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  Here for the journey.  
Understanding Trailer Brakes for Safe Towing
Trailer brakes are crucial for safe towing and can be divided into three types:
1.	 Service Brakes
Direct Service Brakes: 
Controlled directly by 
the driver, these brakes 
respond to driver input, 
like electric, vacuum or 
pneumatic-hydraulic 
systems. (e.g. Electro 
Brake)
Indirect Service Brakes: 
When the towing vehicle 
brakes, the trailer’s 
momentum activates the 
brakes, as seen in override 
systems. (e.g. Euro Brake)
2.	 Breakaway Brakes
These brakes activate 
automatically if the trailer 
disconnects from the 
towing vehicle.
3.	 Parking Brakes
Manually applied, parking 
brakes secure the trailer 
when detached.
 ❱The table below outlines the requirements for the types of brake  
that must be fitted to light trailers.
Type of brake
Gross laden weight of the trailer (GVM)
2000kg or less
2001 to 
2500kg
2501 to 3500kg
Service brake
Not required but, 
if fitted, must act 
on each wheel of 
at least one axle.
Required: May 
be either direct 
or indirect.
May be either direct or indirect, and must 
act on each wheel of at least one axle (the 
indirect service brake must comply with 
UN/ECE Regulation No.13).
Parking 
brake
Not required
Not required.
Required, and must act on at least one 
complete axle.
Breakaway 
brake
Required unless 
fitted with an 
appropriate 
coupling and 
safety chain.
Required, 
unless fitted 
with an 
appropriate 
coupling and 
two safety 
chains.
Required, unless fitted with an 
appropriate coupling and two safety 
chains.
Note: If a breakaway brake is fitted, safety 
chains are still recommended but not 
required.

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