100 km/h approval for your trailer - What to bear in mind

Faster on the road as a trailer: In Germany, the speed limit for driving with a trailer is generally 80 km/h, but under certain conditions, the responsible traffic authority can issue a 100 km/h permit for motorways and motorways. We have compiled a list of the technical requirements you must fulfil and how you can obtain a 100 km/h speed limit sticker.

What requirements must the vehicle and trailer fulfil for 100 km/h approval?

The 100 km/h permit can apply to both passenger cars and other multi-track motor vehicles (e.g. a camper van) with a permissible total weight of up to 3.5 t. The following criteria must be met:

• The towing vehicle must be equipped with an ABS system
• The trailer is suitable for a maximum speed of 100 km/h
• The trailer's tyres are designed for 120 km/h and have at least speed index L
• The tyres must not be older than six years
• The speed 100 sticker must be attached to the rear of the trailer (sticker obligation)

What must be observed for unbraked and braked trailers?

In addition to the basic requirements, certain mass ratios between the trailer and the towing vehicle must be observed for the 100 km/h permit. The permissible total mass of the trailer depends on the unladen weight of the towing vehicle. The unladen weight is multiplied by a defined factor X. This factor is:

• 0.3 for unbraked trailers and braked trailers without shock absorbers
• 1.1 or 1.2 for braked trailers with hydraulic shock absorbers

The value 1.2 may be used if the following equipment is present:

• Trailer with a suitable dynamic driving stability system / coupling with stabilisation device or
• Towing vehicle with a suitable dynamic stability system for trailer operation (confirmed in the registration certificate)

For braked trailers, the following also applies: The permissible total mass of the trailer must not exceed the permissible trailer load and total mass of the towing vehicle.

If the actual permissible total weight of the trailer exceeds the calculated value, the trailer must be unloaded. In addition, pay attention to the maximum towing capacity of the towing vehicle (it can be found in the vehicle registration document). You can find more on the subject of towing capacity here.

Which trailer may I tow with my towing vehicle?

Below you will find three examples for calculating the permissible total mass of the trailer and the mass of the towing vehicle:

Example 1: Total mass for unbraked trailer

• Factor X = 0.3
• Unladen mass of the towing vehicle: 1,800 kg
• 1,800 kg x 0.3 = 540 kg (max. permissible total mass of the trailer)

Example 2: Total mass of braked trailer

• Factor X = 1.1
• Unladen mass of the towing vehicle: 1,800 kg
• 1,800 kg x 1.1 = 1,980 kg (max. permissible total mass of the trailer)

Example 3: Mass of the towing vehicle with braked trailer

• Factor X = 1.1
• Max. permissible total mass of the trailer = 1,500 kg
• 1,500 kg / 1.1 = 1,363 kg (unladen mass of the towing vehicle)

You can also easily calculate the required mass using the KÜS speed 100 calculator here.

How do I get the 100 km/h permit for the trailer?

To be allowed to drive 100 km/h on the motorway with the trailer, you must have the requirements checked and confirmed at a TÜV station or DEKRA, GTÜ or KÜS and then apply for the required 100 km/h speed limit sticker at your vehicle registration authority.

If all criteria are met and the required documents are available, you will receive the sticker for the Tempo 100 permit there and the vehicle documents will be amended accordingly.

Please note: The existing 100 km/h permit for the trailer is basically only valid in Germany. If you drive abroad with the trailer, the national traffic regulations apply. Therefore, inform yourself in advance about the applicable regulations. You can find out more about speed limits in EU countries here.