Van Towing Hitch Regulations in 2026: What the Law Says
A weekend of deliveries in the Paris region with a Ford Transit Custom can prove costly if your towing hitch isn’t approved. The fine is €135, and your vehicle will fail its MOT (French roadworthiness test). The law sets strict standards to ensure safety. Minimum strength, compatibility with the vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), and certification by an approved body are all mandatory. Here’s what you need to check before fitting a tow hitch to a Renault Kangoo or Peugeot Expert.
Why is towing hitch approval mandatory?
An uncertified hitch can detach while driving, risking an accident or damaging the vehicle’s structure. European standards (Directive 94/20/EC and UNECE Regulation R55) require strength tests, including tension, torsion, and vertical load.
For example, a hitch for a Ford Transit Custom must withstand a towing force of 1,500 kg without deformation. During an inspection, police check the approval plate riveted to the hitch. This plate shows the certification number and the maximum authorised GVWR. Without it, the vehicle is immobilised, and the fine is issued immediately.
Which standards govern van towing hitches?
Three standards regulate towing hitches in France:
- UNECE R55: A mandatory European standard for vehicles registered after 1998. It sets strength requirements and testing methods.
- NF R18-510: A supplementary French standard, particularly for detachable ball hitches.
- Directive 2007/46/EC: The general framework for vehicle and equipment approval, including towing hitches.
A towing hitch must also be compatible with the vehicle’s GVWR. Take a Citroën Jumpy with a GVWR of 2.8 tonnes, for instance—it cannot tow a 3.5-tonne trailer, even with a hitch approved for that load. Exceeding the GVWR carries a €135 fine and a 3-point penalty on your driving licence.
How to get a towing hitch approved for a van
Towing hitch approval involves four key steps:
- Choose a certified hitch: Opt for a model already approved for your vehicle, such as a Brink or Westfalia kit for a 2021+ Renault Kangoo.
- Have it installed by a professional: An approved garage checks compatibility and attaches the approval plate. For a Peugeot Expert, allow 2 hours of labour.
- Pass the MOT: This step validates compliance. The test centre checks the approval plate and hitch fitting.
- Update the vehicle registration document (carte grise): If the hitch alters the GVWR, this step is mandatory. It costs €4 and is done online via the ANTS (French national vehicle registration agency) website.
For a van like the Peugeot Expert, installing an approved towing hitch costs between €500 and €1,200, depending on the model.
What are the risks of an unapproved towing hitch?
Driving with a non-compliant hitch exposes you to several penalties:
- €135 fine for lack of approval or exceeding the GVWR.
- Vehicle immobilisation if there’s an immediate safety risk.
- MOT failure, which prevents the vehicle from being legally driven.
- Insurance invalidation in the event of an accident, with serious financial consequences for professionals.
These risks come on top of regularisation costs and cause downtime for professional fleets.
Which vans can be fitted with a towing hitch?
All light commercial vehicles (category CTTE on the vehicle registration document) can be fitted with a towing hitch, provided their GVWR is respected. Here are some common models and their capacities:
| Model | GVWR (kg) | Max towing capacity (kg) | Reliability (score/10) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Renault Kangoo Van (2021+) | 2 000 | 1 300 | 8/10 |
| Peugeot Expert (2016+) | 2 800 | 2 000 | 7.5/10 |
| Citroën Jumpy (2016+) | 2 800 | 2 000 | 7.5/10 |
| Ford Transit Custom (2018+) | 3 200 | 2 500 | 8.5/10 |