MOT Testing and Towbars.

by | Aug 6, 2025 | Towbar Fitting News | 0 comments

Towbar Price

Understanding MOT Testing of Towbars: What You Need to Know

If you tow a trailer or caravan, you’ll already know how crucial a properly fitted and maintained towbar is. But did you know that towbars are also checked as part of your vehicle’s MOT test? Since 2012, towbars have been included in the MOT inspection, and a faulty towbar could be the reason your vehicle fails. In this blog post, we’ll break down what the MOT test includes for towbars, why it matters, and how you can prepare.

Why Towbars Are Checked in an MOT

Towbars are load-bearing components that play a critical role in vehicle safety when towing. A poorly fitted, rusted, or damaged towbar poses a danger not just to your vehicle, but also to other road users. That’s why the MOT test includes a visual inspection to ensure that the towbar is safe, secure, and not likely to fail under strain.

What the MOT Test Covers for Towbars

During an MOT, the examiner will inspect several key aspects of your towbar:

1. General Condition

  • The towbar must be in good structural condition.
  • There must be no excessive rust, cracks, or obvious signs of damage or fatigue.

2. Security of Attachment

  • The towbar must be securely attached to the vehicle using the manufacturer’s recommended mounting points.
  • All bolts and fixings should be tight, with no signs of looseness or wear.

3. Electrical Socket

  • If your vehicle has a towbar socket (used to power trailer lights), it must be tested.
  • The 13-pin or 7-pin socket must be functioning correctly, with all trailer lights illuminating properly when activated.

4. Compatibility

  • The towbar must be type-approved for the specific vehicle make and model (as required by European regulations for vehicles registered after August 1, 1998).
  • The towbar must have a type approval label attached to it.
  • Any inappropriate or homemade fittings that don’t meet regulatory standards may result in a fail.

5. Obstruction and Sharp Edges

  • There should be no sharp edges or protrusions that could cause injury.
  • Some fixed towbars may also be deemed as obstructing the rear number plate or lighting—this can be an issue if you’re not towing and the towball isn’t removable.

Tips to Avoid a Towbar MOT Fail

Here’s how you can help ensure your towbar passes its MOT inspection:

  • Inspect Regularly: Check for signs of corrosion, cracks, or damage. If you spot anything suspicious, have it checked by a professional.
  • Clean and Maintain: Keep the towbar and socket clean. Road salt and grime can accelerate corrosion.
  • Check Electrics: If you tow a trailer, test all lights using the towbar socket to ensure proper functionality.
  • Use Approved Products: Only use towbars and accessories that meet type approval and are fitted according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Final Thoughts

A towbar is more than just a handy attachment—it’s a piece of safety equipment that has to meet legal standards. By understanding what’s checked during the MOT and maintaining your towbar properly, you can avoid a test failure and keep your towing safe and legal.

If you’re unsure whether your towbar meets the required standards, or if it’s been a while since it was inspected, it might be time for a quick check-up. Better safe than sorry—especially when it comes to towing.

Promoting safe and legal towing with Ultimate Towbars.

The information published on the Ultimate Towbars blog is provided for general information and educational purposes only. While every effort is made to ensure that the content is accurate, up to date, and relevant, Ultimate Towbars Ltd makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of any information, products, or services mentioned.

The content on this blog does not constitute professional advice — legal, technical, mechanical, or otherwise. Readers should not rely solely on the information provided herein and are encouraged to consult the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), relevant legislation, or a qualified professional before taking any action based on the information contained on this website.

Ultimate Towbars Ltd accepts no responsibility or liability for any loss, damage, or injury that may arise directly or indirectly from reliance on the information or opinions presented in this blog. Any links to third-party websites are provided for convenience only and do not imply endorsement; Ultimate Towbars Ltd has no control over the content or availability of those external sites.

By using this website and reading our blog content, you acknowledge and agree that you do so at your own discretion and risk.