Buying a boat is always a joyous event for the future of the boating, marking the beginning of new adventures and fishing trophies. floater It's often a little confused when it comes to transporting it to the water, and many boat owners are wondering if they should have a separate package of documents on the platform that takes the boat to the descent.
Bureaucracy may seem secondary to buying a powerful motor or sonar, but ignoring traffic rules can have serious consequences. Boat trailer It is a fully-fledged vehicle with its own identification number and technical data sheet, and unlike the boat itself, which is registered with the GIMS, it is the trailer that is administered by the traffic police, which creates confusion among beginners.
In this article we will discuss in detail all the nuances of the legislation relating to the operation of trailers for the transportation of small vessels. category āEā In your driver's license, how the registration process goes and what penalties are imposed for violating the rules, and understanding these subtleties will help you avoid unpleasant surprises when communicating with inspectors on the road.
Legislative framework and status determination
Under the current legislation of the Russian Federation, trailers for the carriage of boats are classified as vehicles, which means that they are subject to the same rules of registration, insurance and technical inspection as cars. Traffic rules and Administrative regulations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The key is to divide the responsibilities between the various agencies, and GIMS is engaged in registering the boats themselves, assigning them tail numbers. GABD It controls all wheeled vehicles, including trailers, that move on public roads, which is why you won't find any mention of GIMS in the trailer documents.
It's important to note that the registration obligation arises regardless of what you plan to transport on the platform. PVC If you're driving a heavy metal boat, the trailer itself must be legalized, and if you don't register, you're driving an unregistered vehicle, and you're going to have administrative liability.
- š The trailer is a separate vehicle by law.
- š Registration is carried out exclusively in the traffic police, not GIMS.
- āļø The rules apply to all types of trailers for boats without exception.
Historical background
Why is there confusion?: Before 2011, the rules for registration of trailers for passenger cars were significantly simplified, and many owners remember the days when they were not required. However, with the introduction of new regulations, the situation has changed, and now all trailers weighing up to 750 kg and above must be registered.
Should I be granted Category E rights?
One of the most common questions that arises from car owners is whether a special car is necessary. category āEā The answer to this question depends on the total mass of the vehicle and trailer, as well as on the year of obtaining the license.
If the total permissible maximum mass of the car and trailer does not exceed 3,500 kg, then the standard category "B" is enough to drive such a train. boat-trailerIn this case, the presence of an open category "E" is not required, and the traffic police inspector is not entitled to issue a fine for its absence.
This is different if you plan to tow a heavy boat on a massive two-axle trailer, and if the maximum mass of the car and trailer is more than 3,500 kg, the E category is mandatory, and the date of the license is also worth paying attention to: for those who were granted the rights before 2011, category E was often opened automatically with B, but this is prescribed separately in new licenses.
Note the maximum permissible mass, as shown in the vehicle's PTS and trailer documents, and these figures, not the actual weight of the load, are the ones that matter to the inspector.
If the maximum permissible mass of the trailer does not exceed 750 kg, category "E" is not required regardless of the vehicle weight (provided the total mass does not exceed 3,500 kg). However, most specialized boat trailers have a mass of more than 750 kg, so calculating the total mass of the road train becomes critical.
Registration process at the traffic police
Procedure for staging boat-trailer registration with the traffic police is not much different from registration of a car. It requires the preparation of a certain package of documents and undergoing a technical inspection. The owner must contact any registration and examination unit of the traffic police at the place of residence or stay.
A complete set of documentation is required for successful registration; the absence of even one of the documents can cause refusal of license plates, special attention should be paid to the correctness of the application and the availability of a valid CTP policy, which is mandatory for all registered vehicles.
The process itself involves the reconciliation of the number units. VIN number If the trailer is new, the sales contract and transit numbers may be provided instead of the PTS if they were issued by the dealer, and after the inspection, the vehicle registration certificate (VAT) and the state license plates are issued.
āļø Documents for registration
It is important to know that the trailer must be equipped with lighting devices that meet the requirements of technical regulations. Check the operation of stop lights, turn signals and dimensions before visiting the traffic police. Faulty lighting is a common reason for refusing registration or issuing a malfunction order.
Technical inspection and OSAGO
Owners of new trailers often question the need for a technical inspection. vehicle, including trailers under 3 years of age (for some categories under 4 years, but for trailers the 3-year rule is usually applicable) are exempt from mandatory inspection.
However, the absence of a diagnostic card does not relieve the obligation to have a policy. OSAGOTrailer insurance is a legal requirement, without a valid policy, registration with the traffic police is impossible, the cost of insurance for a trailer is usually lower than for a car, since the risk factor is lower.
After three years from the date of release of the trailer, the owner is obliged to undergo regular technical inspection at accredited points. Having a valid diagnostic card becomes a prerequisite for the extension of the CTP policy and legal use on the roads.
ā ļø Note: The trailer CTP policy is separate from the car policy, although many insurance companies allow you to do this in one click when you apply for car insurance.
Transport tax and other expenses
Many owners of boat trailers are mistaken, believing that they need to pay transport tax. Not subject to transport taxThis is a nice exception, which saves the budget for owners of water-engines.
Despite the absence of a tax, there are still costs ahead, primarily the state fee for license plates and registration certificates, and the cost of the CTP policy itself, which is a mandatory annual expense, and the amount of the premium depends on the region of registration and the rates of the insurance company.
If you plan to use the trailer for commercial activities, such as boat rental or shipping goods to third parties for money, the tax burden may change, in which case the trailer may be registered to a legal entity or sole proprietor, which will entail different tax and accounting rules.
| Type of flow | Obligation | Frequency | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| State duty (numbers + ITS) | Sure. | One-time | In the case of primary registration |
| OSAGO | Sure. | Every year. | Without a policy, registration is not possible |
| Transport tax | Not required | - | For trailers up to 3.5 t |
| Technical inspection | After 3 years | Every 1-2 years | Needed for OSAGO after 3 years |
Transport tax on boat trailers for individuals is not charged, which makes their content more affordable compared to cars.
Penalties and Liability on the Road
Operating an unregistered trailer or violating the rules for its use entails administrative liability. Traffic police officers have the right to stop the vehicle with the trailer and require documents. Failure to register is a fine, the amount of which can vary depending on the specific article of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation.
The speed of the motor train is limited: on motorways it should not exceed 90 km / h, on other roads - 70 km / h. Exceeding speed with a trailer is punished more severely than on a passenger car without a trailer. It is also forbidden to carry people in a towed trailer-dwelling house, unless it is designed for this constructively.
Another important aspect is the fastening of the cargo, the boat must be securely fixed to the paddle or the kiltrailer, and if the boat is displaced or falls on the road as a result of a bad attachment, the driver will be fully responsible for creating an emergency, which can be classified not just as a fine, but as a violation that creates a threat to traffic safety.
ā ļø Note: Driving with an unregistered trailer is equivalent to driving an unregistered vehicle. The penalty can be re-issued if you continue driving after the first stop.
In addition, there are requirements for the visibility of the license plate: If the trailer closes the license plate of the car (which often happens when loading a high-sided boat), you need to install an additional set of lighting devices and a license plate on the trailer itself connected to the lighting system of the car.
What happens if you lose the PTS on the trailer?
Reinstatement of the PTS to the trailer is a more complicated procedure than the car: you will have to contact the traffic police with a claim of loss, provide the trailer itself for verification of numbers and undergo inspection. In some cases, you may need to request a manufacturer if the data is not in the database.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to register a homemade trailer for a boat?
Yes, homemade trailers are also subject to registration, but the process of legalizing them is more complicated: you will need a certificate of conformity or a technical examination certificate confirming the safety of the structure, without these documents, you will not be able to register a homemade car at the traffic police.
Can I ride a boat trailer without numbers if it is new?
No, you can't even drive a new trailer without a number, you have to get a transit number or a temporary permit to get a trailer from the store to the check-in, and driving without a registration plate is prohibited anyway.
Do I need to remove the trailer from the account when selling?
Since 2013, Russia has abolished the deregistration procedure for sale for subsequent registration by a new owner, you just sign a contract of sale, and the new owner registers the trailer for himself, but it is still recommended to notify the traffic police about the sale so as not to receive other people's fines.
What is the maximum weight of a trailer without category E?
Category E is not required if the permissible maximum mass of the trailer does not exceed 750 kg OR if the mass of the trailer is greater than 750 kg but the total permissible maximum mass of the vehicle and trailer does not exceed 3,500 kg.
Where to find the VIN number on the trailer?
The VIN number (or factory number) is usually stamped on the front of the trailer frame, on the drawer, or on a special plate fixed on the frame.