23. Towing and operation of vehicle combinations
23.1. Towing must be performed by a motor vehicle without a trailer and with technically sound coupling devices on both the towed vehicle and the towing vehicle.
Starting the engine using a rigid or flexible coupling must be performed in accordance with the requirements of this section.
Towing of one motor vehicle with only one trailer is permitted.
23.2. Towing of vehicles is carried out:
a) using a rigid or flexible coupling;
b) with partial loading of the towed vehicle onto a platform or onto a special support device.
23.3. A rigid coupling must ensure a distance between vehicles of no more than 4 m, a flexible one - within 4-6 m. A flexible coupling is marked every meter with signal boards or flags in accordance with the requirements of paragraph 30.5 of these Rules (except when using a flexible coupling with a covering made of retroreflective material).
{Paragraph 23.3 as amended by Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 111 of 11.02.2013}
23.4. In the case of towing a motor vehicle on a flexible coupling, the service brake system and steering must be operational and in good condition in the towed vehicle, and on a rigid coupling - the steering.
23.5. Towing of a motor vehicle on a rigid or flexible coupling must be carried out only on condition that a driver is behind the wheel of the towed vehicle (except in cases where the design of the rigid coupling ensures that the towed vehicle follows the trajectory of the towing vehicle regardless of the magnitude of turns).
23.6. Towing of a non-mechanical vehicle must be carried out only on a rigid coupling, provided that its design ensures that the towed vehicle follows the trajectory of the towing vehicle regardless of the magnitude of turns.
23.7. A motor vehicle with an inoperative steering must be towed in accordance with the requirements of subparagraph "b" of paragraph 23.2 of these Rules.
23.8. Before starting towing, drivers of motor vehicles must agree on the procedure for giving signals, in particular for stopping vehicles.
23.9. During towing on a rigid or flexible coupling, it is prohibited to carry passengers in the towed vehicle (except a passenger car) and in the body of the towing truck, and in the case of towing by partial loading of this vehicle onto a platform or special support device - in all vehicles (except the cab of the towing vehicle).
23.10. Towing is prohibited:
a) if the actual mass of the towed vehicle with a faulty brake system (or without it) exceeds half of the actual mass of the towing vehicle;
b) on a flexible coupling during icy conditions;
c) if the total length of the coupled vehicles exceeds 22 m (route vehicles - 30 m);
d) by motorcycles without a sidecar, as well as such motorcycles, mopeds or bicycles;
e) more than one vehicle (except in cases where the procedure for towing two or more vehicles is agreed with the authorized unit of the National Police) or by a vehicle with a trailer;
{Subparagraph "e" of paragraph 23.10 as amended by Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 111 of 11.02.2013; with changes made according to Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 161 of 22.03.2017}
f) by buses.
{Subparagraph "f" of paragraph 23.10 with changes made according to Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 1029 of 26.09.2011}
23.11. Operation of vehicle combinations consisting of a car, tractor or other towing vehicle and a trailer is permitted only if the trailer matches the towing vehicle and the requirements for their operation are met, and a vehicle combination consisting of a bus and a trailer - also if there is a coupling device installed by the manufacturer.
{Paragraph 23.11 with changes made according to Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 1029 of 26.09.2011}
{Paragraph 23.12 excluded on the basis of Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 1029 of 26.09.2011}