Defining the Trailer (Römork) in Turkish Traffic Regulations

Under Turkish Highway Traffic Law, a trailer (römork) is defined as a non-motorized vehicle designed to carry passengers or cargo, built to be towed by a motorized vehicle. These are commonly used for transporting goods, livestock, or as recreational vehicles like caravans. Turkish regulations distinguish between standard trailers and semi-trailers (yarı römork), which transfer a portion of their weight to the towing vehicle. Understanding how towing affects vehicle dynamics, braking distance, and legal compliance is a core component of safe driving and is frequently tested on the ehliyet exam.

Light vs. Heavy Trailers: The 750 kg Threshold

For licensing and safety equipment purposes, Turkish law splits trailers into two distinct categories based on their Maximum Authorized Mass (MAM):

• Light Trailers (Hafif Römork): Trailers with a maximum weight of 750 kg or less when fully loaded. These trailers do not legally require their own independent service braking systems, provided the towing vehicle's brakes can safely manage the combined weight. They do not require a separate license plate registration but must display the towing vehicle's license plate on the rear.
• Heavy Trailers: Trailers with a maximum weight exceeding 750 kg. Because of the increased momentum and safety risks, these trailers must be equipped with an active, automatic service brake system. They are also subject to independent registration, requiring their own distinct license plate and inspection regime.

Driving License Categories for Towing

One of the most common topics on the MTSK e-sınav is matching the correct driving license (ehliyet) class to the trailer being towed. Your standard driving license may not be sufficient if you plan to tow a heavy trailer:

• Category B: Permits you to drive passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. You can tow a light trailer (up to 750 kg) without any additional endorsement. You can also tow a trailer over 750 kg with a Category B license only if the combined maximum authorized mass of the vehicle and trailer does not exceed 3,500 kg.
• Category BE: Required if you drive a Category B vehicle and want to tow a trailer with a maximum mass exceeding 750 kg, where the combined mass exceeds 3,500 kg.
• Categories CE and DE: Required for heavy trucks and buses towing trailers exceeding 750 kg. Obtaining these requires first holding the base C or D license and passing specialized practical tests.

Vital Speed Limits and Towing Safety Rules

When towing a trailer in Türkiye, the maximum speed limits change significantly to account for longer braking distances and the risk of trailer sway (snaking).

According to Turkish traffic laws, any vehicle towing a trailer must reduce its maximum speed limit by 10 km/h compared to the standard speed limit allowed for that vehicle class on that specific road. For example, if a passenger car is permitted to drive at 90 km/h on a double-lane intercity highway, the same car towing a trailer is restricted to 80 km/h.

Additionally, drivers must ensure all electrical couplings are functional. The trailer's rear indicators, brake lights, and license plate lamp must work in sync with the towing vehicle. Two red triangular reflectors must also be mounted on the rear of the trailer to warn traffic behind, especially during night driving or in poor visibility.