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:
- Suitable Trailer: The Trailer must be designed for operation at 100 km/h. This is confirmed by a corresponding certificate from the manufacturer or by a subsequent test.
- Permitted total weight: The permitted total weight of the braked trailer must not exceed 1.1 for braked Trailer with shock absorbers or 1.2 with anti-sway coupling (AKS), braked and with shock absorbers.
- Tires: The trailer tires must be approved for a speed of at least 120 km/h and must not be older than six years.
- Sticker: A Trailer that complies with the 100 km/h regulation receives a special 100 km/h sticker, which must be clearly visible on the Trailer .
Advantages of the 100 km/h regulation
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.
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:
- 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.
- Retrofitting: If necessary, have your Trailer retrofitted with suitable tires or a sway bar coupling. Manufacturers such as Humbaur offer suitable accessories and expert advice.
- 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.
- 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.
Conclusion
The 100 km/h regulation for Trailer is a practical way to travel faster and more comfortably. With the right preparations and a careful inspection of your trailer, you can benefit from the advantages and drive safely at the same time. It is best to find out from your manufacturer, such as Humbaur, about the options for retrofitting and always adhere to the regulations.