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MAG BELGIUM SUCCESS
In August 2005 MAG Belgium asked riders organisations in FEMA (Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations) for assistance in lifting the ban on sidecars towing a trailer in their country.
MAG Belgium requested that as many emails from other European riders be sent to them, asking their government why travelling by sidecar and trailer is forbidden by law in Belgium.
Thanks to the response to MAG Belgium’s request, which included replies through the MAG Activist – E-mail Army they were able to lobby and present their position to the members of the Belgium parliament.
In October 2005 the minister responsible answered questions in the Belgium Parliament and confirmed that the law would be changed.
MAG Belgium are now in contact with government officials and a fast result, in government terms, is expected for the law to be changed in 2008.
A Bit of History
Towing a trailer with a sidecar has been banned in Belgium since 1975.
The change in the law in 1975 meant that a motorcycle could tow a trailer but a motorcycle with sidecar and a three or four wheel moped could not tow a trailer.
There was and is normally no problem for a trike towing a trailer.
This year MAG Belgium have one example were one person had a ticket issued by a police officer, the same person was also issued a ticket in 2004 and in 2003 for riding a sidecar and trailer.
It transpires that it was the same police officer each time, in court the tickets were dismissed because the Belgian Law did not follow the correct EU regulations.
The Gold Wing Owners Club GB (GWOCGB) asked MAG, if towing a trailer is legal in the UK, then it might be the case that the ban applies to Belgian nationals but not to visitors.
A significant number of their club members go to Belgium every year to the Belgian Goldwing Treffen (Rally), some on outfits and trikes towing trailers.
So how does the law stand? As usual it is a grey area, in 2003/2004 when the Spanish Government lifted their ban on motorcycles towing trailers they applied the ban to all motorcycles, visitors and nationals.
In practice; when you drive with a sidecar and trailer in Belgium, as a visitor, you still have the chance that the police will issue a ticket.
It‘s a small chance but it can happen and until the law is changed the best advice from MAG Belgium is to carry a copy of a letter, written by the Belgian Traffic Department (Ministry), declaring that a sidecar can tow a trailer with certain restrictions.
The letter should be seen as guidance rather than the “letter of the law” but it may help when you have a local police officer in stood front of you.
The English translation is as follows and the original version is available at: Here
“In reply to your letter I inform you that it is allowed to tow a trailer with a motorcycle.
The width of a trailer should not exceed the width of the towing vehicle (Motorcycle + Sidecar).
There is maximum limited width of 2 meters.
There is no ruling by law concerning the maximum total weight of a trailer if towed by a motorcycle.
Two red reflectors should be fitted on the rear of the trailer, on a minimum height of 40 cms.
The trailer also needs to be fitted with lights on the rear if the lights of the towing vehicle are not visible because of the trailer's size.
It is not allowed to carry people in a trailer that is towed by a motorcycle.”
So have fun in Belgium on your travels, the chocolate is delicious and the beer powerful.
Trevor Baird Director of Public Affairs MAG UK
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