Towbar & Protection Bars

Tow Bar: What Applies and What You Need to Know

A tow bar is the device used to connect a vehicle to a trailer or to a compatible transport accessory, such as an approved bicycle rack.

Its legal use does not depend only on the presence of the tow ball. The towing device must be approved, correctly installed, and used within the technical limits of the vehicle.

What applies to passenger cars and light commercial vehicles

For M1 and N1 category vehicles, the towing device must be removed or folded away when the vehicle is not towing a trailer.

For older towing devices that are neither detachable nor foldable, replacement with a detachable or retractable system was required by 30/09/2023.

Bicycle racks and other accessories

If a bicycle rack, cargo carrier, or another approved accessory is mounted on the tow bar, once the transport is completed:

• the accessory must be removed,

• the tow bar must be removed or folded away.

In all cases, the tow bar or any attached accessory must not obstruct the vehicle’s registration plate or any lights.

How much weight can the vehicle tow?

The maximum permitted towing capacity is determined by the vehicle’s technical specifications and type approval.

You can check the following fields on the vehicle registration certificate:

• O.1: Maximum permissible mass of a braked trailer

• O.2: Maximum permissible mass of an unbraked trailer

Before your vehicle inspection

If you are not towing anything, do not arrive at the vehicle inspection with the detachable tow ball fitted. Remove it or fold the towing device away before the inspection.

The fixed part of the system located behind the bumper may remain in place, provided that the installation is legal and safe.

Protective Bars: What You Need to Know

The term “protective bars” can refer to different types of vehicle accessories. What is permitted depends on the type of bar, its position on the vehicle, and whether it is approved for that specific vehicle.

Protective bars may include:

• Front protection bars / bull bars / additional front bumpers

• Side bars or protective side steps

• Rear protection systems or additional rear bars

Front Protection Bars (Bull Bars)

For M1 passenger vehicles and N1 light commercial vehicles, a frontal protection system sold as a separate technical unit must be approved for the specific vehicle type or version on which it is installed.

It should also be supplied with clear installation instructions, so that it can be fitted according to the required specifications.

A handmade, custom-built, or universal metal bar should not automatically be considered road legal simply because it can be physically fitted to the vehicle.

What to Check Before Buying

Before purchasing a protective bar, ask for:

• type-approval or conformity documentation,

• clear confirmation that the bar is approved for your specific vehicle model and version,

• proper installation instructions.

A simple commercial CE marking on the product does not replace the required vehicle or technical-unit type approval.

Before Your Vehicle Inspection

If your vehicle is fitted with additional protective bars, you should be able to show that the accessory is approved, suitable for the specific vehicle, and correctly installed.

Can I leave the tow ball permanently fitted?

No, when it is not being used.
For M1 and N1 category vehicles, the towing device must be removed or folded away when the vehicle is not towing.

Do I need to remove the entire mechanism under the bumper?

No.
The requirement concerns the detachable or retractable part of the towing device that protrudes when in use.

The fixed mounting structure located behind or underneath the bumper may remain in place, provided that it is legally and safely installed.

Can I fit any bull bar to an SUV?

No.
A front protection bar must be approved for the specific vehicle and must comply with the applicable requirements for frontal protection systems and pedestrian protection.

The fact that a bar can physically be fitted to a vehicle does not automatically mean that it is road legal.

Are side bars always illegal?

No.
Side bars may be fitted provided that they are suitable for the specific vehicle, securely installed, and do not create dangerous projections or any other form of non-compliance.

What if the bar or another accessory covers the number plate or lights?

This is not acceptable.
The vehicle’s registration plate and mandatory lighting equipment must remain visible and fully operational.

Below are the main legal provisions relating to tow bars, trailers, protective bars, and periodic vehicle inspections.

Ministerial Decision 2805/7.1.2021 – Government Gazette B’ 99/18.01.2021

This decision sets out the conditions, requirements, and procedure for issuing registration documents and number plates for Category O vehicles, as well as the conditions for towing.

In its codified form, it provides that M1 and N1 vehicles must use a detachable or retractable coupling device, which must be removed or folded away when it is not in use.

Ministerial Decision 292015/2021 – Government Gazette B’ 4966/27.10.2021

This decision amends the regulatory framework concerning the registration documents and number plates of trailers.

The framework has also been subject to subsequent amendments.

Ministerial Decision 340141/2022 – Government Gazette B’ 5759/10.11.2022

This decision sets out in detail the inspection items and deficiencies examined during the periodic vehicle inspection.

Relevant inspection points include:

• 6.1.4: Bumpers, side protection, and rear protection

• 6.1.6: Coupling devices and towing equipment

Directive 2014/45/EU

This Directive provides the main European framework for the periodic roadworthiness testing of vehicles.

Among other inspection items, it includes:

• 6.1.4: Bumpers and side/rear protection systems

• 6.1.6: Coupling devices and towing equipment

Regulation (EU) 2019/2144 – Article 8

This Regulation establishes requirements for frontal protection systems fitted to M1 and N1 category vehicles.

The requirements apply both to systems forming part of the vehicle and to systems supplied as separate technical units.

Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/535

This Regulation contains detailed technical requirements concerning frontal protection systems and their installation on vehicles.

Law 5209/2025 – Government Gazette A’ 100/13.06.2025

The new Greek Road Traffic Code provides a broader complementary legal framework concerning:

• vehicle technical requirements,

• registration documents and number plates,

• the use of trailers,

• the safe operation of vehicles on public roads.

• Ministerial Decision 2805/7.1.2021 – Government Gazette B’ 99/18.01.2021
  Codified Ministerial Decision 2805/2021 – Taxheaven

• Ministerial Decision 292015/2021 – Government Gazette B’ 4966/27.10.2021
  Ministerial Decision 292015/2021 – Taxheaven

• Ministerial Decision 340141/2022 – Government Gazette B’ 5759/10.11.2022
  Ministerial Decision 340141/2022 – Taxheaven

• Law 5209/2025 – Government Gazette A’ 100/13.06.2025 – New Greek Road Traffic Code
  Law 5209/2025 – ELINYAE

• Directive 2014/45/EU – Periodic Roadworthiness Testing of Vehicles
  Directive 2014/45/EU – EUR-Lex

• Regulation (EU) 2019/2144 – Vehicle Safety and Type-Approval Requirements
  Regulation (EU) 2019/2144 – EUR-Lex

• Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/535 – Technical Type-Approval Requirements
  Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/535 – EUR-Lex

Note from ekteo.gr

The information provided on this page is intended for general guidance and has been written to make the applicable requirements easier for drivers to understand.

In cases involving a specific vehicle modification, an imported accessory, or uncertainty regarding the approval of a particular tow bar or protective bar, the vehicle owner should check the relevant product approval documentation before installation.

Where necessary, the owner should also contact the competent Transport Authority or an authorised vehicle inspection centre (KTEO) for further guidance before installing or using the equipment.