Trail­ers

When driving with a trailer, such as a travel trailer or a utility trailer, there are several things to consider in order to ensure safety in traffic. Driving style must be adjusted according to the size and weight of the trailer. It is necessary to ensure that the finish and equipment of the trailer being towed are in good condition and meet requirements. We have compiled some helpful tips that are good to keep in mind before setting off with the trailer. 

The trailer 

• Use a safety wire or chain when towing. 

• Be careful not to overload the trailer. 

• Check the weather, especially wind strength, before heading off with a trailer. 

• Have the trailer inspected in accordance with the inspection requirement.  

The car 

• Must have a registered towbar/hook. 

• The registration certificate contains information about the permissible weight that a car can tow. 

• Side mirror extensions are required if the trailer is wider than the car. 

• Probably has ABS brakes but possibly not the trailer. This can cause an imbalance during emergency braking, which drivers need to be aware of. 

Other 

• It is not a given that a driver has a license to tow a trailer. Find out more about your driving license. 

• Steady winds or gusts reaching 15-20m/sec are dangerous. The strength of a gust of wind varies depending on the terrain, and whether or not the gust blows a trailer over can depend on the weight of the trailer, the angle of the gust of wind, and the resistance of the road. 

• You can find information about mandatory inspections and how these matters are handled for each vehicle on My Pages on the Icelandic Transport Authority's website. 

If you are unsure about your license to drive with a trailer, you can view explanations of driving licenses on the Icelandic Transport Authority's website.