Passengers in a motorhome
must wear seat belts where
these are available.
Q Towing mirrors: You must have
an adequate view to the rear of
a caravan. For the overwhelming
majority of outfits, this will mean
towing extension mirrors will be
legally required.This is just an overview. For much
more on these topics and many
others, check the ‘Technical’ section
of your Sites Directory & Handbook
(p624 onwards), or the ‘Advice and
Training’ section of the Club
website. Don’t forget you canSeptember 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine http://www.camc.comPRACTICAL Q&A
The Club’s technical
team answers your
pressing questionsAsk your Club
78
Q
Which motoring rules apply
specifically to towing a
caravan or driving a motorhome?A
That’s quite a general question,
but some of the most relevant
issues are as follows.
Q Driving licences: If you passed
your initial driving test before
1997 and you are under 70 years
old, you’re unlikely to face
practical restrictions. Those
passing from the start of 1997
onwards are limited to a towing
vehicle/caravan combination with
a combined maximum weight
of 3,500kg, or a vehicle (eg
motorhome) of up to 3,500kg
maximum weight with a trailer
of no more than 750kg. Upon
reaching 70, you’ll need a medical
test to retain any right to driving
motorhomes above 3,500kg.
Rights for car/caravan
combinations carry forward.
Q Speed limits: If towing, the
speed limits are 50mph on single
carriageways and 60mph on dual
carriageways or motorways. Solo
motorhome limits are the same
as for solo cars if up to 3,050kg
unladen, but if the motorhome is
over 3,050kg unladen the limits
are 50mph on single carriageways,
60mph on dual carriageways and
70mph on motorways.
Q Lane usage: You must not tow
in the outside lane of a three-or-
more-lane motorway, unless this
is unavoidable due to roadworks,
accident or obstruction.
Q Maximum dimensions: Caravans
can be up to 7m body length
(excluding drawbar but including
a gas locker integrated into the
body) and up to 2.55m wide. Any
longer and you need a towing
vehicle over 3,500kg maximum
weight. Motorhomes can be up
to 12m long and 2.55m wide.
Q Roadworthiness: All road
vehicles must be in a fit state and
must comply with the relevant
laws, even if they are only used
occasionally or if, like caravans,
they do not require an MOT. Your
safety and your insurance cover
depend on this.
Q Number plate: Caravans must
carry a plate matching the
towing vehicle, and it must
be a proper plate.
Q Passengers: You can’t carry
passengers in a caravan.Keep it legal
camc.com/advice
Please address your questions to:
Technical Information,
Caravan and Motorhome Club,
East Grinstead House,
East Grinstead, West Sussex
RH19 1UA
...and quote your membership
numberalways contact the Technical Advice
team for help too – technical@camc.
com or 01324 336611.DETACHMENTS
If you read Ask Your Club on p90 of the February 2019 issue
regarding inadvertent detachment of caravans, please read it
again. If you haven’t read it, please do so or please see pages
650-652 of your Sites Directory & Handbook. As we go to press,
the past month has seen a caravan end up on railway tracks,
another strike an oncoming car and, most tragically of all, one
result in the death of a pedestrian. While we don’t know the full
details in each of these cases, experience shows that caravans
usually detach due to incorrect hitching, not mechanical failure.
Please check and check again.