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Tow hitchWallonia

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Traffic rules
Wallonia

101. Tow hitch

A tow hitch, also called a trailer hitch or towing coupling, is a device fitted to a vehicle so that a trailer, caravan or other towable vehicle can be securely connected to it. Passenger cars commonly use a tow ball, while heavier vehicles may use other types of mechanical coupling.

The tow hitch and towing vehicle must be suitable for the trailer and the loads involved. Drivers must respect the vehicle's approved towing capacity, the coupling limits, trailer mass and any applicable driving-licence, braking and safety requirements.

Tow hitch
Weight-distribution and sway-control trailer hitch for towing trailers and recreational vehicles.
Wikimedia.org • Tony Webster • CC BY
What is a tow hitch in Belgium?

A tow hitch, legally referred to as a coupling device, is equipment fitted to a vehicle so that a trailer, caravan or other towable vehicle can be mechanically connected to it.

Can you tow any trailer once a tow hitch is fitted?

No. The trailer must remain within the towing limits approved for the vehicle and the maximum permitted load of the coupling itself.

May a Belgian tow hitch be loaded beyond the value marked on it?

No. The coupling may not be subjected to a towing load greater than the maximum permitted value indicated for the coupling.

Does fitting a tow hitch affect the driving licence you need?

The hitch itself does not, but the trailer combination can. The required licence depends mainly on the maximum authorised masses of the towing vehicle, trailer and complete combination.

What trailer can you normally tow with a Belgian category B licence?

A category B vehicle may tow a trailer with a maximum authorised mass of up to 750 kg. A heavier trailer can also fall within category B when the maximum authorised mass of the complete combination does not exceed 3500 kg.

When is Belgian code 96 needed for towing?

For a category B towing vehicle with a trailer exceeding 750 kg, code 96 allows a combination with a maximum authorised mass exceeding 3500 kg but not exceeding 4250 kg.

When is a Belgian BE licence needed?

A category BE licence is generally required when a category B towing vehicle is combined with a heavier trailer and the combination falls outside the limits of category B or B with code 96, within the applicable BE mass limits.

Does fitting a tow hitch require a separate technical inspection in Flanders?

No. Since 1 September 2026, fitting a tow hitch no longer requires a separate technical inspection in Flanders. The tow hitch can still be checked as part of the vehicle's applicable technical inspection.

Can a tow hitch still be inspected in Flanders?

Yes. Since 1 September 2026, a separate inspection is no longer required solely because a tow hitch has been installed, but the tow hitch can still be checked as part of the vehicle's applicable technical inspection.

Does a small trailer need a separate Belgian registration plate?

A trailer with a maximum authorised mass of no more than 750 kg normally does not need its own registration. It must display a reproduction of the towing vehicle's registration plate.

What if a bicycle carrier on the tow hitch hides the registration plate?

If a bicycle carrier mounted on the rear of the vehicle or on its tow hitch hides the registration plate, the carrier must display a reproduction of the vehicle's registration plate.

Does a Belgian trailer need a safety cable or chain?

A trailer without a breakaway brake must normally have an auxiliary coupling in addition to the main coupling. This may consist of one or two cables or chains and must be capable of keeping the trailer connected if the main coupling fails.

Does a braked trailer use the same secondary coupling system?

Trailers equipped with a breakaway braking system are treated differently. The system is designed to apply the trailer brakes automatically if the trailer separates from the towing vehicle.

Should you check the tow hitch before every journey with a trailer?

Yes. Make sure that the coupling is fully engaged and secured, the electrical connection and trailer lights function correctly and any required safety or breakaway connection is properly attached.

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