New DVLA classification ?

[Paul Cardiff]

Found this:

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

What are the speed limits for campervans?

There are only two manufacturer-built campervans sold in the UK: the VW California and the Mercedes V-Class Marco Polo. Both are legally allowed to drive as fast as a regular car.

Campervan speed limits - VW California

However, the two brands have gone about this in different ways. The California is classed as a 'motor caravan', while the Marco Polo is labelled an 'MPV'.

Where you do need to be wary is with third-party campervan conversions based on regular vans. Check that the V5C registration document has been changed to 'motor caravan', otherwise you'll be subject to the same speed restrictions as the van it's based on.


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Not sure why everyone is quoting the MarcoPolo as an MPV, my late 2018 is classed as Motorcaravan

 

[WelshGas]

Not sure why everyone is quoting the MarcoPolo as an MPV, my late 2018 is classed as Motorcaravan
View attachment 46200

Check the Marco Polo Forum. Latest ones are being registered as Body Type - MPV

 

[Derrick’s dad]

Just a quick update since I started this thread. I have been in contact with the DVLA over the past month and I am still awaiting a definitive answer but it seems that as regards the Ocean, at some point in January this year the DVLA started to classify them as MPV and not motor caravans.
As soon as I get a final answer, I will update this thread. I will then update Comfort insurance who first raised the issue with me ( I’m beginning to wish they hadn’t ! )

 

[Loz]

Just a quick update since I started this thread. I have been in contact with the DVLA over the past month and I am still awaiting a definitive answer but it seems that as regards the Ocean, at some point in January this year the DVLA started to classify them as MPV and not motor caravans.
As soon as I get a final answer, I will update this thread. I will then update Comfort insurance who first raised the issue with me ( I’m beginning to wish they hadn’t ! )

isn't it the dealer who does the body type classification at first registration, have heard of dealers making mistakes in the past.

 

[Keith Smith]

Mine, registered April this year, is classified as an MPV. I suppose this clarifies any speed (limit) related issues.

 

[Derrick’s dad]

isn't it the dealer who does the body type classification at first registration, have heard of dealers making mistakes in the past.

In my initial post I did state that I went back to the dealer and they raised with VW HQ and I included their reply. They have clearly stated that the DVLA have changed the classification of the Ocean. I obviously want the DVLA to confirm this as it would seem to have various implications, in my case, with respect to the insurance company.

 

[Lightning]

Found this:

It looks like the DVLA want camper vans to look like camper vans from the outside. Maybe this a reason for the change?

Legal Information, Requirements and Rules for Camper Vans by the DVLA - Camper Van Life

Update: July 2012 – The DVLA have reverted to their original policy regarding re-registering of campervans. The vehicle does not need to have graphics on to be re-registered. A well converted vehicle with windows is likely to be registered as a “Motorcaravan”, and not a van with side windows...

www.campervanlife.com

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[Lightning]

And another one, which refers to a reasonableness test for the external appearance.

No More Campervan Conversions by DVLA | Campervan Conversion

www.campervanconversion.co.uk

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[Digger]

Definition as of May 2019 on DVLA website. It is not for the DVLA to determine the classification but the DfT who created the above. This may be the result of confusion between Ocean and Beach and MP and Horizon variations but seems straight forward enough -- Unless there is an agenda for future tax or access planned (sorry but no longer trust any politician)

 

[Lightning]

From the V5C section of the GOV website.The body type description is based upon external appearance. So if it doesn’t look like a Campervan it’s not described as one presumably, even if the interior meets the specifications.



Changes that may need inspection
You must also update your V5C if you change any of the following:

wheel plan
body type, for example you convert a van to a campervan or ’motor caravan’ (DVLA gives a body type description based on the vehicle’s external appearance)
vehicle identification number (VIN)
chassis number
frame number for motorbikes


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[Lightning]

It has to look like a motorhome to ‘enforcement agencies’.

V5C log book
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 body type amendment.

DVLA is required to record the details of vehicles for road safety and law enforcement. The body type information held on the vehicle record must describe what a vehicle actually looks like. This description, in addition to other distinguishing features, enables the police and other enforcement agencies to identify a particular vehicle. Therefore, the body type will not be changed unless the exterior of the vehicle actually appears to be a motor home.




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[Lightning]

I’m going to get on with the rest of my life now


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[Vandan]

So, we are due to pick up our new ocean from Poole breeze on Saturday and had written to Dvla in preparation to ask if the Cali ocean could be classified as motor caravan on body type. They emailed me and quoted their guidance- ie yes it could. When we asked the dealer to do this as well as register us a plg rather than diesel car and sent him the email from Dvla, he tried to do that as he registered it on the new dealer rav system . He came back to us and said the Rav system wouldn’t let him do that and he sent us a screenshot to show that was the case. It would only register the body as MPV and Ved as diesel car. We rang dvla and asked why that was the case and they said they don’t get involved with rav as it’s a computer reg system for dealers but if we send the v5 when we get it, they will change the body type to motor caravan. The dvla then sent us an email telling us how to do this- basically it looks like you go through the same process as one would for a van conversion application. Seems a v long winded process but the delay didn’t seem to think there was another way round it. Are others who are collecting vans this month or last experiencing this? We want that classification so that we can insure through specialist camper insurers.

 

[WelshGas]

So, we are due to pick up our new ocean from Poole breeze on Saturday and had written to Dvla in preparation to ask if the Cali ocean could be classified as motor caravan on body type. They emailed me and quoted their guidance- ie yes it could. When we asked the dealer to do this as well as register us a plg rather than diesel car and sent him the email from Dvla, he tried to do that as he registered it on the new dealer rav system . He came back to us and said the Rav system wouldn’t let him do that and he sent us a screenshot to show that was the case. It would only register the body as MPV and Ved as diesel car. We rang dvla and asked why that was the case and they said they don’t get involved with rav as it’s a computer reg system for dealers but if we send the v5 when we get it, they will change the body type to motor caravan. The dvla then sent us an email telling us how to do this- basically it looks like you go through the same process as one would for a van conversion application. Seems a v long winded process but the delay didn’t seem to think there was another way round it. Are others who are collecting vans this month or last experiencing this? We want that classification so that we can insure through specialist camper insurers.

If this is a DVLA edict then have you contacted the Specialist Insurers for their view. I would be surprised they would not insure as the California is a recognised Marque produced by VW and would be registered on their system, unlike a conversion of a commercial vehicle. I can't see them letting their possible market being reduced in size due to the DVLA change.

 

[B J G]

So, we are due to pick up our new ocean from Poole breeze on Saturday and had written to Dvla in preparation to ask if the Cali ocean could be classified as motor caravan on body type. They emailed me and quoted their guidance- ie yes it could. When we asked the dealer to do this as well as register us a plg rather than diesel car and sent him the email from Dvla, he tried to do that as he registered it on the new dealer rav system . He came back to us and said the Rav system wouldn’t let him do that and he sent us a screenshot to show that was the case. It would only register the body as MPV and Ved as diesel car. We rang dvla and asked why that was the case and they said they don’t get involved with rav as it’s a computer reg system for dealers but if we send the v5 when we get it, they will change the body type to motor caravan. The dvla then sent us an email telling us how to do this- basically it looks like you go through the same process as one would for a van conversion application. Seems a v long winded process but the delay didn’t seem to think there was another way round it. Are others who are collecting vans this month or last experiencing this? We want that classification so that we can insure through specialist camper insurers.

Hope that all goes well.

DIY van converters are now having the DVLA refuse to change the V5 to 'Motor caravan' saying that it now can only be done on initial registration.

Seems to be total confusion at the DVA on this issue.
An option to get some action may be to reject the vehicle on the basis that you ordered a Motor Caravan not an MPV. Last resort.

 

[Vandan]

Goodness that’s depressing- I think this new rav system the dealers are using isn’t helping as it’s a computer says no approach to the California reg by the sound of it. Well given we have an email from the dvla saying yes it’s a motor caravan and yes you can change body type after initial reg hopefully it will count for something although, as you say there seems to be an high level of confusion . There’s a thread on the Marco Polo site that covers the same issue but it predates the rav introduction by the looks of it. I agree that the specialist insurers will have to reconsider their position too maybe?

 

[Spottydog]

As pointed out above, if it is not registered as a motorhome a lot of campsites will not let you book on. I’ve had to produce my v5 for some sites before being allowed on.

 

[DrJuanKerr]

As pointed out above, if it is not registered as a motorhome a lot of campsites will not let you book on. I’ve had to produce my v5 for some sites before being allowed on.

Wow. Where do you camp? In 19 years of camper vehicle ownership I've never been asked that

 

[andyinluton]

I can't understand the desire to have it registered as a Motor caravan instead of a MPV

Benefits of MPV / Diesel Car

Use the Rotherhithe Tunnel without an argument!
Channel Tunnel is cheaper
Park on Swanage sea front without arguing whether its a car or not


Downsides
Struggling to think of any

Campsites these days know what A VW California is & Insurers recognise a VW California Ocean for what it is,
I can understand the concern if someone was trying to get a van conversion registration changed but don't understand the problem with a Cali.

 

[Vandan]

All good points! And we may we’ll end up with either of the classifications. Well the latest update is that I rang Dvla again on the basis of the useful declining reregistration requests info and spoke to first registration team this time. They spoke to the rav team who came back with an answer which seemed to imply that classification is just dependent on the info inputs. They said get the dealer to ring them and talk through what they are putting in. I’ve asked Poole to do that so we will see. Re campsites we’ve never had a problem going to campsites with our beach which was not reg as a motor caravan on v5 but we did have problems with our panel vans when we used to covert them- some sites said they couldn’t take them- even if they didn’t have writing on them. Oh well- I,m in the process now so we shall see what the outcome is.

 

[Keith Smith]

If you register it as plg would you then be restricted to commercial van speed limits?

 

[Vandan]

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

 

[Vandan]

Sorry- link didn’t post- motorcaravans same as car speed limits according to gov website

 

[2into1]

So the member that was faced with selling his Cali or moving home (due to the house lease saying no caravans) can just trade up his Cali to a new model, and he'll then have an MPV, and a couple of very pis*ed off neighbours who raised the complaint in the first case.

 

[jts46]

Computer say no