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The two drivers had towed cars many times before and were known to each other on the 10 km stretch. The driving took place in broad daylight in the morning. The two drivers were surprised when the police pulled them over and confiscated their driving licenses on the spot for three months and gave them each a fine of NOK 8,000.
Wrong tow rope
The reason for the driver's license seizure was that the police believed the 4.3-meter tow rope was too short. The two drivers were using a tow rope that was manufactured and sold as a tow rope, so they thought everything was fine.
The two drivers contacted Yrkestrafikkforbundet and received legal assistance. Together they attended the hearing in the district court.
The court's assessment
The court held that a total assessment had to be made of the drivers' measures to avoid danger and injury, and that the distance between the vehicles was only one of the things that should be considered.
Some emphasis was placed on the fact that the rope used was sold as a tow rope and was presumably used for this purpose. The court also assumed that both accused are experienced drivers who have participated in towing missions on a number of occasions, and are aware of the dangers associated with towing.
The court emphasized that the accused had discussed the implementation and timing of the towing. They had also used a rotating yellow light on the roof to signal fellow road users to be more careful, and the car that was towed had its emergency flashers on. By keeping the front car on the right of the road and the rear car towards the middle of the road, both had a good view of the traffic ahead.
In addition, the court noted that the driver of the car being towed kept the engine running and kept his foot on the brake pedal. The court held that the driver could then reduce speed much more quickly than a driver who is in a queue and is simply following the traffic.
The judge ruled that the driver's licenses could not be confiscated. The next day, the drivers were able to collect their driver's licenses at the police station.
Took all precautions
Legal advisor in Yrkestrafikkforbundet Hanne Hareide Skårberg is surprised by the police's assessment.
– I believe that the police assessment was too strict in this case, and that the two should not be punished. Therefore, I am satisfied with the judge's decision. The drivers took all precautions.
– The tow rope was manufactured and sold as a tow rope, they had extensive experience in towing cars. There is nothing in the case to indicate that they acted negligently, Skårberg states.
