The 100 km/h regulation: What you should know about Trailer

If you are on the road with your vehicle and Trailer , you will no doubt be familiar with the question: How fast can I drive? The standard speed limit for vehicles with Trailer in Germany is 80 km/h. However, under certain conditions it is possible to increase this to 100 km/h. Here you can find out everything you need to know about the 100 km/h regulation, which conditions must be met and how you can equip your Trailer accordingly.

Requirements for the 100 km/h regulation

A number of conditions must be met for a trailer to be allowed to travel at 100 km/h on German roads:

• The towing vehicle must have a functioning ABS system.

• The Trailer is approved for a maximum speed of 100 km/h.

• The trailer's tires are designed for speeds of up to 120 km/h and have a minimum speed index of L.

• The tires must not be older than six years.

• The Tempo 100 sticker is mandatory and must be clearly visible on the rear of the trailer.

What must be observed for unbraked and braked trailers?

In addition to the general requirements, certain weight ratios between the towing vehicle and Trailer must be met for 100 km/h approval. The maximum permissible total mass of the trailer is calculated from the unladen weight of the towing vehicle, which is multiplied by a specified factor X. This factor is

• 0.3 for unbraked Trailer and for braked Trailer without shock absorbers

• 1.1 or 1.2 for braked Trailer equipped with a hydraulic shock absorber

The higher factor of 1.2 may be used if one of the following conditions is met:

• The Trailer has a suitable dynamic stability system or the coupling is equipped with a stabilization device, or

• The towing vehicle has a dynamic stability system suitable for trailer operation (corresponding note in the registration certificate)

The following also applies to Trailer with brakes: The calculated maximum permissible mass of the trailer must not exceed either the maximum permissible trailer load or the maximum permissible mass of the towing vehicle.

If the actual gross vehicle weight rating of the trailer is higher than the value determined, the Trailer must be unloaded accordingly. In addition, the maximum trailer load of the towing vehicle should always be observed (information in the vehicle registration document).

Which Trailer can I tow with my towing vehicle?

Below you will find three examples for calculating the maximum permissible mass of the trailer and the mass of the towing vehicle:

Example 1: Total mass for unbraked Trailer

• Factor X = 0.3
• Unladen mass of the towing vehicle: 1,800 kg
• 1,800 kg x 0.3 = 540 kg (max. permissible total mass of the trailer)

Example 2: Total mass with braked Trailer

• Factor X = 1.1
• Unladen mass of the towing vehicle: 1,800 kg
• 1,800 kg x 1.1 = 1,980 kg (max. permissible total mass of the trailer)

Example 3: Mass of the towing vehicle with braked Trailer

• Factor X = 1.1
• Max. permissible total mass of the trailer = 1,500 kg
• 1,500 kg / 1.1 = 1,363 kg (unladen mass of the towing vehicle)

How to make your Trailer fit for 100 km/h

If your Trailer is not yet approved for 100 km/h, you can have it retrofitted accordingly. Here are the steps:

1. Check the requirements: Check whether your Trailer meets the above conditions. A look at the vehicle documents provides information about the permissible gross weight and the tires.
2. Retrofitting: If necessary, have your Trailer retrofitted with suitable tires or a sway bar coupling.
3. TÜV inspection: After the conversion, you must have your Trailer inspected by the TÜV. This confirms that all requirements for 100 km/h approval have been met.
4. Apply for a sticker: After a successful test, you will receive the 100 km/h sticker, which you attach to the Trailer .

• Important information for safe driving at 100 km/h

Even if you are allowed to drive at 100 km/h, you should follow the tips below to reach your destination safely:

• Loading: Make sure that your Trailer is loaded correctly. Heavy objects belong downwards and as close as possible to the axle.
• Distance: Keep a sufficient distance from the vehicle in front to be able to react to sudden situations.
• Vibrations: Watch out for signs of the trailer lurching or swinging and reduce speed immediately in such cases.

Permission to drive at 100 km/h offers numerous advantages:

• Time saving: The time saving is particularly noticeable on long journeys.
• Smooth traffic flow: You can better flow with the traffic instead of obstructing it.
• Comfort: A higher speed often also means less stress, as the constant overtaking by other road users is reduced.