Towing with an A-Frame is Illegal in Spain

[Camper21]

When we were using our A-Frame in Spain last year we were stopped by the police twice. However, both times they just checked my driving licence to make sure that I was licensed for the weight of trailer/car (800kgs/C1E).

One other time we were waved into the forecourt of a police station we were passing. The policeman who had pulled us over disappeared into the police station with our vehicle docs for about 15 mins before returning the docs and waving us away. My guess is that he was unable to establish that we were breaking any law (or had established that we weren't).

 

[Camper21]

I have just looked at the UK Gov website quoted in the original post and the overview clearly states that it is for the use of UK citizens residing in Spain. Not an expert but my understanding in this context (towing with an A-Frame) is that anyone residing in Spain must fully comply with Spanish law rather than their own national laws. Most of us will be visiting rather than residing in Spain so I think that the guidance given on the website may not be applicable. Grateful for a professional view.

 

[GJH]

I have just looked at the UK Gov website quoted in the original post and the overview clearly states that it is for the use of UK citizens residing in Spain. Not an expert but my understanding in this context (towing with an A-Frame) is that anyone residing in Spain must fully comply with Spanish law rather than their own national laws. Most of us will be visiting rather than residing in Spain so I think that the guidance given on the website may not be applicable. Grateful for a professional view.

The advice may be primarily aimed at people who live in Spain, rather than just visiting, but the relevant statement is "Towing a car behind a motor home using an A-frame is illegal in Spain and you will be fined for using one." and not "Towing a car behind a motor home using an A-frame is illegal in Spain if you live there and you will be fined for using one."

 

[haganap]

Awesome ,,,,, another a frame thread can't wait well done Jim it's like the old days

 

[SuperMike]

I use an A frame to tow my gassing equipment around.

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[Larrynwin]

I use an A frame to tow my gassing equipment around.

I use an A frame to tow my gassing equipment around.

With grey waste valve open no doubt

 

[Vic]

Super Mike,

What oil do you use and what are your tyre pressures?

 

[mick noe]

would it be ok to smoke or vape on your gas carrying A frame ...........your que @buttons

 

[Gromett]

I got curious once upon a time and looked into this. My understanding of it was that it is not illegal in the UK so we should be ok with it in Spain. This was based on the rule that if it is is allowed in your own country then 'you' are allowed to in other EU countries.

That being said, we can't expect every nations policemen to be up to date on all other countries rules and regulations. As this is illegal in Spain expect to get pulled. As is the case in this country you may find a good copper who is prepared to listen and research, or you may find one that is an officious idiot and he may take it all the way. That is the risk you take...

My personal view of it is.. I don't want people coming to my country and expecting to be able to get exemptions from the law just because it is allowed in their country. It is only good manners therefore to behave well and obey the laws and customs of the country you are visiting even if you can get away with doing otherwise even if on a technicality. For this reason and the fact I can't be arsed dealing with problems when on holiday I wouldn't use an A frame in Spain.

If you are prepared to break the local laws (even though you are allowed to) and can deal with the potential agro then that is up to you.

Anyway, I am not a Lawyer so my research and opinion means nothing, and to be honest I don't really give a stuff. I just cracked a beer and thought I would join in

 

[SuperMike]

Super Mike,

What oil do you use and what are your tyre pressures?

Any quality synthetic oil 10/40 changed every 5000 miles. Manufacturers recommend switching to synthetic after 10k.
8.1L Vortec, now having done 13k is getting smoother all the time.

Front 90psi, rear duals 95psi.

Why ?

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[SuperMike]

With grey waste valve open no doubt

And black LarryHarry. Never do things by half measures. In for a penny, and all that. The VeryOldMoIceCreamInternetMan told me I should do it like that. Why, is he not correct ?

 

[GJH]

I got curious once upon a time and looked into this. My understanding of it was that it is not illegal in the UK so we should be ok with it in Spain. This was based on the rule that if it is is allowed in your own country then 'you' are allowed to in other EU countries.

That being said, we can't expect every nations policemen to be up to date on all other countries rules and regulations. As this is illegal in Spain expect to get pulled. As is the case in this country you may find a good copper who is prepared to listen and research, or you may find one that is an officious idiot and he may take it all the way. That is the risk you take...

My personal view of it is.. I don't want people coming to my country and expecting to be able to get exemptions from the law just because it is allowed in their country. It is only good manners therefore to behave well and obey the laws and customs of the country you are visiting even if you can get away with doing otherwise even if on a technicality. For this reason and the fact I can't be arsed dealing with problems when on holiday I wouldn't use an A frame in Spain.

If you are prepared to break the local laws (even though you are allowed to) and can deal with the potential agro then that is up to you.

Anyway, I am not a Lawyer so my research and opinion means nothing, and to be honest I don't really give a stuff. I just cracked a beer and thought I would join in

The UK government guidance is published Broken Link Removed. The relevant paragraph is:

The use of “A”-Frames in other EU countries
The Vienna Convention is the international law that governs this issue. We cannot comment on the interpretation of this by other European countries and whether they permit or prohibit the use of A-frames in their national traffic. Anyone intending to travel through a European country and using an A-frame to tow a vehicle would be recommended to seek independent advice as to the laws within that country.

 

[Billy23]

Got to be careful with this thought " well it's not illegal in my country so I can do it in yours" they have lots of things that you can do in the rest of Europe that you might not like people doing in th UK. It's not only "A" frames you know and you couldn't pick and choose.

 

[SuperMike]

Any quality synthetic oil 10/40 changed every 5000 miles. Manufacturers recommend switching to synthetic after 10k.
8.1L Vortec, now having done 13k is getting smoother all the time.

Front 90psi, rear duals 95psi.

Why ?

Sorry, typo, that should read 10/30. Opppps.

 

[Judge Mental]

Got to be careful with this thought " well it's not illegal in my country so I can do it in yours" they have lots of things that you can do in the rest of Europe that you might not like people doing in th UK. It's not only "A" frames you know and you couldn't pick and choose.

a frame towing not legal here either as has never been tested in court. Only when an issue passed into statute law is it deemed legal or illegal.

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[Billy23]

a frame towing not legal here either as has never been tested in court. Only when an issue passed into statute law is it deemed legal or illegal.

Yes I understand what you are saying but equally, some would say, if it hasn't been to court and shown to be illegal, then we will assume that it is legal. I am not saying I agree with that thinking but it would, I think be fair to say that may be the thinking of people that do use an "A" frame.

 

[Judge Mental]

Yes I understand what you are saying but equally, some would say, if it hasn't been to court and shown to be illegal, then we will assume that it is legal. I am not saying I agree with that thinking but it would, I think be fair to say that may be the thinking of people that do use an "A" frame.

Fine.. But that cannot be used as justification for use in Europe where the law is clear...

 

[Billy23]

Fine.. But that cannot be used as justification for use in Europe where the law is clear...

I am with you on that.

 

[Larrynwin]

And black LarryHarry. Never do things by half measures. In for a penny, and all that. The VeryOldMoIceCreamInternetMan told me I should do it like that. Why, is he not correct ?

He does it when ice cream is all sold ,

 

[Wyaye wires]

So how about organising a bullfighting meet in the UK Jim???

'Cos that's legal in Spain, so then it'll be legal here too if we can get a couple of Spaniards involved surely???

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