Caravan ownership – know the law
Owners of new and second hand caravans need to keep abreast of the latest laws pertaining to caravan ownership, as is the case for all roadworthy vehicle owners. As one of the leading caravan dealers in Yorkshire Albion Caravans (http://www.albioncaravans.co.uk/) regularly gets asked various questions about the law from customers old and new. Here are just some of the laws that are worth noting right now, either because there have been changes in legislation or because there is some confusion about the facts.
One area of potential confusion is the law regarding towing limits, a law which has changed in the past few years. If you passed your driving test after 1997, the law stipulates that you cannot tow a trailer with a combined outfit weight of over 3.5 tonne without taking an additional B+E driving test. Those people that passed a standard driving test (category B vehicles only) after 31st December 1996 can legally tow a much lower amount, depending on the weight of the caravan and the trailer. This is not a legal stipulation many people are aware of, which means many caravan owners could be towing illegally without being aware of it.
The law surrounding towing mirrors is another area which can confuse caravan owners due to a perceived lack of clarity. In fact it is a legal requirement to fit towing mirrors when towing a caravan that is wider than the narrowest part of the rear of your vehicle. Towing blind or using towing mirrors which are not E-marked can lead to police prosecution.
It is also essential to bear in mind the fact that laws naturally differ from one country to another, a point of particular importance for many of our customers who regularly take their caravans across the Channel to Europe. For instance, from July 2012 it will be compulsory to carry two breathalyser kits in your car when driving in France.
As with all matters of the law, ensure you do your research carefully so that you are fully in the know. Websites such as Highways.gov.uk and Direct.gov.uk are useful resources, for instance you can watch videos showing the correct way to tow your caravan here. For the latest listings of quality used caravans for sale, go to the Albion Caravans website at http://www.albioncaravans.co.uk/.
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