EC Type Approval Laws
If you have a light passenger vehicle registered on or after 1 August 1998 in
Great Britain (20 April 1999 in Northern Ireland), then the towbar must meet the requirements of
EC directive 94/20/EC commonly referred to as EC type approval.
This applies across the European Union but was implemented into countries’ domestic legislation
(such as the UK Construction and Use Regulations) at different times.
Great Britain (20 April 1999 in Northern Ireland), then the towbar must meet the requirements of
EC directive 94/20/EC commonly referred to as EC type approval.
This applies across the European Union but was implemented into countries’ domestic legislation
(such as the UK Construction and Use Regulations) at different times.
Exceptions
1) Vehicles that are not EC whole vehicle type approved (EWVTA).
These vehicles will not show the “e” marking on the chassis plate and are usually
Imported from outside the European Economic Area.
2) Vehicles that are not M1 class passenger vehicles.
These are vehicles that have more than eight seats plus the drivers seat.
3) Commercial vehicles
This includes car derived vans such as the Vauxhall Astra van and vehicles such as pick up trucks.
It also included vehicles such as the commercial version of the Land Rover Freelander which has
metal panels rather than rear side windows.
4) Vehicles registered on or before 31st July 1998
These vehicles will not show the “e” marking on the chassis plate and are usually
Imported from outside the European Economic Area.
2) Vehicles that are not M1 class passenger vehicles.
These are vehicles that have more than eight seats plus the drivers seat.
3) Commercial vehicles
This includes car derived vans such as the Vauxhall Astra van and vehicles such as pick up trucks.
It also included vehicles such as the commercial version of the Land Rover Freelander which has
metal panels rather than rear side windows.
4) Vehicles registered on or before 31st July 1998
The exceptions to the requirement to have a type approved towbar include:-
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| Windscreens info |
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| Window Tinting info |
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| Towbars info |