Can I tow a broken-down car with a standard B licence?

Italian B96 and BE apply to driving combinations with a trailer; they do not automatically govern the occasional towing of a broken-down car. That situation has separate circulation and safety rules. Check whether the specific circumstances permit a tow and whether a roadside recovery vehicle is needed.

Do not confuse two kinds of towing

When you drive a car with an approved trailer, the licence category is determined using the maximum authorised masses of the towing vehicle and trailer. B, code 96 and BE cover combinations under Article 116. Towing a disabled car is different: it is not an ordinary registered trailer, so the Highway Code’s specific rules for an out-of-order vehicle and safe circulation must be checked separately.

Before attempting a tow, make sure the road and circumstances allow it, the connection is suitable, and both drivers can communicate. The broken car’s brakes, steering, transmission and lights can affect whether it can be towed safely at all. Do not improvise with a rope or unsuitable coupling, and do not start on a motorway or high-speed road without checking the specific restrictions that apply.

Example: a family member’s car will not start in an apartment car park. Your B licence and the car’s mass do not answer the whole question. You must establish whether towing is permitted in that situation, how the vehicles may be connected and whether the disabled vehicle can brake and steer. If a safety condition is missing, call roadside assistance instead of continuing on a public road.

Choose a safe recovery method

Read the official requirements for connecting and signalling a towed vehicle, and consider visibility, traffic and route. An emergency tow must not become an improvised transport job. If the vehicle is in a dangerous location, protect people first and contact assistance; do not stop in a live lane to set up a connection.

For an ordinary registered trailer, the licence calculation returns to the authorised masses under Article 116, and the car’s towing limit still applies. Quiz Patente Ufficiale helps you revise common circulation rules and vehicle quizzes; an actual tow requires compliance with the specific rules and safety conditions of the situation.

Quiz Patente Ufficiale helps you review quizzes and common traffic rules; an actual tow needs safe, compliant conditions.