Motorhome Payload Stop Checks

[Crazy Grandad]

Have any of you funsters ever been stopped in the UK and had your weight checked. Just been on weighbridge and wondered if there is any leeway with regard to carrying extra food and fuel on a 3500 van weight

 

[Stoosal]

I feel you are missing the point made. A plate affixed to the vehicle that is correct for over 3500kg throws doubt onto the data recorded by DVLA. We all know that they regularly get data entry wrong. Just that potential for it to be official error and some evidence that the van complies with requirements to be driven at a higher revenue weight are enough to complicate any potential prosecution. "They" the police at a roadside check may well look the vehicle up on the database, but it is likely they will just advise you to get the matter of the paperwork sorted. It costs money and a lot of man hours to prosecute and the situation these days is that both are in short supply. Better that resources get used for more serious and clearcut cases

Again, I am not suggesting anyone deliberately test this. If it went to court, I am sure that any good solicitor would use the evidence that the vehicle could be legal in your defence

No chance….if it’s on DVLA database that is what is used at weigh time. Unless documents could be produced at the time to show correct weight then DVLA record used. If there are different plates what is in DVLA records will be what is used……offload excess weight. If it goes to prosecution the driver/operator would need to produce the evidence to correct DVLA record. The plated weight also affects who can drive it, tax etc so it’s not just a get it fixed if you can be bothered, at some time, maybe, please, type of thing. There is also a growing trend for commercial companies to deliberately downplate vehicles for licence and operator purposes.

 

[Pausim]

I doubt they even bother looking for the plate these days, often hidden and too easily fiddled. What matters is what the official records show on the DVLA/DVSA database. If that record is wrong then it is your fault because you should have got it put right. Looking up the official weight and weighing the vehicle can be done without getting their hands dirty, why would they make extra work for themselves.

 

[Jez1966]

DVSA Weigh in Motion Sensors (WIMS)

<p><img src=

www.solentscales.co.uk

That explains the UK system without giving game away about where it is deployed.

Everyday is a school day, having driven to & from Le Shuttle a few times, 22/23, I don't recall getting a "speed camera"
warning from google maps. I would have thought they be on there by now, only a small step for google to warn "wims"
on route me thinks, as it does for tolls, time zones, countries and private roads.

 

[Pausim]

Waze warns us of speed cameras but the NPR camera just down the road is ignored. These things usually depend on users reporting them and the average motorist probably neither recognises or cares about WIMS, NPR or anything else other than speed.

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[starquake]

Waze is very good for even "dynamic" speed cameras like those on M25.

 

[Barclaybasher]

Without condoning MHs being overweight I offer some perspective:
Most MHs will be well maintained.
Builders and scrappers are more likely to be overweight in poorly maintained vans, yet don't appear to be reported or involved in accidents.
Drugs, alcohol, speed, bald or old tyres feature more often.
Who do you think the police should target?

 

[bigtwin]

only a small step for google to warn "wims"
on route me thinks, as it does for tolls, time zones, countries and private roads.

Unlike when you’re speeding, it’s a bit difficult to adjust your weight on the approach to a WIMS point though so little benefit in having a warning.

Ian

 

[Pausim]

Unlike when you’re speeding, it’s a bit difficult to adjust your weight on the approach to a WIMS point though so little benefit in having a warning.

Ian

They argue that speed cameras are safety cameras and deter speeding. As such it seems legitimate to let people know about them, because as you say drivers can do something about their speed. WIMS and ANPR are perhaps different because they are aimed at catching wrong doers. As suggested in earlier posts motorhomes are probably not the main focus of weight enforcement procedures but where they are being blatantly daft then it might be different. The best way to keep the focus on others is to make sure we comply and we should be left alone.

 

[starquake]

They argue that speed cameras are safety cameras and deter speeding. As such it seems legitimate to let people know about them, because as you say drivers can do something about their speed. WIMS and ANPR are perhaps different because they are aimed at catching wrong doers. As suggested in earlier posts motorhomes are probably not the main focus of weight enforcement procedures but where they are being blatantly daft then it might be different. The best way to keep the focus on others is to make sure we comply and we should be left alone.

Indeed, and the key thing with these WIMS systems is they can keep eye on multiple infringements over time. Don't think becuase you get away with it a few times, they are not onto you.

As the article says the main focus is on the overloaded foreign lorries at moment thuohg, given those are 60% of what they stop.

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[Jonno1103]

Question...

A Transit based Auto Trail F Line motorhome can be up plated from 3500kg to 4100kg with a piece of paper without anyone getting their overalls dirty checking the suspension or even kicking the tyres.

Why is it then that at 3500kg it's deemed unsafe if driven normally at 3800kg?

I repeat, no suspension checks, no brake checks no tyre checks, nothing. At 4100kg it's the same van.

 

[Barclaybasher]

Question...

A Transit based Auto Trail F Line motorhome can be up plated from 3500kg to 4100kg with a piece of paper without anyone getting their overalls dirty checking the suspension or even kicking the tyres.

Why is it then that at 3500kg it's deemed unsafe if driven normally at 3800kg?

I repeat, no suspension checks, no brake checks no tyre checks, nothing. At 4100kg it's the same van.

The daft thing is that you need a different license to drive the same van !

 

[Pausim]

Question...

A Transit based Auto Trail F Line motorhome can be up plated from 3500kg to 4100kg with a piece of paper without anyone getting their overalls dirty checking the suspension or even kicking the tyres.

Why is it then that at 3500kg it's deemed unsafe if driven normally at 3800kg?

I repeat, no suspension checks, no brake checks no tyre checks, nothing. At 4100kg it's the same van.

It isn’t necessarily dangerous, it is just that it is over the registered mass.

The daft thing is that you need a different license to drive the same van !

It does seem daft but when a 7 ton lorry hits a building at 30mph it is going to do a lot more damage than a 2 ton car would. I guess they have to draw the line somewhere and they have chosen 3500kg. However making it 4250kg for commercial electric vans does make me wonder if they have just destroyed the logic of where they have set the licence limit.

 

[bigtwin]

Why is it then that at 3500kg it's deemed unsafe if driven normally at 3800kg?

It isn’t, it’s just that it’s an offence (being over the plated weight).

Isn

 

[Jez1966]

DVSA Weigh in Motion Sensors (WIMS)

<p><img src=

www.solentscales.co.uk

That explains the UK system without giving game away about where it is deployed.

Everyday is a school day, having driven to & from Eurotunnel a few times, 22/23, I don't recall getting a "speed camera" warning from google maps. I would have thought they be on there by now, only a small step for google to warn "wims" on route me thinks, as it does for tolls, time zones, countries and private roads.
To me an interesting thing is I have a cherished plate on my car, while not having experience with DVSA system when using car parks & Eurotunnnel ANPR it has always been misread, standard lettering, so possible my Volvo S40 will show up as a 2012 Renault traffic as the misread plate is still registered.

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[dunnah01]

Having driven hundreds of vehicles from a 50cc scooter to a 44tonne Artic and trailer, I can assure you, there is no difference driving 3.5 tonne to 4.5 tonne to 7.5 tonne. RHD/LHD it makes no difference, once you have been in one for a few minutes they are all the same.

So just give the spotty teenager a licence to drive the 40/44t truck from day 1 if the size and weight don't matter

 

[Jonno1103]

It's why a bought a tow bar & trailer as the train weight is 4500kg, again though, surely allowing people who've had zero experience in towing to simply buy one and tug one is another head scratcher especially when a lot of them have zero insight into the speed restrictions?

I had C1 until an accident removed it & previously drove all kinds. My sister has C1 and can go out tomorrow and drive a 5000kg tag axle off a forecourt... me, I'd not leave her alone with a bloody toaster!

It's the endless debate isn't it?

 

[David and Sally]

I don’t get it. Stick to your plated weight or up plate. Simple.

 

[Jez1966]

It's why a bought a tow bar & trailer as the train weight is 4500kg, again though, surely allowing people who've had zero experience in towing to simply buy one and tug one is another head scratcher especially when a lot of them have zero insight into the speed restrictions?

I had C1 until an accident removed it & previously drove all kinds. My sister has C1 and can go out tomorrow and drive a 5000kg tag axle off a forecourt... me, I'd not leave her alone with a bloody toaster!

It's the endless debate isn't it?

4 Slice toasters can be tricky, if you're only used a 2 slice.
Was it the Left or Right-hand slots set for my preference?
Guessing your sister is not a member on here?

 

[Jonno1103]

So just give the spotty teenager a licence to drive the 40/44t truck from day 1 if the size and weight don't matter

Why not simply keep the original grandfather allowances and add an age restriction... Say 4250kg over 25, 5000kg+ over 30. There's enough electronic proof out there to determine driver experience. The HGV tests are specialised and always have been.

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[Barclaybasher]

I don’t get it. Stick to your plated weight or up plate. Simple.

The problem is around vans plated at 3500kg and the C1 license.
A 3500kg van can tow a trailer without C1 - making no sense.
The weights always in question will be marginal - say 5 or 10% over.
Other road users with a similar issue wouldn't be bothered.
Sometimes it seems that motorhomers are a bit 'holier than thou'.......
My own van was plated at 3850kg, now 3500kg....
It's the same van!

 

[David and Sally]

The problem is around vans plated at 3500kg and the C1 license.
A 3500kg van can tow a trailer without C1 - making no sense.
The weights always in question will be marginal - say 5 or 10% over.
Other road users with a similar issue wouldn't be bothered.
Sometimes it seems that motorhomers are a bit 'holier than thou'.......
My own van was plated at 3850kg, now 3500kg....
It's the same van!

I still don’t get it.
Drive to your plated weight. Drive to your licence.
Then, no worry about getting nicked or being uninsured.

 

[Barclaybasher]

I still don’t get it.
Drive to your plated weight. Drive to your licence.
Then, no worry about getting nicked or being uninsured.

My licence allows me to drive my (previously) 3850kg van and is insured - at 3500kg....

 

[JSW]

I'm sure I've seen an insurance condition that a valid MOT certificate is required. Mine expires in May but doesn't require taxing again until March 2025. Easy to forget that it has expired. Yet another thing to catch you out

You can register to get an MOT reminder
GOV.UK
https://www.gov.uk › mot-reminder
Get MOT reminders

 

[David and Sally]

My licence allows me to drive my (previously) 3850kg van and is insured - at 3500kg....

So you are legal then. No issue.

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[WESTY66]

The same argument appears again and again on this thread “if it’s safe to register at 3850kgs it’ll be safe if I go over 3500kgs for which it’s plated for

We all KNOW it’s safe but it’s NOT legal, it’s not rocket science, if you know you’re overweight and get caught you should be fined like an HGV driver, £1000 for every ton OR PART THEREOF

Yes I weigh my moho at least 6 times a year under different scenarios with maybe carrying different stuff
I know my beer/coke etc has to be up front if the garage is full with all the chairs, tables, cooking stuff, scooter, washing machine, and quest pro4 OR I’m a few kgs over on the rear axle, I KNOW this, so I load accordingly
I do like to be Legal

 

[dunnah01]

Why not simply keep the original grandfather allowances and add an age restriction... Say 4250kg over 25, 5000kg+ over 30. There's enough electronic proof out there to determine driver experience. The HGV tests are specialised and always have been.

Could work if it peaks around 60 and drops off again as the drug fuelled oldies that keep hitting surprise gate posts and walls get weedled out..

 

[nicholsong]

No chance….if it’s on DVLA database that is what is used at weigh time. Unless documents could be produced at the time to show correct weight then DVLA record used. If there are different plates what is in DVLA records will be what is used……offload excess weight. If it goes to prosecution the driver/operator would need to produce the evidence to correct DVLA record. The plated weight also affects who can drive it, tax etc so it’s not just a get it fixed if you can be bothered, at some time, maybe, please, type of thing. There is also a growing trend for commercial companies to deliberately downplate vehicles for licence and operator purposes.

See my post #179 referring to DVSA database.

 

[Dolmen]

Those that weigh their vans and know they have spare payload seem happy, the other 99% (of which I am one), have a vague idea of available payload, however, have never weighed their van and are unlikely to ever do so, however, they load their vans in a perfectly sensible manner, don't try and transport steel girders for the local scrap man and they drive off are equally as happy because they have a bit of common sense and would know if the van felt different, unstable or dangerous.

 

[dunnah01]

Those that weigh their vans and know they have spare payload seem happy, the other 99% (of which I am one), have a vague idea of available payload, however, have never weighed their van and are unlikely to ever do so, however, they load their vans in a perfectly sensible manner, don't try and transport steel girders for the local scrap man and they drive off are equally as happy because they have a bit of common sense and would know if the van felt different, unstable or dangerous.

With such a short @r$e motorhome you may be OK but still a chance you're over weight and unsafe but if ignorance is bliss so good luck.

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[Stoosal]

See my post #179 referring to DVSA database.

My understanding is that DVLA register and store vehicle details. DVSA have access to that database as do police etc. I am not aware of there being any database other than DVLA for registering vehicle details. Police use dvla.