Tow Bars

02/02/2010 - 10:39

I know this problem has been mentioned in an earlier post, but it has just reared its ugly head again. When we changed the registration of the Citroen from UK to ��, despite there being a tow bar fitted, it was not noted on the registration. It has got the towing limits, but not the towbar mentioned on the documentation. The towbar is plated with type regulation etc as required by the directive. Now it is a battle with the ministry of transport ...... who are as much jobsworths as the rest of them. They do not even understand EC laws, as is usual here. Attached below EC directive 94/20/EC, stating that a towbar fitted in another member state is legal in Italy. I have attached this in the bilingual version for clarification. Article 2 is the relevant point. Another interesting point that came from our Insurance company was this relating again to tow bars in Italy: Be aware if you are buying 2nd hand with a tow bar fitted here!!!! There was a European Court Ruling against Italy for the insistence on a tow bar specification that was different to other European countries (such that only �� couplings fitted). Consequently the �� size hooks are still common so if you have a trailer or similar from elsewhere the coupling may not fit. Type approval plate on tow bar:

Topic

Legal

Comment

Thanks for the info, I'm just about to have a tow ball fitted so I'll check the specifications.

Sabe yourself a big headache and find out which models of towbar are "approved" in Italy for your vehicle. We bought a car in the UK, had a towbar fitted and because the model (despite being approved by the manufacturer and having EC type approval) does not appear on the �� list we either have to pay the fee to have this type of towbar put on the list (thousands of euros) or get another one fitted which costs a lot of money here - over €500! It was not about having to have any type of specific �� fittings, it was just not on their list. We have done nothing at the moment and when we go back to the UK we'll get the one that is on their list fitted. We're going for the soft option. I don't have the energy for a fight at the minute. But Badger, thans for this document. I will give it to the guy sorting this out for us and see what he says.

Do you know where to get the �� list? Thanks

You'll need to ask at either the office of Motorizzazione (good luck!) or ask a driving school that registers foreign vehicles/converts driving licences. All towns have one but you'll need to find one with helpful staff.