All drivers under the new coding system, with just a “B” code may only drive a car with mass of less than 3500 kg, and may tow a trailer with a mass of no more than 750kg.

As caravans normally exceed 750kg, drivers with a “B” code may not tow a caravan behind their vehicles.

Before you get behind the wheel to tow your trailer or caravan on holiday, make sure that you are doing so legally and complying with the conditions of your caravan insurance.

Car Insurance companies are urging drivers to check their licenses to determine whether they are entitled to drive a vehicle that is towing another heavy vehicle in excess of 750kg behind them.

New traffic laws in South Africa stipulate weight categories of either over or less than 750kg. If your caravan or trailer weighs less than 750kg, which not all of them do, then your ordinary license will suffice. If however the caravan or trailer weighs in excess of 750kg then drivers need to reapply for a license to tow vehicles of this weight.

If your license does not entitle you to tow things weighing over 750 kg and you do so, this could result in your insurance company repudiating your claim if you were to be involved in an accident.

The problem people will be facing if they were unaware of this new law is that it is highly unlikely that they will be able to schedule a learners and drivers test before they leave for vacation.

Drivers who obtained their first drivers license prior to 1998 and who had a code 08 license would have been re-issued with a code “EB” license which permits a driver to tow a vehicle with a mass of up to 3500kg.

Car insurance companies have warned drivers to check that their licenses have not expired, and if so to apply for a temporary license and to ensure that they have the necessary towing license. This will provide you with the certainty that your insurance covers any accident related damage.

If you are towing a trailer be sure that you comply with the new legislation which states that all trailers have a minimum-width reflective band applied around the entire trailer, available at most AA outlets. Motorists are warned that fines will issued if the trailer does not have the correct reflective tape applied on the rear and both sides of the trailer.