All tow bars fitted since that 1998 must be Type Approved or are illegal for use.

The vehicle must also show a GVTW (Gross Vehicle Train Weight) on its VIN plate to ensure it is not overloaded beyond its design capacity.

Some modern vehicles are NOT approved for towing by the manufacturers and so any towbar fitted will be illegal.

Vehicles undergoing BIVA testing will have the manufacturer’s (that is the vehicle builder in the case of Amateur Built) GVTW confirmed if fitted with a towing assembly at the time of test.

This is a one off opportunity and if the vehicle is not fitted with a towing assembly at time of testing it is not legally allowed to tow afterwards.

Vehicles undergoing NIVA, or BIVA for Modified Production Vehicle class, will require proof of the original manufacturers declared GVTWand fitment, at time of test, of a Type Approved towing Assembly or will not legally be allowed to tow regardless of any information supplied to the contrary by the Vehicle Manufacturer.

Fifth Wheel

There are some imported vehicles fitted with a fifth wheel coupling, normally large SUV style vehicles.

These are classed as HGV and are unable to take advantage of either BIVA or NIVA testing procedures.

Advice on whether these can be registered should be sought direct from VOSA Technical department before purchase.