What is the maximum permissible length of a car towing a trailer?

Verified 07 May 2025 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

The vehicle combination (car + trailer) shall not exceed 18 meters.

The trailer, including the coupling device, shall not exceed 12 meters.

However, the coupling device shall not be taken into account for the following trailers:

  • Trailer which has been subjected to a European reception and put into circulation for the firstre times before 1er November 2014
  • National type-approved trailer put into service for 1re times before 1er August 2021.

Failure to comply with these rules is sanctioned by a fine up to €750. In general, it is a flat-rate fine of €135. However, if the overrun exceeds the permitted limit by more than 20 %, the fine may be up to €1,500. The vehicle may be immobilized.

FYI  

The width maximum permissible for a car, as for its trailer, is 2.55 meters.

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