In Germany, every vehicle requiring registration and every trailer must undergo a regular MOT inspection. Generally, the intervals for motor vehicles are every two years. The rules are slightly different for trailers.

When does the trailer have to undergo a MOT inspection?

For trailers, the MOT inspection interval depends on the trailer’s weight. Large trailers weighing over 3,500 kg to 10,000 kg must undergo an initial inspection after 12 months and then every 12 months thereafter. Trailers weighing between 750 kg and 3,500 kg must undergo an initial inspection after 24 months and then every 24 months thereafter.

The first inspection for trailers up to 750 kg is due after 36 months, with subsequent ongoing inspections scheduled every 24 months. These intervals also apply to unbraked trailers.

The table summarizes the MOT inspection intervals for trailers:

If you have a new trailer, it’s best to check your vehicle registration document or your vehicle registration certificate. This should indicate when you need to have your next MOT or initial inspection. The MOT sticker on the rear license plate, similar to a car, also provides reliable information about when your trailer needs to be inspected again.

What do you need to bring to the MOT?

You should prepare well for your MOT appointment to keep it as short as possible. It’s best to check yourself beforehand whether the trailer’s tires and lights are in good condition and whether the trailer has any defects. Be sure to have important documents with you. These include your vehicle registration document or vehicle registration certificate, as well as the most recent MOT report (if available) and your ID.

The most frequently asked question for our customer service is probably about the detachable towbar and whether it must be removed when not in use. First of all, it’s important to note: There are no legal regulations regarding whether a detachable towbar must be removed when not in use and no trailer is attached. There are no regulations regarding this, nor are there any fines to expect.

One argument for removing the towbar, however, is that many people find it annoying because it gets in the way when not in use. Second, it is necessary to remove the tow bar whenever it would obscure the vehicle’s license plate. This is not permitted on public roads.

The removable towbar in the event of an accident

In 2023, 2.5 million traffic accidents were recorded in Germany. This includes minor accidents and rear-end collisions, which often occur even at low speeds. If you haven’t removed your towbar, the towbar is also important in the event of an accident. The installed tow bar also changes the overall length of the vehicle, a factor that shouldn’t be overlooked. With a longer trailer, you’re likely to collide with another vehicle when maneuvering or parking, and even minor damage can occur.

In the event of a rear-end collision, an installed towbar can cause significant damage to the vehicle behind you. The protruding tow bar impacts the vehicle behind you with greater pressure at specific points. Depending on the angle, speed, and location of the impact, the damage to the vehicle varies. Even at low speeds, fenders are often dented or frames are distorted. In a collision without a trailer hitch, the force is distributed more evenly, so the damage is usually less.

Relevant for the insurance

So far, there are no official details or regulations from standard insurance companies regarding this either. However, since the risk of accidents and the extent of damage change with a trailer hitch that is not removed, insurance companies may assume an increased operational risk. This can lead to the vehicle owner being held jointly liable, and you may be asked to pay. There is still no official information on this.

Important to note: Replacing the towbar

If you are involved in a rear-end collision and the rear of your vehicle, including the towbar, is affected, you must absolutely replace the entire towbar. The impact from the other vehicle can damage the towbar, making it impossible to tow a trailer. Even small hairline cracks can be relevant.

If your trailer is due for a general or initial inspection, or subsequent MOT inspections, you can best prepare for the upcoming appointment with your local MOT and often ensure that your trailer remains roadworthy.

What to look out for at your MOT appointment

A good way to start your MOT appointment is to have all the necessary documents with you. This includes your ID, the most recent MOT report (if available), and your vehicle registration document or vehicle registration certificate.

Also, make sure your trailer’s lights are undamaged and fully functional. Working lights are essential for a trailer and road safety. It’s best to check the lights and indicators, the brake lights, the license plate light, and the reversing light beforehand.

You should also check the tires on your trailer beforehand. The tire tread must be at least 1.6 mm, and they must not be older than six years. You can check the age of the tires yourself in advance; the markings on the sidewalls will tell you this. There you will find a four-digit inscription: the last two digits indicate the year, and the first two digits represent the calendar week of that year. You can also check the tire tread in advance using a 1 euro coin: If you insert it into the tread, you should no longer be able to see the gold edge of the coin. Only then is the tread still sufficient.

Wheel chocks are also important for trailers weighing over 750 kg. The TÜV (German Technical Inspection Agency) checks whether these are undamaged and fit the tires.

The KIA EV3 is considered the little brother of the EV9 and is a sleek, all-electric SUV. It’s also suitable as a towing vehicle when equipped with the right trailer hitch. We at MVG have developed a retrofittable trailer hitch for the SUV.

Our trailer hitch is removable. Thanks to the MVG System 2040, the ball bar can be operated via a rotary knob and removed when not in use. It’s easy to use, and the tow bar doesn’t require any modification to the vehicle’s exterior.

The benefits of the detachable towbar for KIA EV3 from 09/2024

• vertically detachable towbar, MVG towbar 2040 
• optimal appearance on the vehicle
• automatic system removal by twist grip
• automatic locking device when fitting
• easy handling

Technical data for detachable towbar for KIA EV3 from 09/2024

• D-value: 8,4 kN
• Towing capacity: 1345 kg
• Trailer load: 100 kg

The towbar for your KIA EV3 from 09/2024 can be found in our MVG-shop. The item number is 3798 A. In addition, you will also find the right electrical kit for retrofitting your KIA in the shop.

Find out more about our products in our other shops:

www.mvg-ahk.at
www.mvg-ahk.ch
www.mvg-ahk.lu
www.mvg-ahk.be
www.mvg-ahk.nl

In 2025, the EU driving license reform will bring several changes for Class B license holders. The goal of the reforms is to reduce accident rates and to standardize driving licenses across Europe. The Council and the European Parliament have now reached a preliminary political agreement on updating the Driving Licence Directive. There are no specific changes for Germany yet; these will only be transposed into national law after the finalization of an Official Journal of the EU.

What is known so far about the changes to driving licenses

So far, the European Council’s press release from the first quarter of 2025 reveals the following changes:

• The digital driver’s license is to be introduced across the EU by 2030 at the latest. It will be accessible via smartphone and is intended to complement, but not replace, the physical driver’s license. Drivers can still apply for a physical driver’s license if they wish.
• The validity of all newly issued driver’s licenses will be limited to 15 years; after this period, the license must be renewed. This is purely a document renewal; the driver’s license itself remains valid unless there are health concerns. The aim of this measure is to ensure that photo and personal data are up to date and to increase security against forgery. In addition, EU countries may also shorten the validity of the driver’s license for older drivers from the age of 65.
• Meanwhile, mandatory health tests for older drivers were rejected, despite the EU Commission’s original proposal. Member states can decide for themselves whether they wish to introduce such tests. In Germany, mandatory health tests for older drivers are currently rejected to avoid additional bureaucratic burdens.
• A uniform two-year probationary period will be introduced across the EU for novice drivers. This regulation is intended to increase road safety and help young drivers gradually become accustomed to road traffic.
• Regardless of the new regulations, all driving licenses issued before January 19, 2013, must be exchanged for the new, uniform EU driving license by January 19, 2033, at the latest. The exchange deadlines are staggered according to the holder’s year of birth and the date the license was issued. The aim of this measure is to standardize driving licenses across Europe and increase security against forgery.

The breakaway rope is essential for trailer travel, as it secures the trailer in an emergency and initiates emergency braking. Already when attaching the trailer, the breakaway rope is an important point that needs to be taken into account and should be included in every routine. In Germany there are different ways to attach the breakaway rope: either you attach the rope to the specially designed eyelet using a snap hook or you use a holder for the breakaway cable. But how is this regulated in neighboring countries, and what do you have to pay attention to when traveling on holiday within the EU?

The breakaway rope in the Netherlands

Even when traveling in the country of caravans, the Netherlands, a breakaway cable is important for all trailers (unbraked and braked). The breakaway rope must be attached to the towing vehicle or trailer hitch using an eyelet or bracket. In addition, it must also be secured against slipping, so simply wrapping the rope around the ball rod of the trailer hitch is not sufficient. Therefore a breakaway cable holder is required, which is mounted on the ball rod. If your vehicle has an eyelet specifically designed for the breakaway rope, this is also permitted. The Dutch Automobile Club ANWB has also put together all the information about it.

The breakaway rope when traveling in Austria and Switzerland

Although a breakaway rope must be used when towing a trailer in Austria, no slip protection such as a breakaway rope holder is required. Its use is still recommended.
In Switzerland, too, the breakaway rope must be secured against slipping off the trailer hitch, so a breakaway cable holder is also necessary there. However, this is not the case with removable trailer hitches, where breakaway cable holders are only permitted on foreign vehicles. On Swiss vehicles, the breakaway cable must be attached to a part that is permanently installed on the vehicle. This can also be in the form of an eyelet, but this must also be permanently installed on the vehicle and not, for example, part of the removable ball rod.

This is how you use the breakaway rope correctly in Scandinavia

What is important to pay attention to in Denmark, is that the breakaway rope, which was placed around the ball rod, cannot slip off. An eyelet must then be used or a holder must be installed to prevent it from slipping.
In Norway, a safety rope is also required for unbraked trailers. It must consist of two chains or steel ropes and must have a certain breaking strength just like the hook or fastening to which the rope is attached. This must at least correspond to the maximum permissible total weight of the trailer. In addition, the links in the chain may be so short that the trailer hitch cannot function in any way, for example when turning.

The regulations in Spain and Slovenia

In Spain, a breakaway cable is required for braked trailers, but this is not necessary for unbraked trailers. It is important to ensure that a safety rope or a chain must be attached instead. Both can be placed around the ball rod, but the ADAC recommends a slip protection device, for example in the form of a breakaway rope holder or an eyelet on the vehicle.
The rules are similar in Slovenia: a breakaway rope is required for braked trailers, and a chain or safety rope for unbraked trailers. However, it is important to note the following: If the trailer comes off the trailer hitch, the trailer hitch must not touch the ground. In addition, continued travel must be guaranteed for at least as long as it takes to remove the trailer from the danger zone. Here, too, a loop placed around the ball neck is generally sufficient, but a slip protection is recommended by the ADAC.
In principle, anti-slip protection in the form of a breakaway rope holder always makes sense. In some of the countries mentioned, heavy fines are due if the breakaway rope is not secured and detaches from the towing vehicle.

With the Dacia Duster III, Dacia’s popular SUV is entering the next generation and is presented as a versatile vehicle with a new, modern look. Our range now includes a removable trailer hitch that can be easily retrofitted and demonstrates the pulling power of the new Duster.

The trailer hitch in our range is removable and also fits 4×4 models. The ball rod can be operated in just a few steps using a rotary wheel. The modern appearance of the Duster III is not affected by our trailer hitch; no visible interventions in the vehicle’s appearance are required with our removable trailer hitch.

The benefits of the detachable towbar for Dacia Duster III 06/2024 model

• vertically detachable towbar, MVG towbar 2040
• No visible cut-out required 
• automatic system removal by twist grip
• automatic locking device when fitting
• also fitting for 4×4 (DJF)

Technical data for detachable towbar

• D-value: 9,8 kN
• Towing capacity: 2067 kg
• Trailer load: 90 kg

The detachable towbar for your Dacia Duster III 06/2024 model can be found in our MVG-shop. The item number is 0989 AS.

.

Check out the video as well:

Find out more about our products in our other shops:

www.mvg-ahk.at
www.mvg-ahk.ch
www.mvg-ahk.lu
www.mvg-ahk.be
www.mvg-ahk.nl

Now new in our range, we also offer you the right trailer hitch for retrofitting the Renault Symbioz from 2024. The Renault Symbioz is the latest SUV from Renault and can also be used ideally for towing a trailer by retrofitting the trailer hitch.

Our trailer hitch is equipped with the MVG automatic system 2040, so that the towbar can be removed at any time when not in use. We attach great importance to a high level of operating comfort; interventions in the vehicle’s appearance are not necessary.

The benefits of the detachable towbar for Renault Symbioz from 2024

• vertically detachable towbar, MVG towbar 2040 
• no cut-out required
• automatic system removal by twist grip
• automatic locking device when fitting
• easy handling

Technical data for detachable towbar 

• D-value: 8,8 kN
• Towing capacity: 1756 kg
• Trailer load: 95 kg

The towbar for your Renault Symbioz can be found in our MVG-shop. The item number is 2640 AR. See more in the video below:

Social and community engagement is important to us at MVG every year. We are happy to get involved locally and make a contribution to society. We are particularly pleased to be able to support the youth fire department of the Eschweiler Volunteer Fire Department with a donation. It was also a great pleasure for us to hand over the donation on site.

We were able to welcome seven young people from the youth fire department and talk to them. They were accompanied by the head of the Eschweiler fire department, senior fire officer Axel Johnen, the deputy head of the Eschweiler fire department, city fire inspector Stefan Preuß, and the deputy head of the youth fire department, fire chief Kevin Cosslar.

Helping people as motivation

A total of 68 young people between the ages of 10 and 17 are currently active in five groups in the youth fire department; everyone aged 10 and over is welcome. “The work in the youth fire department is primarily characterized by exercises and sporting events, but also by joint activities such as excursions or game evenings,” explains Kevin Cosslar. The youth groups meet around three to four times a month.

Firefighting technology training takes place during youth work, which introduces those interested to the work of the fire brigade and provides them with age-appropriate training in theory and practice in the area of ​​first aid. Responsibility, community, helping others and team spirit are the basic values ​​that are taught to the young people and are lived in the volunteer fire department. Tobias is 15 years old and explains why he joined the fire department: “I want to be able to help people who can’t help themselves.”

Youth work as a source of young talent

Chief Fire Officer Axel Johnen emphasizes how important it is to introduce young people to the work of the fire brigade: “The youth fire brigade is our training ground for young talent; the young people can then complete basic training at the age of 17. Around 80-90 percent of those who complete this basic training come from our youth fire department.” Sometimes they even switch to the professional fire department after that.

Most people find their way into the fire department through friends or family, the annual fire department festival is also an important contact point for getting in touch with interested parties. Fabian also remembers that. He is 17 and part of the youth fire department: “I came to the fire department through friends, and at the fire department festival I was able to take a closer look at everything.” Our donation is now being used to promote young talent for the fire department and support the youth work, for example for a tent camp.

Anyone can take part in the youth fire brigade, even a non-binding try out is no problem. If you are interested, just take a look at the fire department’s website.

New to Renault is the Renault Captur III (RJBH) from 06/2024. With this model, Renault’s popular SUV takes the next step and presents itself as a full hybrid model. The Captur III can also be used for towing a trailer; we offer you the right trailer hitch for an easy retrofitting.

The trailer coupling in our range is removable; thanks to the MVG automatic system 2040, the towbar can be removed at any time when not in use. Visible interventions in the vehicle’s appearance are not necessary with the trailer hitch.

The benefits of the detachable towbar for Renault Captur III (RJBH) from 06/2024

• vertically detachable towbar, MVG towbar 2040 
• no visible cut-out required
• automatic system removal by twist grip
• automatic locking device when fitting
• easy handling

Technical data for detachable towbar 

• D-value: 8,8 kN
• Towing capacity: 1756 kg
• Trailer load: 95 kg

The towbar for your Renault Captur III can be found in our MVG-shop. The item number is 2640 AA.