‘You could inevitably break the law’ – campervan drivers could be slapped with hefty fines thanks to little-known rule
CAMPERVAN drivers could be slapped with heft fines thanks to a little-known rule.
Campervan and motorhomes have surged in popularity since lockdown.
The UK’s legion of campervan drivers will be hitting the roads this weekend for the Easter Bank Holiday.
However an expert has warned campervan drivers that they need to check the category of their vehicle to avoid falling foul of the law.
The majority of campervans that weigh under 3,050kg are defined as motorcaravans.
That means they can do up to 70mph on the motorway network, 60mph on national speed limit roads and 70mph on dual carriageways.
However the campervan is a former panel van, the rules are more complex.
Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Van Leasing, said: “Unlike dedicated campers, most vans are subject to a lower speed limit than cars, and must follow the limits set for goods vehicles of the same weight.
“That means 50mph on single lane national speed limit roads, 60mph on dual carriageways, and 70mph on motorways.
“And while your vehicle might look like a camper, it might still be classified as a van in the eyes of the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA) and the Department for Transport (DfT) if that’s what it was in an earlier life.
“I’d urge campervan owners to check the ‘V5C’ logbook for their vehicle. If it’s classified as a ‘motor caravan’, you can keep up with other cars.
“But if the logbook shows that your ‘camper’ is still, in actual fact, classified as a goods vehicle or light van, then you have to take things at a much slower pace.
“If you don’t, you risk a speeding fine and three points on your licence when you inevitably break the law – even if you had no idea you were doing anything wrong.”
Owners can write to the DVLA to get their converted panel van re-classified as a motor caravan.
A camper van requires a minimum of internal features includings seats, a table, sleeping facilities and a kitchen.
Mr Conway added: “Campervans are proving extremely popular in the UK, and for good reason.
“You get to experience life on the open road while also being able to park up overnight at your desired location.
“But, that said, if you’re new to the whole ‘van life’ thing, it’s wise you get acquainted with the legalities.
“Just like different areas of the UK have specific rules regarding overnight parking and camping in vehicles, it’s very easy for campervan newbies to get hit with a speeding ticket.”