Towing eye
A towing eye is a rounded, mostly ring or semicircular device on vehicles for the secure attachment of tow ropes , tow bars or other suitable recovery or pulling equipment .
execution
Towing eyes must be firmly connected to the load-bearing parts of the body so that forces can be safely absorbed. Depending on the vehicle model, towing eyes are already pre-assembled by the manufacturer or have to be screwed in if necessary. Some of them are also hidden behind flaps or covers.
In order to give the rear driver an improved view of the traffic situation, offset driving is supported with the positions of the towing eyes: the rear driver can see past the vehicle in front on the left (when driving on the right ). For this purpose, the towing eye of the towing vehicle is attached to the left of the center, and the towing eye of the towed vehicle is to the right of the center. In this way, the tow rope (better: a tow bar) can remain straight when driving at an angle. The overview is particularly important when towing with a rope because it makes it easier for the driver of the towed vehicle to brake in good time. For further information, see the main article Towing .
Regulations
Road traffic
In Germany, towing lugs are compulsory on motor vehicles and are regulated by StVZO § 43 "Devices for connecting vehicles": (...) (2) Multi-lane motor vehicles with more than one axle must be in front, passenger cars - with the exception of those for which a trailer load according to the operating license It is not permitted - even at the rear, to have a sufficiently dimensioned and easily accessible device for attaching a tow bar or a tow rope. This device may be arranged at the rear of self-propelled machines and forklifts (see Section 43 (2 ) StVZO ).
There are similar regulations in Austria and Switzerland.
Racing vehicles
In official competitions, participating vehicles must be equipped with a front and rear towing eye that complies with the FIA standard (50 mm spike). In addition, they must be clearly visible (not covered) and painted yellow, red or orange. However, depending on the organizer and event, other standards and designs are also possible.