What Can I Tow?
Towing over 4,600 kg? BC licence requirements to know
Many BC residents who are also RV lovers are not aware that if they are towing anything (trailer or fifth wheel, etc.) that weighs more than 4,600 kg (10,140 lbs), ICBC actually requires them to hold a special kind of licence or endorsement in order to be compliant with insurance policies.
Vehicle types that can be driven with Class 4, 5 or 7 driver’s licences
Most of us in BC hold a Class 5 or 7 driver’s licence. Technically, a Class 5 driver’s licence allows one to drive passenger vehicles that have two axles (a car, SUV, or regular truck), a motorcycle (with speed limits), or any motorhome that does NOT have air brakes. The same goes for Class 7 licences, although those have further restrictions since they are novice licences. A Class 4 licence allows for the same vehicles and combinations as Class 5, plus taxis, small buses and ambulances.
Maximum weight that can be towed with a Class 4, 5 or 7 driver’s licence
Classes 4, 5 and 7 allow one to tow up to 4,600 kg gross vehicle weight (GVW). This means that the combined total weight of the tow and its load cannot exceed 4,600 kg. For example, if what you are towing weighs 4,000 kg by itself, you are legally allowed to tow it — but the total load may exceed 4,600 kg once it is equipped with people, food, water, or anything else.
Towing more than 4,600 kg GVW
If you want to tow anything that weighs more than 4,600 kg GVW, you will need to upgrade your driver’s licence if you have a Class 4 or Class 5. Please note that if you have a Class 7 (novice) driver’s licence, you CANNOT upgrade to allow towing more than 4,600 kg GVW.
Towing a larger load requires an upgraded driver’s licence
This restriction can be seen across Canada, and was implemented for safety precautions. Towing larger loads requires special techniques when it comes to handling and braking.
Options for upgrading a Class 4 or Class 5 licence
Option #1: A house trailer endorsement (Code 07)
Allows for towing recreational house trailers of any weight, as long as it is appropriate for the towing vehicle, and given that air brakes are not present on either the trailer or the tow vehicle.
Option #2: A heavy trailer endorsement (Code 20)
Allows towing any kind of trailer of any weight. The same rules as option 1 apply: the tow must be appropriate for the towing vehicle, and no air brakes must be present.
Option #3: A Class 1, 2 or 3 commercial driver’s licence
If neither of the first two options works for you, you may need to look into acquiring a commercial licence.
There are air brakes in my towing vehicle and/or trailer. What do I need?
If the trailer weighs under 4,600 kg GVW, what you’ll need is an air brake endorsement on your licence. On the other hand, you will need to upgrade to a Class 1 driver’s licence if there are air brakes on either the trailer or tow vehicle and the trailer weighs over 4,600 kg GVW.
Can I use an air-brake endorsement AND a heavy trailer endorsement?
No. Two endorsements cannot be used together. The best solution for this type of combination would be a Class 1 licence.
Can I tow a trailer over 4,600 kg GVW with a Class 2 or 3 licence?
It depends on whether the trailer or tow vehicle has air brakes. If either is equipped with air brakes and the trailer weighs over 4,600 kg GVW, an upgrade to a Class 1 licence is required. If there are no air brakes on either, then Class 2 or 3 licences do permit towing a trailer weighing over 4,600 kg GVW.
Applying for an endorsement or a commercial licence
Each of these involves passing the appropriate driver knowledge test, qualifying to applicable driver medical standards, and passing a vehicle pre-trip and road test — all in an appropriate vehicle combination for the class of licence.
Can I tow any other type of trailer with a house trailer endorsement?
No. The house trailer endorsement (Code 07) only adds permission to tow toy haulers or house trailers. Horse trailers, boat trailers and utility trailers over 4,600 kg GVW require a heavy trailer endorsement (Code 20) or a Class 1, 2 or 3 licence.
Towing a trailer can affect your insurance
It is your responsibility as the driver and licence holder to ensure that you have the appropriate licence or endorsement for the vehicle combination that you’re driving. Drivers could be in breach of their insurance policy in the event of a crash if they are towing without the appropriate driver’s licence class.
Not sure what your vehicle can pull? See our Towing Guide.