The DVLA has issued updated guidance on Monday about converting a vehicle into a motor caravan, also known as a motorhome. The new rules affect owners seeking to change their vehicle's body type on the V5C registration certificate, commonly called the log book.
The organisation, responsible for maintaining driver and vehicle records, will only change a vehicle's body type to 'motor caravan' if it meets certain internal and external features. The amendment, issued at the start of this week, explains what the DVLA expects to see when considering an application.
Required External Features
The DVLA has published details of motor caravan external permanent features to help guide applications. These include having two or more windows on at least one side of the main body, not including windows on the driver or passenger doors, to provide a reasonable amount of daylight into the living accommodation.
It would also expect to see a separate door providing access to the vehicle's living accommodation. This would again exclude the driver and passenger doors, but a window on the separate door would count as a separate window on the main body. A high-top roof or pop-top elevating roof would be another common feature to expect.
Evidence and Photos Required
On evidence to support applications, the DVLA says that road users, owners, motorists, and drivers should provide a completed motor caravan conversion checklist. They should also supply interior photos of each of the required features, with the bed and table in the use position.
Photos must show that there are two or more windows providing daylight into the main living accommodation on at least one side of the main body. Exterior photographs are also needed, from the front, both sides, and rear with the registration plates being clearly visible.
Another photo is required showing the VIN (vehicle identification number) or the chassis number stamped on the plate attached to the original chassis or vehicle bodyshell. Applicants should write, on the back of each photo, a description of what it shows, along with the date and the vehicle registration number.
Inspection and Refusal
A DVLA inspection of the vehicle also might be required, and if this cannot happen, then the application will be refused without further action being taken. The DVLA would also need photographic evidence of the completed conversion.
