Home / Conversions / Legal Information, Requirements and Rules for Camper Vans DVLA
Legal Information, Requirements and Rules for Camper Vans DVLA
If you are converting an existing vehicle that is registered as a van, to a campervan or motorhome, you need to consider contacting your vehicle authority and inform them of the change to your vehicle.
If you have a done a permanent conversion (ie. the vehicle will stay as a campervan forever) then you must contact your vehicle authority. This generally works in your favour. Recreation vehicles such as campervans pay less in road tax, insurance and MOT charges than a commercial van.
Change of Vehicle Classification
Once you conversion is complete you need to inform your vehicle authority (DVLA in the UK) that your 'van' has become a 'Motor Caravan'. Before doing this make sure you vehicle meets all of the criteria mentioned below.
What makes a 'Motor Caravan'?
For a vehicle to qualify as a 'Motor Caravan' in the UK in the eyes of the DVLA the following permanent fixtures must be present:
- Sleeping Accommodation
- There must be a bed with a minimum length of 6ft or 180cms
- The bed must be an integral part of the vehicle living accommodation area
- The bed must be permanent or converted from seats (the bed can fold away during the day)
- The bed fixtures must be secured directly to the vehicle floor and/or side walls, unless it is over the drivers cab compartment.
- Door
- There must be a horizontal sliding door or an outward opening rear or side door.
- Seats and Tables
- There must be a seating area for diners to sit around
- The table can be fixed or detachable
- The table must mount directly to the vehicle floor or side walls
- The table mounting must be secured as a permanent feature, either bolted screwed or welded. The table itself can be detachable.
- Seats must be secured directly to the vehicle floor and/or side walls
- The seats must be secured as a permanent fixture, either bolted, riveted, screwed or welded
- Permanently secured seating must be available for use at a table
- Water Container
- The vehicle must have an onboard or external (e,g, under the chassis) water container
- Note: The insurer Adrian Flux requires the water container to hold 6 gallons / 27 litres.
- Storage
- The vehicle must have at least one cupboard, locker or wardrobe
- The cupboard must be an integral part of the living accommodation area
- The cupboard must be a permanent feature, either bolted, riveted, screwed or welded
- The cupboard must be secured directly to the vehicle floor and / or side walls
- Cooking
- The vehicle must have cooking facilities powered by fixed gas, electric hob or microwave oven
- The cooking facilities must be secured directly to the vehicle floor or side wall
- The cooking facilities must be a permanent feature, either bolted, riveted, screwed or welded
- Gas and electric hobs must have a minimum or 2 cooking rings. Microwave ovens must have a power source (don't just fit one that can't be used)
- Gas cooking facilities with remote fuel supplies must have the gas supply pipe permanently secured to the vehicle structure
- Gas cooking facilities with remote fuel supplies should have the gas bottle, fuel reservoir secured to the vehicle structure
- Windows
- The vehicle must have at least one side window
How to Change a Vans Classification to Camper Van or Motorhome in the UK
In the UK, changing the classification of a van to a campervan or motorhome is fairly straightforward. The following information is based on real experience, correct at the time of the re-classification. This serves as a good guide, but please contact the DVLA and/or VOSA to confirm the rules regarding your vehicle.
- When your conversion is complete, and your van is now (nearly) a camper van or motorhome, contact the DVLA and inform them.
- The DVLA will ask you to indicate the changes in your V5 (log book) document and return it to them. You need to change the body type from 'Panel Van' to 'Camper Van' or 'Motor Caravan'. See the DirectGov website for details on changing your V5 document.
- The DVLA will probably ask you to also send them photos of the converted vehicle, and a covering letter explaining your vehicle. This is so they can clearly see the vehicle has been changed. They can see the quality of the work, and how serious you are about changing the classification. Ensure the number plate is clearly visible in some of the photos, as this will ensure they can tie the conversion to the vehicle. From the photos the DVLA can see if you have done a good conversion to the vehicle, or simply thrown a mattress in the back.
- If you have done a good conversion, and the DVLA are satisfied they will return a new V5 document to you, with the body type changed.
- However, if they are unsure of your conversion they will ask you to visit the local DVLA inspection office. An agent will inspect the vehicle before recommending any change of documentation.
- The DVLA do not publish strict guidelines for the above. However, The Department of Transport do publish a strict 'motor caravan' definition for vehicles that are being imported. Click here, and scroll down to 'Motor caravan'. It's likely the DVLA also use the same guidelines. However, the strict definitions here are, it seems, open to some interpretation.
Once you receive your amended V5 document, with the vehicle classified as a recreation vehicle, you get the following benefits:
- Cheaper Insurance - as leisure vehicles are cheaper to insure than commercial vans
- Contents Insurance - the contents of your vehicle will be insured, as well as the vehicle itself
- Can travel faster - most vans can only travel at 50mph on single carriageways. As a camper van you can travel faster.
- Cheaper MOT - Class 7 vehicles (between 3000kg and 3500kg) registered as camper vans come under the cheaper as less restriction Class 4 MOT rules.
When to Change the Vehicle Classification
You should change the classification of your vehicle from 'Panel Van' to 'Camper Van' when your conversion is nearly complete, once the major fittings are in place (bed, kitchen) and it looks neat and tidy. Once you think you satisfy all of the conditions mentioned above, contact the DVLA and start the re-classification process.
You don't want any vehicle inspectors to think it is not finished, so ensure it looks finished before you apply for the change.
Don't worry about finishing touches, you can always complete these once the vehicle is re-registered.
Insurance
Once your vehicle has been officially re-classified by the DVLA, you will need to change your insurance. Your original insurance will be for a 'Panel Van', and your vehicle is no longer one. So you need to cancel your existing policy, and get a new policy for a Camper van.
The insurance page has information and links to websites that will help.
UK Vehicle Classes
In the UK small vans, less than 3500kg, are classified as Class 4 vehicles. Vans between 3000kg and 3500kg are considered Class 7 vehicles. Class 7 vehicles have stricter MOT tests. Vehicles over 3500kg would normally go to a VOSA Test Centre. A bus/mini-bus with more than 8 seats (up to 13) is a Class 5, unless the seats are removed and the vehicle is re-classified as a campervan, then it becomes Class 4.
However, if a Class 7 vehicle is registered for recreation purposes, it becomes a Class 4 vehicle. Therefore, if you convert a Class 7 big panel van into a campervan or motorhome, changing it's classification to a recreation vehicle will make life easier and cheaper for you.
Also note that you should insure you vehicle based on its classification. You cannot really insure a camper van as a panel van. Should you have to make a claim the insurance company are unlikely to pay if your vehicle is wrongly classified.
Let us know about your re-classification experiences in the comments below
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hi i have purchased an ldv convoy minibus. i intend to convert it into a camper eventually and need to know if this is possible, with all the windows.
but for now i would like to rip out the seats and register it as a panel van just so i can afford the insurance. does anyone know if it is as simple as this or does having windows play a factor in this too.
Mini-buses make great camper vans, assuming you want all of the windows.
The vehicle is registered as a mini-bus on the basis of it's seats. By removing the seats you change its purpose, and thus it's registration category.
Be sure to contact the DVLA and confirm the correct procedure. It should be
1. Remove the seats. I think you need less than 8 for it to not be a mini-bus
2. Send revised V5 document to DVLA.
I believe windows are irrelevant regarding whether it's a mini-bus or panel van.
Be sure to inform the insurance company it was a mini-bus though, they like to know this sort of thing.
Hi
I bought a lwb vauxhall movano crew cab which has a kitchen mess already fitted. microwave and a sink and a table with seats around it also has a small eberspacher water heater also an webasto diesel heater
as its got an extra 5 seats in the back i had trouble getting insurance even if i said i was going to remove them so if i remove the seats and install a rock n roll bed to cover the bed and seating aspect for a campervan. i already have a combo van which i have 1 yrs no claims bonus but that wont help cover the new van as it only transfers to my combo. I also have one accident claim from the year before. are there any insurers which wont quote me silly prices and isure me before i do the conversion of the rock n roll bed?
Hi Martin
I would suggest you contact various insurance companies.
The campervan specialist companies on the insurance page should help.
http://www.campervanlife.com/insurance
In particular, try
Shield
http://www.shieldtotalinsurance.co.uk/self-build-motorhome-insurance
Insurance Choice
http://www.campervanlife.com/go/cvl-insurancechoice.php
Thanks for the links. i have saved them and will try them tomorrow
Hi all, love this site already! :)
I have just started making a semi hightop transit into a day/camping van...however i have made two sofa boxes that convert to a bed across the width of the van at the back..so it isnt 6 foot long...i also will not be fitting water or sink (instead using a washing up bowl outside). My question is with these things fitted and insured as panel van still will i still be insured if i had a bump?
Hi
You need to check with your insurance company.
Some will cover this sort of conversion, some will not.
I seem to remember that if you fitted widows to a van (with no side windows) you had to pay extra duty unless the vehicle was more than (5?) years old. Does this still apply?
I am thinking of buying a s/h panel van for conversion to a camper-van.
I've not heard of this, and have not seen any mention to it on duty forms.
I don't think this still applies.
Hi,
I am thinking of buying an Iveco Turbo Daily Hi Cube minibus to convert to a campervan. It is currently classified as 4,500kg GVW with 14 seats and a wheelchair tail lift. My question is once the seats and tail lift are removed and the van converted to a camper, will I be able to get it re-classified as a 3,500kg GVW campervan or is the weight still likely to be over the limit for this?
Many thanks, Geoff
I have a 1998 LDV convoy hightop converted, v5 shows it as Motor Caravan, Revenue weight 3500Kg, Taxation PLG, MOT shows as class VII
Can this be lowered to class IV as our neares test station for classVII is over 40 miles away class IV only 8 Miles.
As I understand a Class VII becomes Class IV when going from a goods vehicle to a leisure vehicle.
I would contact the DVLA and explain your case to them.
Great Site Many Thanks.
I spotted just one error. Road tax for vans is the same up to 3500kg (3000kg to 3500kg does not cost more) http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/HowToTaxYourVehicle/...
Van insurance varies a lot, probably because some insurance companies do not seem to appreciate that not all vans are commercial vehicles. I pay £154 per year to insure my new 3500kg Citroen Relay L4 H2, after all the discounts.
Thanks for spotting the error Glen. I have fixed that. Cheers
Just got the V5 document back, the panel van is now officially a motorcaravan. Straight forward enough just sent 10 pictures plus the V5 with body type changed to motor caravan, took three weeks to return, also recieved back the original receipts and pictures.
Will now contact the local office to see if the taxation class changes.
Good stuff.
Thanks for letting us know.
I have aquired a ford paramount coach that has been converted to a camper...3 berth, 8 seats with table, cooker, sink, tv, stereo and a loo all fitted in nicely but the logbook hasnt been changed yet...it is mot'd till may 2011...and its insured through my bussines how do i get the registration document changed ??
Hi
See the "How to Change a Vans Classification to Camper Van or Motorhome in the UK" section above.
You need to contact your local DVLA office or the main DVLA office in Swansea. They will ask for photos or ask you to visit your local DVLA office for an inspection.
It's generally straightforward.
Hi I have converted a lwb T5 which has a worktop that is 2m long on the side of the rock & roll bed and it finishes at the top of the back part of the seat and can be eaten from by one person I havent put a fixed bracket for a removable table will I need to for the classification change or is the worktop exeptable? Thanks for any comments..
Jason it really is not a good idea to be eating your camper seats - perhaps youcould consider a packet of Quavers a scuffler or why not opt for pikelets and low fat butter - it has to be an improvement on eating foam rubber - despite the wife1s cooking.
Archie Balantyne-Gow
Very helpful! wot a nob
Hi Jason
Is your vehicle registered as a van or campervan with the DVLA?
You don't need to register your vehicle as a campervan, but your insurance may be invalid if you're insured as a van, but your insurance company consider your vehicle a campervan.
Hello there. Thanks for all the useful information. I've just bought a Ford Transit that was once a 7 seat mini bus but has been converted into a camper. Unfortunately it's not been registered as a camper yet.
As far as I can tell, it meets all the requirements. How many photos do you think would be sufficient? Do all vehicles need to be checked by an inspector? Does my vehicle need to have an electricity hook-up at all?
At the moment it has:
Fitted settee in front of a table. The table can be removed and the sofa can be pulled out to make a double bed.
Floor is laminated
Sink and cooker installed with cupboards below containing two water containers (fresh+waste) and the gas bottle. Beside these cabinets is a storage cupboard.
As far as I can tell it fits the requirements. The only thing it lacks is the hook-up. Any thoughts?
Hi Thomas
I would recommend sending 10 photos of the conversion. Ensure you have the registration included in a photo of the front or rear. Don't send too many photos. 10 should do it.
Not all vehicles are checked by inspectors. Only some are called for an inspection.
Electric hookup is not necessary.
That sounds fine. You seem to have the required elements.
Good luck. Please let us know how you got along with re-registering your vehicle.
Hi,
I have sent all my photos, covering letter and V5 back to Swansea and not heard anything for 2 weeks. I phoned but all they could say was it was not yet on the system, but that it can take up to 4 weeks! I am again interested about gas bottles, as I wanted to secure mine under the kitchen sink, and later put them into a sealed ventilated box with either inside or outside access. At present I have the pipes and bottles properly secured, but was told by a gas fitter that this is illegal. Were yours passed OK? For my photos I secured a workable microwave oven which has a 240v hookup I then intend to get the gas legally checked. Any comments?
I want to put Galaxy seats in the front of my T4 conversion to swivel and need to put them on some sort of stand for 5" of height. The current VW stand is too high, does anyone know of any conversion stands for this or any other info I might need to know if I have to fabricate my own?
cheers, Kev.
We have just put similar seats into our van. We had to convert the base of a double seat into one for a single seat. We took it to a guy up the road who makes wrought iron gates etc. He did a really excellent job of cutting down the base, making bolt holes and providing new bolts etc. This cost around £60 but when you look at what you've saved with not having to buy swivel plates, it's a bargain! Good luck.
Have you considered asking your local green grocer for some banana boxes - they should be just the right height for your camper seats to perch on. Or should you prefer some thing a little more substantial - consider then the orange and satsuma crates which are readily available in ply wood fom your green grocer; they would need little if any modification and would be a superb base for your new seats.
Hope the above is of help to you.
Archie Balantyne-Gow
Hi, We've bought an Iveco Daily 35S12 Luton box van to convert, has anyone done one of these and any ideas or photo's to help us, much appreciated
I was told today that if i make a conversion from a fridge truck to a camper van and put my motorbike in the back it cannot be mot'd as a camper van and the insurance would deem it to be a truck as you would be transporting goods any thoughts....therefore it would not be insured if i had a bump
Did the insurance company tell you this?
If you are transporting your own possessions I don't think it counts as transporting goods.
Insurance companies might not like you transporting a motorbike with fuel in the tank inside your van,.
This comment has been moved here.
another thought do you have to have seat belts on the rock and roll bed or are people allowed to sit in the chair (bench seat) without them while travelling.
Basically, you don't legally need to have them. But the Police can fine/prosecute if they consider your passengers to be unsafe. Read more on the seat belt page:
http://www.campervanlife.com/forum/campervan-conversions/seat-belts-regu...
Please could someone tell me when i convert my panel van into a camper does the dvla insist that the water supply is running by means of a battery or electric hook up or do i just need a water container on board.
many thanks
Sam
A sure way of having a constant supply of water is to glue a water butt to the roof of your camper and connect a hose to it that extends downwards through the side windows of your camper to another water butt - that in turn will collect and store all your fresh water requirements. Simple and quick - and cheap too.
The DVLA guidelines state: "A permanent installation to house a water container."
The water system does not have to be electrically powered. You can use a foot pump, but the water container has to secured to the vehicle, either inside or outside. It can be removed for filling.
Hi, I have converted a panel van into a camper and plan to re-register it as a camper. I have underbed storeage (with slide in plastic boxes), and a kitchen unit which has shelves for storing food and utensils, neither the underbed storage or kitchen unit has doors, do you think this will meet the DVLA requirement for a campervan to have a cupboard or locker? Also I only have one permanently fixed seat at the table does that meet the DVLA spec? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks
Hi Chris
It sounds like you are close. The DVLA inspectors are looking to ensure, as one of them out it "that someone hasn't just thrown down a mattress". It sounds like you will be OK. But it's up to your local inspector.
Do you have running water? And do you have a window in the side in the back area (sliding door is OK)?
hey there!
i'm thinking about converting a high top transit or similar to a campervan. looking above i've seen it has been said that getting re-registered as a camper can reduce insurance, is this true? i thought it would cost more to insure a van as a camper? particularly as the value is likely to be increased. also i'm only 20yrs old, and a lot of insurance companies seem to only like drivers over 25, can you recommend any companies that would insure me or at least allow me to go on as a named driver.
cheers for your time!
Hi Zappa
Insuring a campervan is cheaper for some than a van, generally older folk.
The problem is, if you fit a camper to the back of a van, and don't tell your insurance company, they are unlikely to pay in the event of an accident.
Try Adrian Flux for young driver insurance
http://www.adrianflux.co.uk/young-drivers/
CIS is always a good bet for campers, and young drivers
Hi,
I've started converting my Maestro 500 van into a camper, but because of it's small size, I was planning to have a one-hob cooker, and a small water storage. Do you think the DVLA rules would bend on this one, considering the small size. ?
thanks
Possibly. I have seen a mini-bus conversion that had a sink with small fresh water and waster water tanks stored under the sink.
It was simple but passed by the DVLA as a campervan.
I would guess that the one-hob cooker would also be OK.
To be sure contact your local DVLA office and ask them. Much better to speak to the people who will actually inspect your vehicle.
What is the difference between a motorhome and a campervan. Does it have any relavance on the V5 or with the insurance?
I believe all leisure vehicles (motorhomes, campervans, etc) are listed as motorcaravan on the V5.
We have owned an American Day Van (originally 4 captains chairs and a 3 seater rear bench - all with seat belts) for a while now and last winter, I boldly removed the 2 passenger seats and rear bench and have built and installed a 'fixed double bed' (approx 6' x 4') transversely in the rear. We have also had an electric hook-up facility added (with RCD box) and 2 x 13 amp 3 pin sockets to power the microwave/kettle etc when on site - plus we carry a 2 burner gas cooker with a small portable cylinder.
Nothing in the Van is totally permanent - apart from the 2 original front seats and maybe the bed frame, which is very tightly fitted to the van walls!!
After bookings ferry crossings for years as a 'Campervan', I recently took out an AA European Breakdown Policy, which threw up the reason for my post - which is, after giving them my Reg details, they declared the vehicle was coming up as a 'Motorcaravan' and they would therefore NOT cover us for 'parts and labour!!
Having checked the V5, I do see that the vehicle was originally imported as a 'Motorcaravan' from new and has remained so ever since!!
So dear fellow Campervanners, where do we stand on this matter????
Have we 'made things worse' by 'converting' or does my feeble attempt at converting not add up to much in the Campervan world?
I do not wish to find out my insurance is invalid if we ever make a claim - but not too bothered if this is not the cheapest way to run the vehicle - as long as we aren't breaking the 'law'.
Hi
You seem to have a motorcaravan, and everyone sees it as such. So perhaps your only problem is with the AA. They won't cover you properly if you have a motorcaravan. Perhaps you should cancel with them and find another breakdown company?
I phoned dvla swansea with my intentions to change my van to a motorhome after compleating all the required fixtures, and to include a photo file of the compleated work.they told me the only way to do it was direct through my local dvla office .Which I did ,i managed to speak to the chap who deals with the inspection at that site he looked at the photos and said the only way to change it was by booking a inspection as my van is over 2.5mtrs high I have to take it to my local hgv/vosa testing station and this was the standard procedure at the portsmouth dvla office he seemed happy with the pictures but did say that I had too many of them.. I have now booked the van in with them for inspection and the dvla office have retained my log book for the van so it would seem that I am just going through the motions will update this after the inspection
had my conversion inspected today dvla inspector was very pleased with the conversion work all signed off just have to wait for the amended logbook he alsochecked the engine and chassis number and was also interested in the gas pipes checking to see if they where secure also that the gas bottles where secure
He did say if you had a inspection first that it kind of fast tracks your application saves a lot of time
Great news. Well done. Thanks for the info.
We have converted a 7.5 ton panel van into a motor home with small workshop at the rear. the weight restriction per axle was originally 3600 front axle 5000 rear axle and 7500 gross weight . Do these restrictions still apply once you have done the conversion to motorhome ? Peter Beer
Hi Peter
I'm not sure. Best to contact the DVLA.
Cheers
hi,could anyone tell me if there are any insurance companys that would specialise with van covertions, ta.
Yes, there are a few.
Try the insurance page
http://www.campervanlife.com/insurance
Hi I am having trouble in getting insurance on the day van conversion I want to do, it is not a full camper van conversion it will just have a lift up roof bed and a 3 seater rib/bed, no kitchen cooking/washing.It will be done professionaly.please advise.
So it doesn't sound like you'll be able to re-register the vehicle as a 'Campervan" with the DVLA?
http://www.campervanlife.com/building/legal
If not you'll be limited to who will insure a LGV with a camper modification.
I would try some of the van insurers and see if they will cover you with the day conversion.
I have a 2001 LDV Convoy Hi Top in VG condition. I have previously used this as a van or camper. At present everything inside including the folding bed can easily be removed to use as a van. I now have no use for it as a van. 1/ Is it really better to permanently convert and re-register it as a camper. 2/ The present double bed needs only the front legs to move forward when extending from a sofa. If I made fixings so that the front legs would be fixed when extended would this be accepted as permanently fixed?
1. It's better to re-register if you use it as a campervan only. You will get cheaper insurance, possibly road tax, etc.
2. I think so. It's hard to say without a picture, but as long as the main part of the bed (not the legs) is fixed it may be acceptable anyway.
Hi, i have a Toyota Previa that i am converting into a camper, i am not fitting any sink so i wont have a water supply, can i still register as a camper or would it be ok just to keep it as an MPV?
thanks
Darren
If you don't fit a sink I don't think you can re-register as a campervan. You'll probably have to keep it registered as an MPV
ok thanks for the info
i passed my test after 1997, but am considering converting a bedford mk 4 tonner into a camper for long trips.would i be able to drive it on a standard car licence once its rating is changed or do i still have to do a class 3 lgv test
I am fairly certain that if you re-register the vehicle as a 'Motor Caravan' it will become Class 4, which means you can drive on a car license.
Please check with the DVLA though.
Why does your requirements for a motorhome include a door and water storage and yet the DVLA requirements do not?
Gerard
My requirements are in fact the DVLA's. The document was just poorly worded. I have changed this now.
This comment has been moved here.
Hi there
Could you please tell me what the rules are with regards the conversion of a standard panel van into a mobile office l am setting up as an events photographer and will at some stage have to stay on site not sure if this would come under the same rules as a conversion to a campervan
Hi
I am unsure of the rules regarding a vehicle as a mobile office.
I would recommend you contact your local DVLA office.
I am currently in the process of converting a Transit EX Ambulance into a Campervan and its a great experience.
Hi, I have acquired a 1987 Leyend tiger coach which I want to make into a motorhome! Is it feasible to get this bus re-registered as a motorhome and drive on a normal licence??
Wow, you have an amazing vehicle there!
I see no reason why you cannot re-register the vehicle as a motorhome.
I would suggest contacting your local DVLA to confirm that, and also about the driving license issue.
Have you fitted a bed and kitchen to your van? If so you might want to change the registration of the vehicle from a van to a camper van. This typically means cheaper insurance, ferry coasts and lighter MOT restrictions.
hey i have turnd my parcel force van into a camper to take to europe, i want to no if there are any legal requiermants for gettinng insured etc please let me no
thank you ellakioti
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