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11.2 Car condition and loading
Car condition
The following procedures should be done before a car trip:
Check that all the lights and signaling devices as well as windscreen washers and wipers work correctly.
Engine space
Tire pressure
Loading a car
The amount of luggage/goods that can be conveyed on the roof of a car varies according to car type. Maximum weight for goods conveyed on roof is written in the registration certificate.
The load on roof-rack may project no more than one meter in front of the vehicle and two meters behind it. If the load reaches more than a meter over the rear of the car it must be clearly marked with a red or red-and-white flag.
Trailer
B-class driving license holder is entitled to drive a car and trailer combination when the total weight of the car does not exceed 3500 kg and total weight of the trailer does not exceed 750 kg.
It is allowed to tow a trailer equipped with one axel, bogie replacing it or similar double axel trailer with a car that's total weight does not exceed 3500 kg. Total weight of a trailer can be:
a) if the trailer is not fitted with brakes, the maximum weight approved by the manufacturer of the vehicle. In any case the trailer cannot weight more than half of the total weight of the towing vehicle; or
b) if the trailer is equipped with brakes, maximum weight approved by the car manufacturer, marked on type approval certificate, In any case the trailer cannot weight more than 50% more than the total weight of the towing vehicle. If the manufacturer has not stated the maximum allowed weight for the trailer, it cannot be heavier than the weight of the towing car.
The weights of the towing vehicle and the trailer must be checked from the registration certificates. Speed limit for a combination is 80 km/h.
Connecting and loading a trailer
Do the following:
Attach the trailer coupling over the towing vehicle's tow ball. Checking both visually and physically that the trailer will not disconnect and that the power cable is connected.
Load the trailer so that it has a bit of tongue weight. The minimum tongue weight should be 25 kg. In any circumstances the tongue weight should not be negative (=lifting the tongue up).
Check that the safety cable is attached to the car and that it is not broken (trailer equipped with brakes). Lift the jockey wheel and make sure it is in locked position so that it cannot slide while driving.
The load has to be tied down so that it cannot move during the drive and that nothing can drop off from the trailer and cause danger to other road users. Best way to tie up a load is by using proper cargo straps.
Ensure that all lights are working correctly. These include: rear lights, indicators, brake lights, rear fog light and number plate lights.
Passengers
The maximum number of people in a vehicle at any one time in addition to the driver is specified on the vehicle registration document.
The safest way to transport a dog in a car is to use a proper safety harness or to place the dog in the luggage space (only if the car is wagon type). A cat or other small animal travels in cabin in an animal transport box. The box has to be placed so that it cannot move during the travel.
