Speed limits for a campervan classed as Van with Side windows .. (2 Viewers)

[scotjimland]

I recently posted the my Fiat Ducato Timberland PVC was incorrectly registered as a panel van.

I applied to the DVLA to have it changed to Motor Caravan, the correct classification. It was rejected and returned classed as Van with Side Windows..

Only just realised, that this has an impact on speed limits..

Motorhomes or Motor Caravans (not more than 3.05 tonnes maximum unladen weight) speed limits are same as a car. >

• 30mph in built-up areas
• 60mph on single carriageways
• 70mph on dual carriageways
• 70mph on motorways

Vans weighing up to 3.5 tonnes

• 30mph in built-up areas
• 50mph on single carriageways
• 60mph on dual carriageways
• 70mph on motorway

Another difference, albeit small, is that the toll on the Dartford bridge for a van is £3.00
for a car or motorhome it is £2.50

There may well be other anomalies I haven't found out yet ..

 

[Oldrat]

The DVLA classification has nowt to do with your speed limit. If your converted van has all the necessary alterations to make it a campervan ((motor caravan) then it is and Motor caravan speed limits apply.


Unless of course it weighs over 3.05t Unladen weight which most do.

If you don’t believe me, read the attached letter from the DVLA which admits the same.

 

[scotjimland]

How many times does this come up.

I have no idea, wasn't aware that it had..

I asked the question at the speed awareness course and that is what I was told.

In any case, no need to be rude..

Perhaps inform the Dartford crossing company, I was charged £3.00 the last time I crossed.

 

[Oldrat]

Apologies if it came across as such.
I’d not intended to be rude

It’s a real problem as it is a very common experience.

 

[scotjimland]

Apologies if it came across as such.
I’d not intended to be rude

It’s a real problem as it is a very common experience.

apology accepted..

it is also in the Gov speed limit page

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

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[DJIT]

While it might be true that the DVLA classification does not define the speed limit for a vehicle, I suspect that the DVLA classification is likely to be taken into consideration if you have your photo taken by an ANPR speed camera vehicle.
So if you are travelling legally at 68mph on a dual carriageway and they take your photo, and issue you a NIP, then it will be a lot of hassle for you to prove that your vehicle is in fact a camper van and not a van with windows.

 

[DJIT]

It can also have an impact on your insurance.

 

[scotjimland]

While it might be true that the DVLA classification does not define the speed limit for a vehicle, I suspect that the DVLA classification is likely to be taken into consideration if you have your photo taken by an ANPR speed camera vehicle.
So if you are travelling legally at 68mph on a dual carriageway and they take your photo, and issue you a NIP, then it will be a lot of hassle for you to prove that your vehicle is in fact a camper van and not a van with windows.

this would be my concern..

 

[DJIT]

I had my VW T6 reclassified to a camper van about 5 years back and it wasn't too difficult at the time.
Have they changed the rules in some way or are they getting funny about doing this now?

 

[scotjimland]

I had my VW T6 reclassified to a camper van about 5 years back and it wasn't too difficult at the time.
Have they changed the rules in some way or are they getting funny about doing this now?

don't know.. I should really try again but they said the decision was final and no appeal would be heard..

I don' know if it was incorrectly classed when new.. or only when I registered it..the previous owner was disabled and it had a tax exemption which had to be changed when i registered.

It was a fully converted by Timberland.. and meets all requirements of the DVLA criteria ..

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[Oldrat]

While it might be true that the DVLA classification does not define the speed limit for a vehicle, I suspect that the DVLA classification is likely to be taken into consideration if you have your photo taken by an ANPR speed camera vehicle.
So if you are travelling legally at 68mph on a dual carriageway and they take your photo, and issue you a NIP, then it will be a lot of hassle for you to prove that your vehicle is in fact a camper van and not a van with windows.

If you are travelling at legal speeds for a Motor caravan the case is very much that you’ll get an ‘auto issued ticket (such as gantry cameras) - the upshot is normally, sending details of your conversion to the issuing authority will result in a revocation.

It’s wrong, it’s a PITA, but it happens.


Police still refer to the DVLA (incorrectly) to identify the applicable speed limit.


The DVLA meanwhile has had its knuckles rapped for its indecision and lack of clarity and consistency in classifying Motor Caravans, despite them conforming to the DVLA’s own requirements.

None of this actually helps the poor blighters with incorrectly classified vehicles.

 

[DJIT]

I'm still smarting from a ticket I got around 7 years ago from a gantry camera where I was caught at 76mph on a fairly clear, dry motorway in the daytime in good visibility in my car.
Yes I accept I was above the 70mph speed limit, but I think it was a bit unnecessary.

 

[Oldrat]

For reference
Here’s the criteria for a Motor caravan.

Doesn’t actually matter what the DVLA Classes it as, if your vehicle complies which these requirements, it IS a Motor Caravan.

Internal features for motor caravans

Guidance on the required internal features for motor caravans.

www.gov.uk

 

[Old Gibber]

Am I missing something? Surely many PVCs will have a mass in service of less than 3050kg. The mass in service is not the same as mass in running order. The mass in service definition is rather fuzzy, as indeed are several other definitions, but it doesn't include the weight of fuel, a driver etc.

My 6m PVC has a mass in service of 2936kg as defined in the V5.

 

[scotjimland]

For reference
Here’s the criteria for a Motor caravan.

Doesn’t actually matter what the DVLA Classes it as, if your vehicle complies which these requirements, it IS a Motor Caravan.

Internal features for motor caravans

Guidance on the required internal features for motor caravans.

www.gov.uk

Im going to have another go, using the Gov check list and all the photos they require ..

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[John and Jo]

My mass in service on V5 is 3125. My Mass in Running Order on CoC is 2898 and 3125 for mass in service, same as on V5.

 

[PhilMary]

I'm still smarting from a ticket I got around 7 years ago from a gantry camera where I was caught at 76mph on a fairly clear, dry motorway in the daytime in good visibility in my car.
Yes I accept I was above the 70mph speed limit, but I think it was a bit unnecessary.

No, not unnecessary, as you were breaking the law and endangering others

 

[WESTY66]

As an aside, what are the TAX bands for..
Converted van (still a van on v5)
Converted van (van with windows)
And I take it if the dvla give you campervan status it’s the same as a moho?
Also are there any differences in the above for +3.5t?
I’m sure I read somewhere that a guy was trying to get his converted van status changed and his tax (RFL) was +£700

 

[Otter Spotter]

How many times does this come up.

The DVLA classification has nowt to do with your speed limit. If your converted van has all the necessary alterations to make it a campervan ((motor caravan) then it is and Motor caravan speed limits apply.


Unless of course it weighs over 3.05t Unladen weight which most do.

If you don’t believe me, read the attached letter from the DVLA which admits the same.


View attachment 823997

Entered in error

 

[Dorwyn]

It seems to me that DVLA has really got its knickers in a twist over this issue. And saying you have no right of appeal proves it. They cannot defend themselves. Another side of it is whether it is a people carrier, with 3 or more forward facing seats. My van only has two, but it was built as a motorhome and could not be described as a PLG.

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[Brains]

I had my VW T6 reclassified to a camper van about 5 years back and it wasn't too difficult at the time.
Have they changed the rules in some way or are they getting funny about doing this now?

Yes, they are getting increasingly funny about this now.

5 years ago a van with windows was a van with windows.

Now even some of the professional motorhome builders are running into problems with the DVLA saying that their motorhomes are classed as a 'van with windows' despite them very obviously not being a van (unable to take cargo or more than 4 passengers)

In order to pass the DVLA test to be a motorhome today you will need:
Windows
Internal layout as a motorhome (Including a table fixed to the floor and beds)
Max 4 belted seats
A full length awning
Decals suitable for a motorhome (strictly no 'stealth' motorhomes)
I'd even say it probably has to be white

 

[Wee Bold Davy]

this would be my concern..

Put a Funster Sticker on the front and back, problem solved........

 

[scotjimland]

And I take it if the dvla give you campervan status it’s the same as a moho?

sorry, I don't know the definitive answers to your other questions.

The classification for a motorhome / campervan on the V5 is ' Motor Caravan'


.

 

[Otter Spotter]

Yes, they are getting increasingly funny about this now.

5 years ago a van with windows was a van with windows.

Now even some of the professional motorhome builders are running into problems with the DVLA saying that their motorhomes are classed as a 'van with windows' despite them very obviously not being a van (unable to take cargo or more than 4 passengers)

In order to pass the DVLA test to be a motorhome today you will need:
Windows
Internal layout as a motorhome (Including a table fixed to the floor and beds)
Max 4 belted seats
A full length awning
Decals suitable for a motorhome (strictly no 'stealth' motorhomes)
I'd even say it probably has to be white

View attachment 824140

That’s funny, my ‘Van with Windows‘ fits that description ( except ours 2 seats)

 

[Manic]

I think if a van it is not allowed in the third lane of a motorway , not that you would know nowadays

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[rod_vw]

apology accepted..

it is also in the Gov speed limit page

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

That Gov Speed limits quote is obviously wrong, quote Wales & 20MPH, no repeater signs and in a street lit area.

 

[Otter Spotter]

I think if a van it is not allowed in the third lane of a motorway , not that you would know nowadays

That may be incorrect

 

[Brains]

That’s funny, my ‘Van with Windows‘ fits that description ( except ours 2 seats)

Did any of your photos contain pictures of your dog on a bit of string as a lead, or did your dreadlocks get across the lens ?

 

[Otter Spotter]

Did any of your photos contain pictures of your dog on a bit of string as a lead, or did your dreadlocks get across the lens ?

?

 

[HugoBNB]

Why are we all so worried?
We are in leisure vehicles and, speaking personally, just roll along enjoying the views. So saying, the DVLA guidelines are far from clear IMHO.
Safe and happy travels all.

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