Spain’s DGT Issues Warning on Tow Bar Regulations Ahead of Summer Travel
Spain’s Directorate-General for Traffic is urging drivers to ensure their vehicle tow bars are officially approved, properly documented, and fully visible to avoid significant fines during summer travel.
With summer travel on the rise, Spain’s Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) is reminding drivers about the strict rules for using vehicle tow bars. Installing a hitch is considered a significant vehicle modification, and failing to follow the correct legal procedures can lead to fines or problems during your Technical Vehicle Inspection (ITV).
To stay compliant, any tow bar must be officially approved and installed by a specialized workshop. Once installed, the owner must obtain an installation certificate and a technical report. Crucially, this modification must then be officially recorded on your vehicle’s technical inspection card.
Traffic authorities are also emphasizing the importance of license plate visibility. If a tow bar or a trailer blocks the view of your plate, you could face a 200-euro fine. Using non-approved equipment is even more serious, with fines reaching up to 400 euros.
While there is no law against driving with a tow ball attached when you aren't pulling a trailer, it must be fully legal. During every ITV appointment, inspectors will check the condition of the hitch and your documentation. If the inspection is unfavorable, you will not be allowed to drive until the issues are fixed.
The DGT recommends that all drivers check their tow bar’s mechanical condition and paperwork before heading out on long summer trips to ensure everything is in order.