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

[Toad]

'.......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.....'

Personally I'm in the camp of this being contradictory. The guidance clearly states 'All campervans'.

It appears the case that now, NOT all campervans fall into this category. Campervans that are minus external distinguishing features (whatever that is deemed to be) apparently do not. Its badly worded. The wording should include terms such as unless, excepted, however etc, in my view.

The criteria to meet conformity with a motor caravan predominantly deals with internal fixtures and fittings. The only external requirements listed are a door and a window into the living area. Given its the Department for Transport that have defined what a motor caravan is, I don't see how DVLA can refuse these re registrations based on concerns from the Police, if that is indeed the case. The Police don't make legislation, they're simply tasked with enforcing it (amongst many other duties, I might add).

As I've mentioned in other posts, this is yet another example of unfit for purpose guidance and/or legislation where road traffic and construction and use regs are concerned.

Nail. Head.

 

[Dieseldonkey]

As an aside from the condescension going down here, is there a possibility that the DVLA will retrospectively change the status of existing VW campervans (registered as motor caravans) to an MPV or, even back to a van on our log books?

They better bloody not. I've just spent a sodding fortune getting my chariot up to criteria meeting spec and my Motor Caravan stating V5 has pride of place, mounted in a gold picture frame, on my downstairs bog wall.

 

[Eli]

What if you were to put a high top on your vehicle, take all relevant pictures etc for the change of category but then decided that you didn't like the high top and put a pop top instead. Do you have to inform DVLA ?

 

[Salty Spuds]

What if you were to put a high top on your vehicle, take all relevant pictures etc for the change of category but then decided that you didn't like the high top and put a pop top instead. Do you have to inform DVLA ?

Photoshop is your friend

 

[Teesix]

They better bloody not. I've just spent a sodding fortune getting my chariot up to criteria meeting spec and my Motor Caravan stating V5 has pride of place, mounted in a gold picture frame, on my downstairs bog wall.

Me too (not the picture in the bog mind).

I'd imagine those with the motor caravan classification would be able to sell their vans - sorry, motor caravans - for a tidy premium over those which aren't classed as such. A bit like the Yamaha FS1e I had in the 80s. Fifty quid more for the unrestricted version!

 

[Teesix]

View attachment 48216

I've never understood why VW or the converters never made that sort of roof removable. It's a boat isn't it? A ready made dinghy sat up there but nowhere to sail it.

 

[Urbanfox]

Oh what a tangled web we weave Its certainly not new, it was also implemented in 2011 but with all the complaints they got they relaxed the rules.
On the letter I received from the DVLA, they acknowlege the Internal changes, don't know if they actually record those changes on their database or not, but are
now back to 2011 without it seems any compromise.
I wonder how VW are getting around it with their new Callys. It will be an interesting period to see what happens if anything.

 

[oldiebut goodie]

I've never understood why VW or the converters never made that sort of roof removable. It's a boat isn't it? A ready made dinghy sat up there but nowhere to sail it.

I seem to remember in the distant past someone did produce one that could be removed and used as a dinghy. I don't know what would have happened with security from tealeafs and rain whilst you were out in the dinghy. Couldn't with mine as the cupboards are built in it. No problems with leaks, canvas ripping, canvas wearing through with one of these up top though.

 

[Urbanfox]

I seem to remember in the distant past someone did produce one that could be removed and used as a dinghy. I don't know what would have happened with security from tealeafs and rain whilst you were out in the dinghy. Couldn't with mine as the cupboards are built in it. No problems with leaks, canvas ripping, canvas wearing through with one of these up top though.

I was thinking of having this done, not that its hard shoving the poptopup and down but how does it affect the mpg and crucially, will it then be classed as, wait for it------, A Motor Home or as Loz as previously said, A Hightop Van with side windows???

 

[Farnorthsurfer]

For the record I am not angry, just frustrated with the bad regulation and lack of sound information from our policy makers and law. I am definitely not angry or irritated by anyone on the forum as my experience is that everyone is genuinely trying to help. At least that's the way I choose to see it. I guess its easy to see anger in sarcastic comments about poor government as it is also to see condescension in the posts of others.
For those who have their valued 'motorcaravan' V5 it is easier to be ambivalent about something that won't affect you financially or practically. I would ask you to spare a thought though for those of us who having spent a fortune on our beloved T6's wish we too could get to where you are.
I spend my working life fighting the regulation and law of the aviation industry and am used to regularly having to fight my corner against the CAA. This is no different and just shrugging my shoulders and accepting it isn't my way.

Things done so far, read all the formal regulations I can find, the guidance is clearly pants as it is. Have signed the Gov petition and would encourage everyone else to do so, even those who already have a good V5.
Will look into the idea that MPV would work.
Will happily continue to discuss the issue here constructively.

 

[Urbanfox]

For the record I am not angry, just frustrated with the bad regulation and lack of sound information from our policy makers and law. I am definitely not angry or irritated by anyone on the forum as my experience is that everyone is genuinely trying to help. At least that's the way I choose to see it. I guess its easy to see anger in sarcastic comments about poor government as it is also to see condescension in the posts of others.
For those who have their valued 'motorcaravan' V5 it is easier to be ambivalent about something that won't affect you financially or practically. I would ask you to spare a thought though for those of us who having spent a fortune on our beloved T6's wish we too could get to where you are.
I spend my working life fighting the regulation and law of the aviation industry and am used to regularly having to fight my corner against the CAA. This is no different and just shrugging my shoulders and accepting it isn't my way.

Things done so far, read all the formal regulations I can find, the guidance is clearly pants as it is. Have signed the Gov petition and would encourage everyone else to do so, even those who already have a good V5.
Will look into the idea that MPV would work.
Will happily continue to discuss the issue here constructively.

Yep, nowt gets done lying on your back. I have signed the gov petition and Ialso wrote a letter of complaint but to shift the thoughts of authority takes
a lot of complaints and these gov petitions can drag on. I have no doubt that the larger convertors are now starting to look into it as they must be getting
customers who are getting the V5 with the Van with side windows on.

 

[Salty Spuds]

Yep, nowt gets done lying on your back. I have signed the gov petition and Ialso wrote a letter of complaint but to shift the thoughts of authority takes
a lot of complaints and these gov petitions can drag on. I have no doubt that the larger convertors are now starting to look into it as they must be getting
customers who are getting the V5 with the Van with side windows on.

I can see a crowdfunded Judicial Review on the horizon.

 

[Base1388]

I can see a crowdfunded Judicial Review on the horizon.

Lets do that !

I'm about to send in my pictures and v5 in but may consult a solicitor first see if he wants take them on !

 

[Salty Spuds]

Lets do that !

I'm about to send in my pictures and v5 in but may consult a solicitor first see if he wants take them on !

You need to get the big conversion companies on board & let them do the legwork first.

 

[CJ_T6-red]

If any help on the matter,

When I got my v5 back in March this year, successfully showing motor caravan,
I do know I went over board with the pictures, I think I sent near on 20 pics.
Showing the side door open and the view inside with the bed up and bed down.
Gas on / gas off , water running too.
Even the tailgate open with the cupboards open showing the water and waste.
I felt at the time i might have over done it......maybe I bored the person to death lol.

Prob thinking about it I had more windows put in on the Kombi, and have had a few people say, is it a lwb.
It might help to send a before and after pic too. To remind them what a van van looks like. Then what the conversion looks like.

 

[Grim Reaper]

Surely the whole point of reclassifying vans that have been turned into Motor caravans and campers, which conform to the DFT's requirements, is to let the Police and Fire services know that these vehicles may have LPG tanks/cylinders on board whether they 'look' like a campervan or not.. If the DVLA system just shows the vehicle as being a van, in the case of an accident where fire is involved, the emergency services would be blissfully unaware of the potential danger from the onboard gas system.
What is the potential issue if you were to sleep in your 'campervan' in a pub car park after a few beers (as in the case of a lot of Brit Stop's) vs doing the same in just a 'van'. If the V5 doesn't reflect the fact that it is legally fitted with sleeping accommodation then it opens up the owner's to prosecution for being in charge of a motor vehicle whilst intoxicated. ie you are then unable to use the reasoning that you are 'sleeping' not 'driving'?

 

[Loz]

If the V5 doesn't reflect the fact that it is legally fitted with sleeping accommodation then it opens up the owner's to prosecution for being in charge of a motor vehicle whilst intoxicated. ie you are then unable to use the reasoning that you are 'sleeping' not 'driving'?

Don't you have to have front seats swivelled to meet this criteria?

 

[Skyliner33]

I'm having a conversion done to a swb t32 that will be identical to a California ocean beach (although with a slide pod in the boot) Is it possible to get the V5 changed to MPV if its proving so difficult to get a motor caravan?

What would be that advantage of this change in classification please?

I suspect yes, and a good test and that will be okay in most instances as the speed limit goes and you get a cheaper euro tunnel crossing.
Some specialists insurance policies that require you to have motor caravan on the V5 will no longer be available.

Hi, have you any information as to how this is done? ie what is needed to get the DVLA to change the classification from van to MPV? Thanks.

 

[Wills]

This is entertaining playground stuff
Times are a changing and time to understand how to reclassify a conversion as an MPV as per the latest registered Calis.
As if insurance cos are going to refuse to cover new Calis!

 

[Salty Spuds]

Don't you have to have front seats swivelled to meet this criteria?

It's all about "being in charge" of the vehicle. If you can prove that you weren't in charge at the time off the alleged offence, then you have a defence. The test is; were you likely to, or intending to drive the vehicle at the time whilst you were under the influence? If you have the seats swivelled, roof up, bed down, blinds in, key out of the ignition etc, the prosecution would have a hard time proving you were "in charge".