A tow bar is a device that allows you to tow a trailer, attach a bicycle rack, or carry more cargo. However, many drivers do not suspect that in certain circumstances its installation must be officially registered, otherwise there may be claims from the traffic police and difficulties with insurance companies. In this article, we will look at how to legalize a tow bar, what package of documents will be required, and when such a procedure is unavoidable.

Is tow bar registration mandatory?

According to current regulations, any changes to the vehicle's design must be reflected in the registration documents. A tow bar is also considered an element that can affect traffic safety, so after its installation, official registration is required in a number of cases. Legalizing a tow bar is necessary if:
  • it is not included in the factory equipment list;
  • the installation was done by yourself, not at a dealership;
  • during installation, changes were made to the body structure (for example, welding or cutting).
If the tow bar is listed in the approved equipment list for a specific model, then in some cases additional registration can be avoided.

Step-by-step procedure for registering a tow bar

To legalize the installation, you will have to go through several stages sequentially.
  1. Obtaining a permit. The owner contacts an accredited organization or the MREO, where a preliminary conclusion is issued on the admissibility of installing a tow bar on this vehicle.
  2. Installation of the device. The tow bar is installed on the car in compliance with technical requirements. It is better if the work is performed by a certified service.
  3. Safety check. After installation, an expert examination is carried out to confirm that everything is done in accordance with the standards. Based on the results, an act is issued.
  4. Making changes to documents. With the act, PTS, STS, and an application, the owner goes to the traffic police. The officer makes the necessary notes in the registration documents.
The procedure itself is not too complicated, but it requires time and strict compliance with requirements.

What package of documents will be required

For tow bar registration, you usually need:
  • owner's passport;
  • vehicle passport (PTS);
  • registration certificate (STS);
  • documentation for the tow bar itself (certificate of conformity);
  • technical expert conclusion;
  • application in the prescribed form.
When submitting documents, you need to pay a state fee.

Penalties for an unregistered tow bar

When a driver has not taken care of registering the installed equipment, he faces a fine for illegal modification of the vehicle design. The amount of the penalty starts from 500 rubles, and in some situations the inspector may insist on dismantling the tow bar. In addition, difficulties may arise when passing a technical inspection or when trying to obtain an insurance policy.

Recommendations for car owners

  • Before purchasing and installing, check whether registration is required for your specific model.
  • Buy only certified tow bars and prefer professional installation.
  • Keep all receipts and documents for the equipment and work — they will be useful when contacting the traffic police.
  • If you plan to actively use a trailer, it is better to immediately go through the entire registration procedure to avoid risks and fines.

Summary

Now it is clear how to legalize a tow bar, what documents are needed for this, and in what situations registration is mandatory. The process comes down to obtaining a permit, installation, expert examination, and a visit to the traffic police. If you comply with all requirements, you can safely use the tow bar, transport trailers and cargo, without fear of fines and disputes.