# Towing capacity

*Last updated: 2026-06-16*

> A truck is loaded and ready to depart, but the trailer exceeds the permitted weight – this is where towing capacity becomes critical.

A truck is loaded and ready to depart, but the trailer exceeds the permitted weight – this is where towing capacity becomes critical. Towing capacity is the maximum permissible mass a towing vehicle may pull, expressed in kilograms and recorded in the vehicle registration document. The figure is determined by the rated load of the coupling, the braking system's performance, and the axle load rating of the towing unit. In commercial road freight, the braked towing capacity is always the relevant figure; the unbraked value has no practical significance for heavy goods vehicles. Exceeding the registered limit constitutes a traffic offence, may void insurance cover in the event of an accident, and in cross-border transport exposes the operator to enforcement action, as authorities routinely check towing capacity alongside the permissible gross vehicle weight.

**Source:** [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Towing_capacity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Towing_capacity)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Towing capacity |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 133 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-16 |
| Source | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Towing_capacity |

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