MINISTERIAL DECISION 2805/2021 · UN REGULATION NO. 55 · ENGINEER’S DECLARATION
Tow Bar and Trailer Towing
Fitting a tow bar is not enough to tow a trailer legally. Three things are needed: a registration certificate for both vehicles, a combination permitted by Ministerial Decision 2805/2021, and an approved coupling device suitable for the vehicle. We check all three before you buy or fit anything.
What we check
1. Whether the combination is permitted
Article 5 of Ministerial Decision 2805/2021 sets which vehicle may tow which trailer. Vehicles of categories M1 and N1 may tow only O1 and O2 trailers. The vehicle’s technically permissible maximum towable mass must cover the trailer’s maximum mass, and a separate limit applies to unbraked O1 trailers.
2. Whether the use is permitted
Behind a private car, an O1 trailer is allowed for any use. An O2 trailer is allowed only for the uses listed in Article 8: horses, boats, caravans, historic vehicles, racing cars and motorcycles, amateur or sports equipment and training vehicles. The list is closed. For private N1 vehicles up to 3.5 t the rules are wider (Article 6(5)).
3. Whether the tow bar is suitable
The coupling device must be type-approved under UN Regulation No. 55 and its rated values must cover the combination. We calculate the required D value from the masses of the two vehicles and compare it with the device’s plate.
When an engineer’s declaration or study is needed
- When the authority or the KTEO asks for documentation of the coupling device.
- When the tow bar is fitted to a converted vehicle or a special purpose vehicle.
- When the vehicle’s towing data do not appear in the registration certificate or the certificate of conformity.
The declaration states the maker, type and approval number of the device and shows by calculation that its rated values cover the specific combination.
The trailer has no registration yet?
The trailer’s own registration certificate and plates come first; without them the combination may not be used on the road. See the O1 and O2 Trailer Licence page for the Law 5290/2026 procedure.
A tow bar that does not suit the vehicle, or an O2 trailer with a use not permitted behind your car, cannot be legalised afterwards. Send us the registration certificate first.
- 01You send us the vehicle’s registration certificate and the trailer details.
- 02We check category, masses and use under Ministerial Decision 2805/2021.
- 03We calculate the required D value and check the coupling device.
- 04We draft the engineer’s declaration or study, where needed.
Send us a photo of the registration certificate and the trailer details. We will tell you whether the combination holds.
Request a quoteDoes a tow bar need a licence?
What is assessed is the combination: both vehicles must be registered, towing must be permitted by Ministerial Decision 2805/2021, and the coupling device must be type-approved and suitable for the vehicle. Where documentation is requested, it is given by an engineer’s declaration.
How much does it cost?
It depends on whether a check of the combination is enough or an engineer’s declaration or study is needed. Send us the registration certificate for an exact quote.
Can I tow a caravan with my car?
Caravans are among the uses allowed for O2 trailers behind a private car. The car’s maximum towable mass and the coupling device must still cover it.
My trailer has no registration certificate.
The trailer’s registration and plates come first; without them the combination may not be used on the road. We handle that too.
Do you work outside Athens?
Yes, across Greece.
Let’s talk
We’re here for any question or need. Get in touch and we will look at your case personally.
Dimitrios Moudiotis and Associates
Mechanical Engineer AUTH, 3× MSc | Athens - Thessaloniki