V5 MPV

Jontymo · Jul 23, 2020

For the owners of vehicles registered as MPV a quick update!

I have spoken to Customer Services yesterday regarding the V5 issue from last year, it is a complete shutdown with no interest in reengaging with the dvla to get our vehicles registered correctly.

It is impossible to get through to the dvla. On return from my holidays in August and September I will send my V5 to the dvla requesting it be changed to the correct vehicle definition. This means I will have to pay the high tax for the 2nd year as I will need the V5 on my travels.

This is not a rant and is for information for those in the same situation. I love our Cali and will continue to do so.

I have included the reply from Customer Services which is already out of date as the new California is registered correctly if the dealer knows what it is doing.

Gary&Heather · Jul 23, 2020

Thanks for that it will be interesting to see what response you get from the DVLA best of luck please keep us informed of the outcome.

Nick Stubbs · Jul 23, 2020

I have been informed by a fellow camper van owner where I work that to classify as a camper it now has to have a high top, but as crafters etc are already high can be classed as a camper, so maybe this is the reason.

Jontymo · Jul 23, 2020

Nick Stubbs said:
I have been informed by a fellow camper van owner where I work that to classify as a camper it now has to have a high top, but as crafters etc are already high can be classed as a camper, so maybe this is the reason.

Nick, the new Californias are again classed as Motor Caravan as they used to be in 2018 and previous, it is only 2019 registered vehicles that got registered as MPV. DVLA blame VW and VW blame the DVLA.
This means it is nothing to do with the high roof but may have added confusion with all the converters getting refused the change with the log books being returned as van with windows.

Lightning · Jul 6, 2021

One advantage of having an MPV is that the new no overnight parking restrictions specific to motor caravans, now sign posted all the way along some picturesque coast roads in Pembrokeshire won’t apply to you.

WelshGas · Jul 6, 2021

Lightning said:
One advantage of having an MPV is that the new no overnight parking restrictions specific to motor caravans, now sign posted all the way along some picturesque coast roads in Pembrokeshire won’t apply to you.

If that is correct then neither are the many conversions, both self build and commercial, that DVLA have refused to change the Body Type on their V5c to Motor Caravan . Instead they are registered as “ Van with Windows” despite having kitchens, beds and pop top.

Lightning · Jul 6, 2021

WelshGas said:
If that is correct then neither are the many conversions, both self build and commercial, that DVLA have refused to change the Body Type on their V5c to Motor Caravan . Instead they are registered as “ Van with Windows” despite having kitchens, beds and pop top.

Only up until it is classified as criminal offence for all vehicle types.

blondebier · Jul 6, 2021

Are the owners of vans classified as MPVs disadvantaged compared with those classified as motor caravans/homes?

Does it make much difference in the real world? Any pros/cons either way?

WelshGas · Jul 6, 2021

Lightning said:
Only up until it is classified as criminal offence for all vehicle types.

So there will be no advantage for MPV vehicles in the end.

Lightning · Jul 6, 2021

blondebier said:
Are the owners of vans classified as MPVs disadvantaged compared with those classified as motor caravans/homes?

Does it make much difference in the real world? Any pros/cons either way?

Some specialist insurance companies don’t accept MPVs. I think it can affect some tolls and ferry prices. Campsites can be fussy too, and reject non motor caravans.

blondebier · Jul 6, 2021

That VED challenge thread also sounds pretty unfortunate for the owners affected.

What a mess!

Lightning · Jul 6, 2021

WelshGas said:
So there will be no advantage for MPV vehicles in the end.

There may be in car parks, which allow overnight parking, except for motor caravans. No council allows people to reside on the highway.

Ian Maddocks · Oct 25, 2021

Jontymo said:
It is impossible to get through to the dvla. On return from my holidays in August and September I will send my V5 to the dvla requesting it be changed to the correct vehicle definition. This means I will have to pay the high tax for the 2nd year as I will need the V5 on my travels. …

Hi Jontymo, did you get a reply from DVLA?