Aktion Woche 2

The Netherlands

Here, all trailers – whether braked or unbraked – must be connected to the towing vehicle with a breakaway cable or safety chain. Important: it is not sufficient to simply place the cable as a loop over the towbar. The cable must be hooked into a fixed eye, clamp or shackle. This is intended to prevent the cable from slipping off due to vibrations and failing to activate the brake in an emergency.

Switzerland

Switzerland has similar regulations to the Netherlands. The breakaway cable must be firmly connected to the vehicle – a loose loop is not permitted. Retrofit solutions, such as the so-called Holland eye, are not always accepted, especially with detachable towbars.

Particularly important:
Since 2023, the improper attachment of the breakaway cable has been considered a moderately serious offence in Switzerland.
This can have serious consequences, such as a fine and a four-month driving ban – even for German drivers!

Austria

In Austria, too, a safety connection (cable or chain) is mandatory. Although there is no exact rule on how it must be attached, it must be implemented securely. With a Holland eye, you are therefore also on the safe side during checks.

The Holland eye – a simple retrofit solution for added safety

If your vehicle does not have a fixed attachment eye, you can easily retrofit one: with a so-called Holland eye.
It is attached to the towbar carrier and provides a secure attachment point for the breakaway cable.

Here is how it works:

1. Attach the Holland eye to the towbar carrier

2. Feed the breakaway cable through the eye

3. Place the cable in the usual loop over the towbar

4. Hook it in – done!

This prevents the cable from slipping off, allowing you to remain legally compliant when travelling abroad.

Tip: if your towbar has a small eye, use a carabiner with a high breaking load (in accordance with DIN 5299) to extend it. This ensures that the connection will hold in an emergency.

Why the effort is worthwhile

Many trailer combinations are regularly inspected, especially in the Netherlands and Switzerland.
Anyone who only places their breakaway cable loosely over the towbar risks:

• high fines (over €100 in Austria, up to €600 in Switzerland)

• in the worst case, a driving ban

• and, of course, a significant safety risk

With a Holland eye or an approved attachment eye, you are on the safe side – no matter which country you are travelling in.

Conclusion: small eye, big impact

The breakaway cable is more than just a piece of wire with a hook – in an emergency, it can save lives.
Anyone who regularly travels abroad with a trailer should familiarise themselves with the relevant regulations and retrofit their towbar with a Holland eye.

That way, you are:

• safe on the road,

• legally compliant in all neighbouring countries,

• and avoid expensive penalties.