicles cost more |
Complexity | Recovery from difficult terrain is more expensive |
Benefits of motoring club membership: |
- Often free or discounted towing services
- Roadside assistance reachable 24/7
- Europe-wide cover depending on the plan
- Legal advice in the event of accidents
Check your insurance terms and breakdown-cover benefits well before a breakdown actually happens, not after. Many car insurance policies offer breakdown cover as an optional add-on, which covers roadside assistance call-outs and towing costs, often up to a generous limit – providers such as the ADAC publish detailed comparisons of what such cover typically includes.
For electric cars, extensive electronic faults, or locked wheels, a professional is virtually always required. A fully compliant, professional towing service is usually cheaper than risky DIY attempts that end up causing expensive follow-on damage to the vehicle.
Checklist: when it’s better not to tow yourself
In these situations you should always call a professional towing service:
- ❌ The brakes, steering or lights of the faulty vehicle are not working reliably
- ❌ It’s an electric, hybrid or modern automatic vehicle with unclear manufacturer guidance
- ❌ You’re not sure how to correctly handle the tow rope, bar and attachment points
- ❌ The breakdown happens on the Autobahn, an expressway, or in a confusing area
- ❌ The driver of the towed car has little driving experience or has never carried out a towing manoeuvre before
- ❌ The route to the nearest workshop is long or goes through difficult terrain
- ❌ The ignition lock or start button no longer works
FAQ
How fast are you allowed to drive while towing? The recommended maximum speed is 50 km/h, though experts recommend a maximum of 20 km/h for better control.
Does the towed vehicle have to be registered? Yes, towing an unregistered or uninsured vehicle is illegal and is punished with a 70-euro fine and one point.
Am I allowed to tow an automatic vehicle? Only over short distances and in position N. Always check the owner’s manual, since insufficient oil supply can cause gearbox damage.
What does a professional towing service cost? Costs vary considerably depending on distance, time of day and vehicle type. Motoring club members often get the service completely free of charge.
Conclusion: tow safely – or have yourself towed safely
There’s a great deal to keep in mind when towing a vehicle: from the legal requirements of the traffic regulations, through choosing and using the right equipment, to the particular demands of modern vehicle technology such as automatic gearboxes and electric drivetrains. Safety, clear communication between the drivers, and strict compliance with all the rules must always take priority over time pressure or the temptation to save a little money.
Modern vehicle technology – whether automatic transmission, an electric drivetrain, or complex driver-assistance systems – often makes DIY towing attempts riskier than they used to be. Before a possible breakdown, you should familiarise yourself with your vehicle’s owner’s manual, your emergency equipment, and the contact details of roadside assistance providers.
When in doubt, the rule is simple: a professional towing service is the better solution for the people involved, for the vehicle, and for the safety of all road users. The supposed savings from towing a vehicle yourself are no match for the potential damage and dangers involved.
