Towing Rules: Ropes, MOTs, SORN and Automatics

Sources checked on 12 September 2026. This is general guidance for Great Britain. Vehicle-specific instructions and the current official rules determine what is suitable for a particular move.

Can you tow an automatic car?

It depends on the model and manufacturer’s instructions. Do not assume that selecting neutral makes a rope tow safe. Gearbox lubrication, wheel movement, towing distance and speed restrictions differ. If the handbook is unavailable or does not permit the proposed tow, arrange suitable professional recovery.

A flatbed keeps the vehicle’s wheels off the road during transport, but loading still needs planning. Tell the operator if it is stuck in park, has no electrical power, has locked wheels or has collision damage. The correct release and loading procedure must be checked.

Four-wheel drive, hybrids and electric cars

Use the instructions for the exact powertrain. Some vehicles must be transported with every wheel clear of the road. As one specific example, Tesla’s Model 3 transporter instructions recommend a flatbed and set separate rules for loading and Tow Mode. Those rules are not instructions for every automatic or EV.

Tell the operator about battery damage or a collision before dispatch. An EV that looks like an ordinary non-runner can need specialist assessment. Confirm that the operator has suitable equipment and capability; do not touch high-voltage parts yourself.

Ropes and towing with another car

The Highway Code’s towing guidance warns that rope towing is potentially dangerous. Steering and braking assistance can be reduced when the engine is off. Vehicle condition, weights, the tow connection, road conditions and driver entitlement all need checking.

A rope and an ON TOW sign do not establish that a move is lawful or safe. Read the applicable rules and both vehicle handbooks before considering it. Do not use a roadside article as a substitute for those checks. On a motorway, follow the emergency safety instructions and arrange suitable recovery.

Moving a car without an MOT

GOV.UK’s MOT guidance says you cannot drive or park a vehicle on the road after its MOT expires. It lists exceptions for journeys to or from repairs and to a pre-arranged MOT test. These exceptions do not make an unsafe vehicle roadworthy or remove other road-use requirements.

If the car is unroadworthy, discuss carrying it on a suitable transporter. Confirm safe loading, access and permission to collect. Do not assume an MOT appointment gives permission to make a dangerous journey or that towing on its wheels removes the requirements.

Moving a SORN vehicle

GOV.UK’s SORN guidance restricts public-road use and describes the exception for travel to or from a pre-booked MOT or other testing appointment. Other requirements still apply. A general trip to a buyer or storage address is not that exception.

For a planned move, ask about carrying the vehicle on a transporter. Tell the operator it is SORN, whether it can roll and steer, and where loading can happen on suitable access. Confirm that the destination can accept it before booking.

Recovery-truck licence and testing rules

The driver’s entitlement and testing requirements depend on the actual vehicle, weight, use and any applicable exemption. A truck’s gross weight does not describe the weight of car it can carry. Payload and axle limits need checking for the loaded combination.

Operators should use the current DVSA recovery-operations guidance. This page does not certify a driver’s licence entitlement or a truck’s test status.

Choosing the right service

For a stranded vehicle, use breakdown recovery. For a booked collection, use vehicle transport. Tell us the make and model, actual loaded weight where known, damage, keys, whether it rolls and steers, access and destination.

We confirm whether the job is suitable and agree the price before setting off. Extra work and its price must be agreed before it happens.