Thinking of towing your mate home with a rope? Make sure you know the NZTA rules first to avoid a fine or a crash.
The Rules (NZ Road Code)
- Distance: The maximum distance between vehicles is 4 meters.
- Visibility: You MUST have a white flag (at least 300mm x 300mm) attached to the middle of the rope.
- Driver: The towed vehicle must have a licensed driver steering it.
- Hours: You cannot tow with a rope during hours of darkness.
The Hidden Danger: Brakes and Steering
In a modern car, power steering and power brakes do not work when the engine is off. The steering will be incredibly heavy, and the brakes will require massive force to stop. This is the #1 cause of tow-rope accidents—the towed car crashing into the back of the towing car.
Recommendation: For the cost of a professional tow, it is not worth the risk to your safety or insurance excess.