Change to Body Type Description

[TimboG]

Hi all

I have just received a letter from the DVLA refusing my request to re-classify my van to be a motor caravan. I followed every single requirement that they want and as described on the DVLA web-site. The description they have applied is Van/Side windows. Now the van externally looks exactly the same as a VW California [ obviously no where near as good or expensive!] but has anyone else come across this ? I will have to ring the insurance company and see what they say but just to unilaterally introduce this change just deosnt seen equitable or right. Views would be greatly appreciated and if at the end of the day it doesn't affect my insurance or re-sale value of the van i dont suppose it matters. Or am i missing something ?

 

[Digger]

If you read the T6 forum and search this forum you will find many comments about this. DVLA have changed the requirements and I'm afraid you are stuck with this decision.

 

[TimboG]

Thanks for that. At one level I’m not sure it matters but can anyone advise? I will speak to the insurance company .

 

[WelshGas]

Thanks for that. At one level I’m not sure it matters but can anyone advise? I will speak to the insurance company .

Your vehicle will be restricted to Commercial Van Speed limits.

 

[WelshGas]

Thanks for that. At one level I’m not sure it matters but can anyone advise? I will speak to the insurance company .

V5 Documentation - DVLA Rule Change for Motor Caravan Reregistration June 2019

Hi, a little help required re the V5. I have recently received my V5 from the DVLA for my T6 which was converted to a campervan by a local company. He sent the docs off with photos etc as per changes to the use etc of the vehicle and the returned V5 in my name just states the Van as a VAN/SIDE...

www.t6forum.com

 

[TimboG]

Thanks for your input. There is actually an online petition which I have signed along with thousands of others. This is really disgusting. No consultation no explanation no notice of the change . I cannot understand how it’s a legal requirement to change the designation of the van when it is converted yet they seem to be able to not comply with the law themselves! If external looks are the criteria upon which they judge compliance then my van is identical to a California yet one is a motor caravan the other isn’t .

 

[Digger]

It also applies to new registered California's which are now classed as MPV.

 

[TimboG]

It also applies to new registered California's which are now classed as MPV.

Thanks Digger. Mine says “van with windows” is that the same ? Are you accepting this without any complaint?

 

[jts46]

MPV = higher speeds

 

[Loz]

Mods, please merge this topic with the other on the same subject.

 

[Amarillo]

Your vehicle will be restricted to Commercial Van Speed limits.

From the information I have recently seen it is the N1 category which defines the van as a goods vehicle and sets restrictions for speed limits and passage through tunnels etc. The body type does nothing to affect these restrictions.

I posted a link to that information in the Rotherhithe Tunnel thread, and it answers the question of whether N1 vans legally converted to motor caravans are allowed through the Rotherhithe Tunnel. They are not.

 

[WelshGas]

From the information I have recently seen it is the N1 category which defines the van as a goods vehicle and sets restrictions for speed limits and passage through tunnels etc. The body type does nothing to affect these restrictions.

I posted a link to that information in the Rotherhithe Tunnel thread, and it answers the question of whether N1 vans legally converted to motor caravans are allowed through the Rotherhithe Tunnel. They are not.

But, an N1 Commercial Vehicle that has been converted to a Body Type - Motor Caravan and has a MGW less than 3.05 Tonnes is allowed to travel at M1 - Car, speeds.

Speed limits

A limit of 30 miles per hour or 48 kilometres per hour usually applies to all traffic on all roads with street lighting

www.gov.uk

 

[Digger]

My information from a traffic specialist was that if the V5 remains as N1 category the lower limits apply. Who has a definitive answer as DVLA records are what determines prosecutions?

 

[Loz]

My information from a traffic specialist was that if the V5 remains as N1 category the lower limits apply. Who has a definitive answer as DVLA records are what determines prosecutions?

no, the N1 can be trumped by the body type.

 

[Digger]

no, the N1 can be trumped by the body type.

Does that mean the body type must be changed by DVLA to motorhome otherwise lower limit if van with windows or even mpv if N1 on V5. It seems a mess as things stand.

 

[MattBW]

Plenty of folks out there who've received tickets for doing 70 on a dual carriageway in an N1 but it will depend upon the type of vehicle.

If its a light commercial vehicle its:

• Built-up areas (such as towns and cities): 30mph – the same as a car
• Single carriageways: 50mph – 10mph less than a car
• Dual carriageways: 60mph – 10mph less than a car
• Motorways: 70mph – the same as a car

If its a van derived car:

• Built-up areas: 30mph
• Single carriageways: 60mph
• Dual carriageways: 70mph
• Motorways: 70mph

Van speed limits and pickup speed limits explained

Info on UK speed limits for vans, also covering pickups, dual-purpose vehicles and car-derived vans - on Parkers Vans and Pickups

www.parkers.co.uk

The problem is that it's not always obvious what actually counts as a car-derived van or dual-purpose vehicle...

 

[MattBW]

However:
According to UK road traffic regulations, a car-derived van (or CDV) is ‘a goods vehicle which is constructed or adapted as a derivative of a passenger vehicle and which has a maximum laden weight not exceeding 2.0 tonnes.’

Pretty sure all transporters will be over 2t.

Second, and most important of all, the V5C registration document for the vehicle must list the body type as a CDV. If it doesn’t, then no matter how small the van is, you’ll be subject to the same speed limits as other vans, outlined above.

 

[Loz]

Does that mean the body type must be changed by DVLA to motorhome otherwise lower limit if van with windows or even mpv if N1 on V5. It seems a mess as things stand.

MPV or motor caravan.

 

[MattBW]

I don't even think a change to MPV is possible is it? So it may need to be CDV.

 

[Digger]

So basically all transporters unless M1 are subject to lower speed limits as converting a van no longer changes category from N1 unless you go through an involved process to re- register. This will impact on the aftermarket converters who convert N1 vans.

 

[WelshGas]

Does that mean the body type must be changed by DVLA to motorhome otherwise lower limit if van with windows or even mpv if N1 on V5. It seems a mess as things stand.

I think the MPV Body Type is only given to M1 - Car - classification, so car speeds.

It would seem, from what I have read, N1 Commercial vehicles are no longer being given the Body Type Motor Caravan when converted BUT Van with Side Windows, so N1 Commercial speed limits apply.

 

[Amarillo]

But, an N1 Commercial Vehicle that has been converted to a Body Type - Motor Caravan and has a MGW less than 3.05 Tonnes is allowed to travel at M1 - Car, speeds.

View attachment 48517

Speed limits

A limit of 30 miles per hour or 48 kilometres per hour usually applies to all traffic on all roads with street lighting

www.gov.uk

From the same website:
=====
Motorhomes
Motorhomes or motor caravans are classed as goods vehicles if they:

carry goods for exhibition and sale
are used as a workshop
are used for storage
=====
If they are N1 category they are goods vehicles. If they are M1 category they are not goods vehicles.

That is my recent understanding of the current position. I am not saying with 100% certainty that I am correct, but in the absence of further information I am content to believe it to be correct.

M1 with body type motor caravan = passenger vehicle speed limits apply.

N1 with body type motor caravan = goods vehicle speed limits apply, irrespective of how the vehicle is being used.

 

[Amarillo]

no, the N1 can be trumped by the body type.

I now believe this to be false. N1/M1 is the definitive factor.

 

[WelshGas]

From the same website:
=====
Motorhomes
Motorhomes or motor caravans are classed as goods vehicles if they:

carry goods for exhibition and sale
are used as a workshop
are used for storage
=====
If they are N1 category they are goods vehicles. If they are M1 category they are not goods vehicles.

That is my recent understanding of the current position. I am not saying with 100% certainty that I am correct, but in the absence of further information I am content to believe it to be correct.

M1 with body type motor caravan = passenger vehicle speed limits apply.

N1 with body type motor caravan = goods vehicle speed limits apply, irrespective of how the vehicle is being used.

I now believe this to be false. N1/M1 is the definitive factor.

On this point I am afraid you are Incorrect.
A N1 Commercial Vehicle, with a MGW of 3.05 Tonnes or less that has a Body Type Motorhome/Motor Caravan ( that is Not used to carry goods/ used as a workshop or used for storage has the same National Speed Limits as a M1 Car.

The Rotherhithe Tunnel Authorities are only interested in the M1/N1 Classification and size.

I’m afraid you can argue as much as you like, until you are blue in the face, but on this point you are incorrect Body Type Motorhome/Motor Caravan trumps the N1 Commercial Speed Limits.

 

[Digger]

The link relates to an article from 2011 but refers exactly to today's problem

http://www.campervanconversion.co.uk/no-more-campervan-conversions-dvla-0

It would appear that in the past the mgw of 3.05 T or less may have been applicable but unless initially registered as a motorhome a conversion (maybe not a coach-built)no longer has the upper speed limits and remains firmly in the N1 category. Loz has mentioned previously the requirements to move from M1 to N1 and from my reading if not a coach-built = a van and all vehicles registered now will stay as such and lower limits.