DVLA Implications
- Thread starter Robmac
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Deleted member 775
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ive had a look through the net ,cannot find anything realy but it seems you need to tell your van insurance company that the van has been modified for use as a camper if its not been usage changed . and we all know that insurance companies like to charge more in that case .seems as if something as simple of fitting alloy wheels to a car or van that was fitted with steel wheels attracts a greater premium according to my insurance provider , as it seemingly makes the motor more attractive to steal .
Steve121
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I'd love to know how hard some people search for their legal information. The following is widely available from the DVLA and has cropped on this forum several times over the years.
Statement
It is a legal requirement that all UK registered vehicles are classified correctly on the V5C log book.
All campervans, motor caravans and motorhomes fall into the DVLA category of "Motor Caravan".
If you have converted a van into a motor caravan then you must return the V5C to DVLA for amendment.
Registering a DIY Motor Caravan
Statement
It is a legal requirement that all UK registered vehicles are classified correctly on the V5C log book.
All campervans, motor caravans and motorhomes fall into the DVLA category of "Motor Caravan".
If you have converted a van into a motor caravan then you must return the V5C to DVLA for amendment.
Registering a DIY Motor Caravan
Robmac
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I looked at that. However, it is out of date. The rules have changed.
Rathbone
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And it can be driven faster. (Legally).
mark61
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groyne
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When I was converting my van I originally had it insured as a standard van. After reading the small print on the insurance, I informed insurer that I had had side and rear windows fitted. That'll be £25 please to update the insurance. I explained that I was converting the van, the upshot was that I would not be covered by the insurance I had taken out. Luckily it didn't cost me much to cancel the insurance. I think I ended up insuring with AdrianFlux, who gave me 90 days to complete the conversion and where a lot cheaper than the original Insurer.
So I'd advise he check with his insurer direct, rather than rely on online advice.
So I'd advise he check with his insurer direct, rather than rely on online advice.
Steve121
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You're obviously well ahead of the game here - in fact DVLA are playing catch-up!
Change of body type to motor caravan
Check what evidence you need when you convert a van to a campervan or motor caravan.
Live link
View attachment Change vehicle details on a V5C registration certificate (log book) - GOV.pdf
Steve121
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Steve121
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What's changed? You are still legally required to change the Body Type on the V5C when the conversion has been completed.
Change vehicle details on a V5C registration certificate (log book) - GOV.UK
Robmac
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I put up the document regarding DVLA requirements on the other forum, and was pointed towards this;
Legal Information, Requirements and Rules for Camper Vans DVLA | Campervan Life
In particular the part which reads;
"In the UK you have the option of re-registering your van as a "motor caravan" with the DVLA. It is not a requirement to re-register the vehicle. You can continue to use the vehicle as a campervan, even if it is still registered as a "panel van", assuming you have adequate (i.e. campervan) insurance"
This was dated 2012, whereas the DVLA link was dated 2011.
Obviously somebody is telling porkies somewhere?
Robmac
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Steve121
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What you need to realise is that "campervanlife.com/building/legal" does not constitute a legal document; it appears to simply state someone's opinion. Looks to me like they're a bunch of cowboys who appear to be ignorant of UK Law, and appear to offer no more than completely non-official and incorrect advice in respect of the legal requirement to 'Change vehicle details on a V5C registration certificate' following a change of Body Type.
This page details what the legal requirements are, and Crown Copyright 2016.
Incidentally, someone changing the date on their web page does not alter the Law.
Robmac
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I tend to agree.
I'm in a no win situation. I posted the DVLA requirements, stating that he would need to re-register, and was slapped down.
I will leave him to make his own mind up, it's no skin off my nose.
Deleted member 22077
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Ha. Yup, the wonderful world of trying to be helpful on a forum:lol-053::lol-049:
I reregisterd mine as the insurance is a fair whack cheaper (but more comprehensive) and I can travel faster - noting the previously mentioned 3.05t unladen weight. I'd be interested to see how many people get nicked on that one.
I figured I was converting the van anyway, and to what I considered a high standard, with way more than the dvla requirements (which I saw as a kinda do-minimum) so why not take advantage of the perks of reregistering.
Steve121
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Not a case of win or lose - just wanted to make people aware of the requirements.
It certainly wasn't my intention to remove anything from your nose!
Robmac
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No I wasn't having a go at you.
I have posted on the other forum that I will stick with my original advice which was to go with the DVLA document. If he doesn't, that's up to him!
n brown
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my experience of this subject is this-
although there is, i believe, a legal requirement to register as a motor caravan after conversion, i have never heard of anyone being done for not doing so
a while ago,DVLA were being quite strict,and a lot of conversions,which were obviously campers, were refused and classed as'van with side windows',still a commercial vehicle, although accepted as a camper visually when using the Severn bridges
most insurance cos who take self-builds don't insist on the V5 being changed as far as i know,they just want to know what's happening-fair enough
i usually change mine,and advise others too as well, because of the faster speed limits , and it helps with selling,as it's often asked by potential buyers
i also think DVLA are fairly flexible about their list of ''requirements'', which i see as suggestions. after all , a 4 foot high person surely can't be forced to have a 6foot bed !what a waste of space,and most vans aren't that wide,so why compromise the layout for a couple of inches- and some people don't want a sink- and some don't want a water heater- and what exactly is a wardrobe ,if you don't use coat hangers,then a locker will do for clothes .
etc .
so it's use your common sense basically
although there is, i believe, a legal requirement to register as a motor caravan after conversion, i have never heard of anyone being done for not doing so
a while ago,DVLA were being quite strict,and a lot of conversions,which were obviously campers, were refused and classed as'van with side windows',still a commercial vehicle, although accepted as a camper visually when using the Severn bridges
most insurance cos who take self-builds don't insist on the V5 being changed as far as i know,they just want to know what's happening-fair enough
i usually change mine,and advise others too as well, because of the faster speed limits , and it helps with selling,as it's often asked by potential buyers
i also think DVLA are fairly flexible about their list of ''requirements'', which i see as suggestions. after all , a 4 foot high person surely can't be forced to have a 6foot bed !what a waste of space,and most vans aren't that wide,so why compromise the layout for a couple of inches- and some people don't want a sink- and some don't want a water heater- and what exactly is a wardrobe ,if you don't use coat hangers,then a locker will do for clothes .
etc .
so it's use your common sense basically