Scaffolding Trailers: What applies to driver's license, registration, and transport

Those who buy a scaffold trailer with a mobile scaffold often only ask the crucial questions afterwards: Do I need a special driver's license? Does the trailer need to be registered? What applies to weight, license plates, and insurance? This guide answers the most important legal and practical questions regarding the operation of a scaffold trailer in trade.

What driver's license is required for a scaffold trailer?

The answer depends on the gross vehicle weight of the combination – i.e., towing vehicle plus trailer.

With a normal Class B driver's license, you can drive combinations with a permissible gross vehicle weight of up to 3,500 kg. If the permissible gross vehicle weight of the trailer is less than 750 kg, it is generally permitted with Class B without restriction. If it is between 750 kg and 3,500 kg, the combination must remain below 3,500 kg in total – and the trailer must not exceed the permissible gross vehicle weight of the towing vehicle.

Anyone pulling heavier trailers or operating a combination over 3,500 kg needs a BE driver's license. This can be obtained through a relatively short exam and is a sensible investment for many craft businesses.

Specifically for scaffold trailers: Common models for mobile scaffolds up to 7 m working height have a permissible gross vehicle weight of 750 kg and can therefore be driven with Class B – provided the combination remains below 3,500 kg. For larger trailers (for scaffolds up to 10 m and more), BE may be required. Manufacturer specifications are binding.

Registration: What is required?

A scaffold trailer is a motor vehicle trailer within the meaning of the StVZO (German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations) and must be registered. This means:

• Its own license plate
• Liability insurance (the trailer is not covered by the towing vehicle's registration)
• Vehicle registration document (registration certificate part II)
• TÜV approval for initial registration and regular main inspection (every two years)

Quality providers deliver their scaffold trailers with a COC certificate (Certificate of Conformity), which proves type approval and significantly simplifies registration with the road traffic office. Without this document, registration can be complex and expensive.

Our scaffold trailers including mobile scaffolds are delivered with a COC certificate. Available in various sizes:

• Scaffold trailer with mobile scaffold 5 m working height
• Scaffold trailer with mobile scaffold 6 m working height
• Scaffold trailer with mobile scaffold 7 m working height
• Scaffold trailer with mobile scaffold 8 m working height
• Scaffold trailer with mobile scaffold 9 m working height
• Scaffold trailer with mobile scaffold 10 m working height

Speed: What is permitted?

Many scaffold trailers have a 100 km/h approval – this means that 100 km/h can be driven on motorways and expressways, provided the towing vehicle is also approved for 100 km/h with a trailer. Without this approval, there is a limit of 80 km/h on motorways. The permissible maximum speed is indicated on the type approval or in the vehicle registration document.

Insurance for the scaffold trailer

A registered trailer requires its own liability insurance. This is usually inexpensive and can often be processed together with the registration at the road traffic office. Comprehensive insurance is optional but sensible – especially if the trailer is parked permanently outside the company premises.

Regular main inspection

Trailers are subject to mandatory main inspections. For new vehicles, the first main inspection is due after 36 months, then every 24 months. An unregistered or uninspected trailer may not be driven on public roads.

Parking rules and parking

A trailer without a towing vehicle may generally only be parked in public spaces for a limited time. In residential areas, a two-week rule often applies. Anyone parking the trailer permanently should use a private parking space – both for legal reasons and to protect against theft.

Conclusion

A scaffold trailer is one of the most efficient investments for craft businesses in their daily operations – but it is not a bonus that can be driven without a license. Driver's license, registration, insurance, and main inspection are mandatory. Those who set this up properly from the start will have no problems in the long run.

Discover our entire range of scaffold trailers at Gerüstexpress or contact us for personal advice via our contact page.

FAQ: Scaffold Trailer Driver's License & Registration

Can I tow a 750 kg scaffold trailer with a Class B driver's license?

Yes – as long as the gross vehicle weight of the combination (vehicle + trailer) remains below 3,500 kg.

Does the scaffold trailer need its own license plate?

Yes. Every registered trailer needs its own license plate and its own liability insurance.

What is a COC certificate?

The Certificate of Conformity proves the type approval of the trailer and significantly simplifies registration with the road traffic office.