Brakes are compulsory equipment for road trailers, but some models are not equipped with a braking system. Here are some explanations:
- Trailers with a total unladen weight of more than 750 kg must be braked.
- Trailers with a total unladen weight of less than 750 kg are not braked unless the unladen weight of the towing vehicle is less than twice the total unladen weight of the trailer.
Example: If my vehicle has an unladen weight of 1000kg and my trailer has a GVW of 600kg, then this trailer must be equipped with brakes. (1000 < 2x600).
It is rare for the latter to occur, as towing cars are generally quite heavy. However, electric cars can be the exception to the rule as they are much lighter.
What you need to remember is that any trailer with a total kerb weight of 751 kg or more must have a functioning and adjusted braking system.
Your safety and the safety of other road users is at stake. It is also common for the police to stop vehicles with trailers attached to them to check their equipment (brakes, lights, tyre pressure, fastening, etc.)