Q: Are you towing your horsebox legally and safely?

A: Towing a horsebox is something many horse owners take for granted, but it’s a responsibility that goes far beyond hitching up and driving off. Every trip carries legal and safety obligations that protect not only your horse but everyone on the road. Ignoring these can lead to serious consequences, including fines, invalid insurance claims and dangerous situations that put lives – yours, your horse’s and that of other road users – at risk.

South Africa recorded more than 10,000 road deaths in 2024, and vehicle-related factors such as overloaded trailers and incorrect towing setups contributed to nearly 10% of these fatalities, according to the Road Traffic Management Corporation. Towing-related incidents are a growing concern with many drivers unaware that their license may not allow them to tow legally. A large proportion of motorists tow illegally because they hold a Code B license, which only permits trailers under 750kg. A horsebox typically weighs around 1000 kg empty, and with two horses, tack and water, the total weight can easily reach 2500 kg or more. This means most horseboxes exceed the legal limit for a Code B license, requiring a Code EB license for safe and lawful towing.

To tow safely, you need to understand your vehicle’s specifications and confirm its towing capacity is sufficient for the weight of your horsebox when fully loaded. It’s also essential to check your license. In 2000, South Africa introduced the credit card-style driver’s license and converted all existing Code 08 licenses to Code EB. Since then, new standard licenses have been issued as Code B only. If you have a Code B license you can only tow a light trailer under 750kg. For anything heavier such as a horsebox, you need a Code EB license.

Overloading your vehicle and trailer can compromise braking performance steering control and overall stability. This can lead to dangerous sway or even jack-knifing. Exceeding your vehicle’s Gross Combination Mass can cause brake failure and loss of control. These risks are real, and they escalate when weight limits and towing guidelines are ignored.

Know your towing lingo:

Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) – maximum allowed weight of the vehicle itself, including all passengers, cargo, fuel and accessories.

Gross Combined Mass (GCM) – maximum weight of the fully loaded tow vehicle plus the fully loaded trailer.

Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) – weight of trailer plus its load pressing down on the tow vehicle’s hitch (tongue weight) which must be within the towbar’s rated limits.

Towing Capacity – maximum weight your vehicle can safely tow specified by the manufacturer, which includes the trailer weight and cargo.

Tongue Weight – refers to the downward force your trailer exerts on the vehicle’s hitch ball.

You can find your vehicle’s GVM and GCM on its compliance plate, usually located in the driver’s door frame or under the bonnet. To calculate if your car can tow your horsebox legally subtract the GVM from the GCM. For example, if your vehicle has a GCM of 6000 kg and a GVM of 2500 kg you can tow up to 3500 kg. It’s also important to check your towbar’s tongue weight rating as it needs to handle the weight of a fully loaded horsebox. Always verify current regulations through official channels, as requirements change periodically.

Towing a horsebox isn’t just about compliance. It’s about protecting your horse and everyone sharing the road with you. By understanding your vehicle’s limits, checking your license, and following the law, you ensure a safe and stress-free journey. Before you hitch up take the time to double-check your specs and drive responsibly.