# The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any towbar mounting bracket is so weakened that the towbar is likely to become detached — Vehicle inspection defect categories: MOT major, minor and dangerous verdicts

For The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any towbar mounting bracket is so weakened that the towbar is likely to become detached, category is Dangerous; inspection item number is 6.1.6; defect reference is (i)(ii); inspection item is Coupling mechanisms and towing equipment; authority is DVSA MOT (cars, vans and passenger vehicles, classes 3, 4, 5, 7), recorded from its source on 2026-08-06.

- **Defect:** The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any towbar mounting bracket is so weakened that the towbar is likely to become detached _(verified: appears in the quote below)_
- **Category:** Dangerous _(verified: appears in the quote below)_
- **Inspection item number:** 6.1.6
- **Defect reference:** (i)(ii) _(verified: appears in the quote below)_
- **Inspection item:** Coupling mechanisms and towing equipment
- **Authority:** DVSA MOT (cars, vans and passenger vehicles, classes 3, 4, 5, 7) _(our reading, not quoted from the source)_

## What the source says

> (i)(ii) | The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any towbar mounting bracket is so weakened that the towbar is likely to become detached | Dangerous

## Source

- https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mot-inspection-manual-for-private-passenger-and-light-commercial-vehicles/6-body-structure-and-attachments

Last verified: 2026-08-06. Review by: 2027-02-02.
Part of [Vehicle inspection defect categories: MOT major, minor and dangerous verdicts](https://referencesource.org/vehicle-inspection-defect-categories/).