Firstly, apologies for being very naughty, as I own neither a campervan or motorhome!
In my defence, I think it's quite clear where the experience and knowledge lies, so despite being in the wrong place, I've come to the right place!
I do however own a van, and I'm interest to ascertain whether I must comply with the lower Light Goods Vehicle speed limits (50 on single, 60 on dual carriageway), or whether I am classed as a Dual Purpose Vehicle, and can therefore sit alongside cars and motorhomes/campervans at the slightly higher and more commonly recognised UK speed limits.
I believe for my van to be recognised as a Dual Purpose Vehicle, my van must be:
permanently fitted with a rigid roof (tick), at least one row of transverse passenger seats to the rear of the driver’s seat (tick) and will have side and rear windows (Tick) - there must also be a minimum ratio between the size of passenger and stowage areas. (Too long-winded, but also a tick, after checking!)
(I have 2 x single front seats, A row of 3 seats behind (2+1 split), level with the sliding doors ,and bare floor behind that).
I therefore believe I satisfy all of the above criteria.
However, before all that, my van must also be...
a vehicle constructed or adapted for the carriage both of passengers and of goods (tick) and designed to weigh no more than 2,040 kg when unladen (???)!
Which is where my question comes in...
My V5C doesn't mention unladen weight.
It mentions (G) Mass in Service, which if I understand correctly, I must deduct my slender 75Kg, to ascertain the unladen weight?
If that's correct, then I fear I fail the Dual Purpose Vehicle test, as my Mass in Service is stated on the V5C as 2178 (less my 75Kg = 2103Kg... 63Kg over that max. target of 2040Kg to be classed as dual purpose.
For the record:
VW Transporter T32 H-Line TDI S-A
Body Type: Van/Side Windows
Tax class: Light Goods Vehicle
Revenue Weight: 3200Kg Gross
Vehicle Cat: N1
Max. Permissable mass: 3200
Mass in Service: 2178
I'm of the understanding that, legally, the N1 should not be relevant to any dispute regarding speed limits, as the N1 class is for taxation and licensing requirements.
UK speed limits are apparently governed by the Road Traffic Act and Construction and Use 1979.
If anyone wants to shoot me down for that last paragraph, feel free.
If anyone can confirm that my understanding of the V5C Mass in service (2178Kg) does indeed refer to an unladen weight of 2103, and I am therefore too heavy to be classed as a Dual Purpose Vehicle, I hereby promise to knock 10mph off my current speeds whilst on both single and dual carriageways!
Quote: Originally posted by birdman101 on 27/9/2024
Just done a search and it says 60. On a V W forum the subject is raised as drivers had been prosecuted for doing 70 on motorways
My understanding is that it's 50 on single, 60 on dual (whether towing or not), and 70 on motorway (reduced to 60 for towing).
This issue came about as someone I know (of) has been charged for speeding, (Doing 58 on a national speed limit single carriageway) despite their vehicle (LGV) being covered by all points in the "Dual purpose vehicle" requirements... which should return his van to car speed limits.
It appears this overrules (or should do) any mention of "Goods vehicle" on the V5C.
Of course, many on here will have "LGV" on their V5C, along with the N1 category, but again, if they pass all the criteria for being a "Motor Caravan" (aka campervan), this again should mean they can keep to the more familiar car speed limits.
I believe campervan converters issue certificates for this effect, so even if the vehicle doesn't get changed (from LGV to MC) by DVSA/on the V5C, that should still get overridden by the qualifying aspects of the Motor Caravan... which is the deciding factor in legal speed limits, not what the V5C shows!
It seems quite a few have to wait until they are in court before they can argue their case (some win, some lose, obvs!) as the police seem to go by the V5C showing LGV, when legally, that has literally no bearing on UK speed limits. That is decided by the Road Traffic Act and Construction and Use 1979.
All very confusing... and rather frustrating for many it seems, when you start researching!
Just been doing more research. Converted to campervan increases the mass in service. Then this weight taken from the max permissible of 3200 will leave lss than 1000kg and be treated the same as a car. 1000 or more light goods.. Also once converted and registered with DVLA lowers the road tax
Interesting thread. Not a particular issue for us because we don’t go much above 60mph on dual carriageways or M-ways in our MH because the fuel consumption drops noticeably. And many rural Scottish A-roads are self limiting at 50mph because of being narrow & bendy.
However, I hope hire companies are briefing their customers about the correct speed limits. Our dealer certainly did not.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Van Weight speed limit question...
via mobile 27/9/2024 at 8:27am
