Rules in detail: freeways, towing and combinations

Vehicles not allowed on a freeway

What the rule says. These vehicles may not be used on a freeway: a vehicle drawn by an animal; a pedal cycle; a motorcycle with an engine of 50 cc (cubic centimetres) or less, or one that is propelled by electrical power; a motor quadrucycle; a vehicle with a mass not exceeding 230 kilograms that is specially designed, built or adapted for a person with a physical defect or disability; and a tractor, except when it is used in connection with the construction or maintenance of the freeway.

Why it matters. These vehicles are slow or light and cannot safely mix with fast freeway traffic.

In practice. A tractor may not use a freeway to travel between farms, but a tractor working on freeway maintenance is an exception.

Key idea: Animal-drawn vehicles, pedal cycles, small or electric motorcycles, quadrucycles, light disability vehicles and tractors are banned from freeways.

Stopping on a freeway

What the rule says. No person may stop a vehicle on a freeway except in three cases: in compliance with a road traffic sign or a direction from a traffic officer; within an area reserved for stopping or parking of vehicles by an appropriate road traffic sign; or for any reason beyond his or her control.

Why it matters. A stopped vehicle among fast traffic is a major danger, so the exceptions are narrow.

In practice. If your car breaks down and you cannot keep going, that is a reason beyond your control and you may stop. Stopping simply to read a map or to let a passenger out is not allowed; wait for the next place where stopping is permitted.

Key idea: On a freeway, stop only for a sign or officer, in a reserved area, or for a reason beyond your control.

Hand signals, pedestrians, animals and merging

What the rule says. No person may give a hand signal when driving or riding a motor vehicle on a freeway, except for a reason beyond his or her control. No person may be on a freeway on foot under normal circumstances. No person may leave or allow an animal on a freeway, or leave an animal in a place from where it may stray onto the freeway. When you are on a freeway and notice a vehicle in front of you wishing to merge from an on-ramp, you must allow that vehicle to merge in front of you.

Why it matters. Merging smoothly keeps freeway traffic flowing and avoids sudden braking.

In practice. Seeing a car on the on-ramp, ease off so it can slot in ahead of you instead of speeding up to block it.

Key idea: No hand signals, no walking, no stray animals, and let on-ramp traffic merge in front of you.

Towing another vehicle

What the rule says. No person may use a motorcycle to tow another vehicle. The tow-rope, chain or tow-bar between the two vehicles may not be longer than 3,5 metres. With a tow-rope or chain you may not go faster than 30 km/h, unless the towing vehicle is connected by a draw bar or tow-bar. A towed vehicle that carries persons may not go faster than 30 km/h unless it is a semi-trailer. The steering of the towed vehicle must be controlled by a person who holds a licence code authorising him or her to drive that class of vehicle. The manual also says the brakes of the towed vehicle must comply, unless towing is done with a draw bar or tow-bar.

In practice. When towing a broken-down car by rope, keep it to 30 km/h.

Key idea: Tow no longer than 3,5 metres, no faster than 30 km/h on a rope or chain, and with a licensed driver steering.

Combinations of motor vehicles

What the rule says. A combination of motor vehicles is limited to a drawing vehicle and either a maximum of two trailers, or one other motor vehicle that is not a trailer. In an emergency you may draw or tow one other motor vehicle that is not a trailer, together with a trailer.

Why it matters. Limiting how much one vehicle pulls keeps it controllable and stable.

In practice. A drawing vehicle pulling three trailers breaks the rule, because two is the maximum. If a vehicle that is not a trailer has broken down while you are already hauling a trailer, the emergency provision allows you to draw the vehicle and the trailer together.

Key idea: A drawing vehicle may pull at most two trailers, or one other motor vehicle; an emergency allows one vehicle plus a trailer.

Quick recap

• Pedal cycles, animal-drawn vehicles, motor quadrucycles and tractors (except for freeway work) may not use a freeway
• A motorcycle with an engine of 50 cc or less, or electrically powered, may not use a freeway
• A vehicle of up to 230 kilograms designed for a disabled person may not use a freeway
• Stop on a freeway only for a sign or officer, in a reserved area, or for a reason beyond your control
• Tow-rope, chain or tow-bar: not more than 3,5 metres long; 30 km/h limit on a rope or chain
• A combination is a drawing vehicle plus at most two trailers or one other motor vehicle