Is it illegal to tow a car with a strap and a driver steering the rear vehicle?

Question

My friend wants me to help her with this (just moving a car across town), but it doesn't seem safe to me.

Answer 1

In the state of Iowa it is unlawful, and is indeed dangerous.  Here is verbage from the Code of Iowa......

321.462  Drawbars and safety chains.

When one vehicle is towing or pulling another vehicle the drawbar or other connection shall be of sufficient strength to pull all weight towed thereby and shall be fastened to the frame of the towing vehicle in such manner as to prevent sidesway, and in addition to such principal connection there shall be a safety chain which shall be so fastened as to be capable of holding the towed vehicle should the principal connection for any reason fail.

Towing with a strap or chain alone will earn you an $83.00 citation.  As someone else mentioned it is very hard to steer the vehicle, but also very difficult to maneuver when the tow unit accelerates and brakes.  My advice.....don't do it.  Use an approved drawbar, tow dolly, or tow truck.

Answer 2

I do not believe it is illegal to tow a car with a strap.  It is done quite often here in Nebraska.  Some states may have different laws.  It is tricky but if you go slow then there shouldn't be a problem.  Also make sure that the hazard lights of both vehicles are on.  This alerts other drivers that there is a problem.  I would check with police to make sure it is not illegal.

Answer 3

does the car run? if it runs then it will make the power steering and breaks work. if it does not run, it may be dangerous. also, the car has to be registered to be towed on the road. i have seen this done several times without problems. just be careful.

Answer 4

Yep, it's illegal. Get a tow dolly. They don't cost too much to rent and they're a lot safer.

Answer 5

It isn't safe as the rear car, if it has power steering, will be extremely hard or almost impossible to steer without the engine running. Also the power brakes will be hard as a rock and also nearly impossible to apply without the engine running. That's why it is illegal in most places to tow with a strap or chain. Unsafe? Deadly so.