New regulations from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) now mandate that UK caravan owners must acquire a separate number plate for their trailers when travelling to Europe. This significant change applies to any caravan or trailer with a gross weight exceeding 750 kilograms, marking a departure from previous practices.
Expanded Registration Requirements
Previously, only trailers weighing over 3,500 kilograms or commercial trailers required separate registration. For lighter caravans, a duplicate of the car's number plate was typically used. However, the DVLA has introduced this new rule to ensure UK travellers with caravans comply with standards in other countries, where such registration is often expected.
The DVLA communicated to the Camping and Caravan Club, stating: 'Although not mandated in the UK, most countries expect trailers over 750kg to be registered to avoid the risk of enforcement action.' This move aims to prevent legal issues for British holidaymakers abroad.
Costs and Procedures
Registering a trailer or caravan for the first time costs £26, while obtaining a certificate for a new registered keeper is £21. Additionally, UK caravan owners will be charged £10 to replace a lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed trailer registration certificate.
The separate registration plate must be displayed alongside the car's number plates, ensuring they are not placed too close together. For travel in France, Connexion France recommends bringing the caravan's registration certificate, as French regulations require caravans with a maximum weight of 500kg or more to have their own plates. If a British holidaymaker leaves their caravan in France permanently, it must also have French plates.
Personal Experience and Process
Martin Daines, an 80-year-old who has been caravanning for 55 years, shared his experience. He plans to tour in June with his partner and paid £26 for registration and £19.99 for the additional number plate. Martin explained: 'The new plates can only be made after registration of the caravan with DVLA, who will issue a Trailer Registration Certificate required by the plate maker before production.'
He added: 'The production of all number plates is controlled in the UK and should only be made after submitting the correct paperwork.' This underscores the importance of following proper procedures to avoid delays or issues.
Registration Details
For those planning to register a caravan or trailer on the UK government's website, owners must provide specific information. This includes:
- The name of the manufacturer
- The trailer type
- The trailer's vehicle identification number
- Its gross and unladen weight
This comprehensive approach ensures that all relevant details are recorded, facilitating smoother travel and compliance with international standards. The new rules reflect a broader effort to harmonise UK practices with those in Europe, enhancing safety and legal adherence for caravan enthusiasts.
