Towing via the motorway; application for a special permit

In cases of emergency assistance, towing is generally not subject to authorisation. A motorway must be left by the towing unit at the next junction. It is not permitted to enter the motorway. A special permit is required for towing via the motorway. This can be applied for in particular by companies that specialise in towing and have suitable emergency vehicles available for this purpose.

Towing occurs when a vehicle that is unable to move is to be removed from the road or taken to the nearest suitable repair or storage facility. This is based on the principle of emergency assistance. A vehicle may be unable to move under its own power due to an accident or a technical fault and must be removed from the public highway. In such emergency situations, towing is generally not subject to authorisation. For safety reasons, the vehicle must be taken off the motorway by the towing service at the nearest junction (see Section 15a of the Road Traffic Regulations). If a vehicle is stranded off the motorway, it must not be driven onto the motorway.

A special permit, often referred to as a ‘towing permit’, is required in cases where towing is to take place on the motorway. It is intended in particular for commercial operators who can guarantee safe and professional towing, i.e. those who specialise in towing and maintain suitable vehicles for this purpose.

The permanent exemption permit is granted for towing for up to 150 km of motorway, whereby the area of application is limited to Bavaria. It is limited to a maximum period of three years.

In special cases, an individual exemption authorisation may also be granted.