What did you submit?
V5 Documentation - DVLA Rule Change for Motor Caravan Reregistration June 2019
- Thread starter Urbanfox
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What did you submit?
Yes mine is 'van with side windows' on the log book and it definitely didn't have any when it left the factory (it has now).
I sent the 5 photos and a covering letter based on the pro-forma one on the DVLA website, my V5 came back in less than two weeks, I had no idea that the rules were changing.
Guess there are always side windows at the front 
That’s just it, the rules haven’t changed since 2011 only the interpretation of the rules. Probably by a small group of DVLA administrators who are working on internal guidance.
We need name, finger prints and dna of who sorted yours out !!!
Dear DVLA,
I’m writing to seek from guidance from you with regard to the conversion I have in progress of my T6 Transporter van in to a Motor Caravan.
I understand that the DVLA have recently changed the criteria for the change in registration classification from PLG to Motor Caravan, and I hoped you would be able to provide some guidance to avoid me incurring significant additional expense if it’s not likely to result in the outcome I seek.
The guidance I have been following is that published in clear terms in the public arena on your website.
Converting a vehicle into a motorhome
I note from this guidance that I am required to return the V5C to you for the classification to be changed.
"If you have converted a van into a motor caravan then you must return the V5C to DVLA for body type amendment."
Furthermore to this –
"If the vehicle has all of these features present, permanently fixed and installed properly, then it is a legal requirement to have it reclassified as a motor caravan on the V5C."
A recent letter from yourselves seems to hinge on the concept of the appearance of a Motor Caravan which is not detailed within the guidance -
This seems to be contrary to your publicly stated guidance, where the only reference giving detail to the expectation of external features is –
"· at least one window on the side of the accommodation"
I can understand your statement –
"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."
But your guidance fails to detail what your criteria for assessment is, and therefore is open to significant interpretation.
I therefore need you to provide me with the clear unambigous assessment criteria that you use to make a decision.
I am happy to make a formal Freedom of Information request for this very specific piece of information but hope that you will make this criteria public so that no such action is required.
I am left in a situation that I am required by law to return the V5C to you for reclassification, but you are refusing to do the very same, and therefore leaving me in danger of not being legally registered. If you are unable to clarify this then clearly I will need to put this in the hands of my solictor, as I cannot be left in this legal blackhole.
I look forward to your response.
Regards,
Dan
I’m writing to seek from guidance from you with regard to the conversion I have in progress of my T6 Transporter van in to a Motor Caravan.
I understand that the DVLA have recently changed the criteria for the change in registration classification from PLG to Motor Caravan, and I hoped you would be able to provide some guidance to avoid me incurring significant additional expense if it’s not likely to result in the outcome I seek.
The guidance I have been following is that published in clear terms in the public arena on your website.
Converting a vehicle into a motorhome
I note from this guidance that I am required to return the V5C to you for the classification to be changed.
"If you have converted a van into a motor caravan then you must return the V5C to DVLA for body type amendment."
Furthermore to this –
"If the vehicle has all of these features present, permanently fixed and installed properly, then it is a legal requirement to have it reclassified as a motor caravan on the V5C."
A recent letter from yourselves seems to hinge on the concept of the appearance of a Motor Caravan which is not detailed within the guidance -
This seems to be contrary to your publicly stated guidance, where the only reference giving detail to the expectation of external features is –
"· at least one window on the side of the accommodation"
I can understand your statement –
"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."
But your guidance fails to detail what your criteria for assessment is, and therefore is open to significant interpretation.
I therefore need you to provide me with the clear unambigous assessment criteria that you use to make a decision.
I am happy to make a formal Freedom of Information request for this very specific piece of information but hope that you will make this criteria public so that no such action is required.
I am left in a situation that I am required by law to return the V5C to you for reclassification, but you are refusing to do the very same, and therefore leaving me in danger of not being legally registered. If you are unable to clarify this then clearly I will need to put this in the hands of my solictor, as I cannot be left in this legal blackhole.
I look forward to your response.
Regards,
Dan
Just this morning. I'll post the response once I get it.
petition was rejected lol what else could we expect?
It’d be interesting to know what they deem to be in contravention of their rules, as
“confidential, libellous, false or defamatory information, or a reference to a case which is active in the UK courts” is a little too broad..
There is another petition about this issue live on the website which is not quite as strongly worded but is still relevant. Might be worth everybody signing that one instead and also spreading the word within the 'camper van community': Here it is:
Petition: Ask DVLA and DfT to publish up to date motor caravan V5 guidance..
However, at best I suspect that it might just manage to slightly embarrass one or two in the DVLA rather than instigate any real change for the future!
Petition: Ask DVLA and DfT to publish up to date motor caravan V5 guidance..
However, at best I suspect that it might just manage to slightly embarrass one or two in the DVLA rather than instigate any real change for the future!
326 signatures including mine, took less than a minute to do.
I don't know anything about the actual mechanics of doing it but would it be possible for any administrators here on the forum to give the petition a bit of a publicity boost to make sure that as many forum members as possible are made aware of it (and also sign it!).
Old and bald
New Member
Great letter Dan, i’m convinced even if they aren’t. Looking forward to their reply.
Magic Dan
I'm considering the same sort of thing
Before I start putting stickers all over van and a bike rack and borrow an awning along with sticking some vents and doors all over it too !
After the first rejection letter that I had from DVLA, I actually rang them to get some further clarification but came away thinking that I had just had a fruitless conversation with a brick wall. At the end of the call, I asked for details of the DVLA complaints procedure and was assured that I would get the information in the post but it wouldn't make any difference to their attitude. I actually thought that I wouldn't hear any more but, to my surprise, a further (unsigned) letter from them arrived in the mail earlier today along with the promised complaints leaflet. The letter can be seen below but I have deleted personal details (of me and them) to protect the innocent and not so innocent. The whole tone of the letter hints at more than a bit of intransigence and I'm not sure how much making a formal complaint will achieve but am still thinking of having a go. Maybe a better approach would be to write a personal letter to the Chief Executive Officer of the DVLA who would be ultimately responsible - a quick Google search says it's somebody called JULIE LENNARD.
I might be a bit dim here but assuming that we can get under the 2,040kg weight limit wouldn't we be just as well off changing it to a DPV or MPV to achieve the same speed limits as cars. (mine is a kombi with a 2,048kg unladen weight as stated by VW but this includes fuel and driver which when removed take it below the 2,040kg max weight for a DPV)
does anyone know if there is a reason why we shouldn't do it or see any disadvantage?
does anyone know if there is a reason why we shouldn't do it or see any disadvantage?
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