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Towing rules in Europe
Planning to tow a trailer with your roadsurfer camper? Here’s everything you need to know to stay safe and legal on your trip through Europe.
Do I Need to Register My Trailer?
Across Europe, the key requirement is based on the trailer itself, not the camper:
- Trailers over 750 kg must be registered when travelling to or through most European countries.
- Your trailer must have:
- Its own license plate (separate from the camper)
- A registration certificate you carry with you
Countries Where Registration Is Required
Most European countries require trailer registration for international travel, including: Germany, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Italy, Portugal, Norway, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Romania, and many more.
If you tow your trailer into or through one of these countries, it must be registered (if over 750 kg) even if you’re headed to an exempt destination.
Exceptions (No Registration Needed)
You do not need to register your trailer when using it only in:
- UK
- Ireland
- Spain
- Cyprus
- Malta
⚠️ Important: If your route to Spain, Cyprus, or Malta passes through countries where registration is required (e.g., France), you must register the trailer for those transit countries.
What About Trailers Under 750 kg?
Good news: If your trailer weighs under 750 kg, you generally do not need to register it for European travel.
Does the Camper’s License Plate Matter?
No — the legality depends on the trailer’s registration, not whether your camper has German, Norwegian, Swiss, Portuguese, UK, or Irish plates.
What You Should Do Before Your Trip
- Check your trailer’s weight (maximum allowable weight, not empty weight).
- Register the trailer online with your national authority if required.
- Attach the trailer’s own number plate.
- Carry the trailer registration certificate at all times.
- Review the driving rules for trailers in the countries you plan to visit (speed limits, equipment rules, etc.).
Summary
Travel across Europe with your trailer is easy and safe when you follow the rules:
- Register trailers over 750 kg when travelling through most European countries.
- Some countries allow towing without registration — but only if your full route stays within exempt zones.
- The camper’s plate doesn’t matter; the trailer’s documentation does.