Can you tow a car on the highway?
Many drivers are not sure whether it is possible to tow a car on the motorway. Can a car be towed on a motorway? Current regulations state specific rules regarding towing vehicles on motorways. What is the answer? Yes, towing on the motorway is possible. However, in this case, the driver cannot count on the help of another driver – a friend or family member. The right solution is to call for professional help. Why?
The stipulation that only specialist companies can provide tow truck winnipeg near me on the motorway results directly from the Road Traffic Act. As it can be read there: Towing on the motorway is prohibited, except for towing by vehicles designated for towing to the nearest exit or traveller service point.
Breakdown on the motorway – how to behave?
A vehicle breakdown can be stressful. On the motorway, you also need to take care of your own safety and that of other road users. What should you do if a breakdown occurs on this road?
Rules of conduct after a breakdown on the motorway:
the car should be placed on the emergency lane,
it is necessary to turn on the hazard warning lights,
a warning triangle must be placed 100 m from the vehicle,
you should report a service failure by calling the emergency number 112,
The driver and passengers should wear reflective vests and wait for roadside assistance outside the barriers.
Why is towing on the highway a task for the emergency services?
The reason is safety issues. The maximum speed on the motorway, at which passenger cars, among others, can travel, is 140 km/h. Meanwhile, the permissible speed of the towing vehicle is much lower – outside built-up areas it cannot exceed 60 km/h. For this reason, it is so important to signal other drivers traveling on the motorway of a possible danger .
Roadside assistance vehicles are equipped with:
a yellow flashing warning light signal – such a signal is much more visible than the hazard warning lights of the towed vehicle, because it can be seen from a distance of at least 150 m with good air transparency,
additional yellow markings – on the driver’s cabin or bodywork,
additional set of rear lights – these are placed on the towed vehicle when the towing vehicle’s lights are temporarily covered.
How much is the fine for towing on the highway?
Safety issues mean that towing a car on the motorway on your own is punishable by a fine. How much is the fine for towing on the motorway? Its amount according to the current fine tariff is PLN 250. However, these are not all the financial consequences that a driver who does not comply with the applicable regulations must reckon with.
A fine is also provided for:
stopping or parking a vehicle on a motorway in places other than those designated for this purpose – PLN 300,
failure to signal or incorrect signalling of a vehicle stop due to damage – PLN 300 .
How to minimize the costs of roadside assistance on the highway?
Towing on the motorway can be a drain on your wallet. What costs should you expect? The starting rate is often PLN 100, and the driver pays up to PLN 4 for each kilometre travelled. As a result, the bill for towing on the motorway can be PLN 200-300. The good news is that you can minimize this expense. How?
The insurance company can pay for towing on the motorway – all you need to do is buy assistance along with your third-party liability insurance or third-party liability/AC package. Then the insurer will reimburse the costs of towing on the motorway – all you need to do is present the invoice received. However, in order for the insurance company to cover the towing costs in full, you need to pay attention to the limits (cost or kilometers) – some companies apply them.
What’s worth knowing?
- Towing on the motorway may only be carried out by special towing vehicles.
- If a breakdown occurs on a motorway, the car should be moved to the emergency lane and then call for help.
- The fine for towing on a motorway by a car that is not adapted for this purpose is PLN 250.
- To minimize the costs of towing on the motorway, it is worth purchasing roadside assistance insurance.
- Well-chosen roadside assistance provides reimbursement of expenses incurred for towing the car on the highway. We offer many services like jump start service near me, roadside assistance service and many other services with a responsible price. If you want to get these services then go to our website.
Frequently asked questions:
Will my insurer pay my bill for towing my vehicle on the highway?
The insurance company will refund the amount for towing the car on the motorway after the invoice is delivered. This means that the company will not pay for the service immediately after it is performed. However, if the driver buys assistance, they will receive a refund of the costs incurred.
Can I wait in the car until the tow truck arrives?
Being in a car on the emergency lane is dangerous – there have been accidents on emergency lanes in the past. It is best to wait behind the barriers for roadside assistance to arrive. To increase visibility, wear a reflective vest.
Is towing a car on a motorway on your own prohibited only in Poland?
No, this rule also applies on motorways in other countries, such as Germany. This is dictated by safety rules, including the need to properly signal danger to other drivers.
How do I provide my location on the highway?
The easiest way is to give the person you are talking to the data on a road post (a so-called picket post). There are also two other options: using an emergency phone booth (they are located every 2 km on both sides of the road) or reading the coordinates from a GPS navigation device.
