New trailer laws

martin maltas

martin maltas

0
Staff member
Thought I would start a new thread on this, as we hijacked another topic discussing it before.After all the very recent information we have gathered, I got pulled on the M1 on the way home[B)] The policeman that stopped me works with VOSA on vehicle checks etc.
Basically, they are now actively stopping vehicles towing trailers, to see what they are towing and for what purpose[V]
I told him it was my vehicle, I had been to a show and was going home. I have a tacho and card, but it's not being used on this journey. He informed me I was within the law, as it was not business use[^]
He then checked my trailer, advised me I had a lightly frayed strap and to replace it. He then carried on with a discussion about a Garner enginie in an old coach he stopped recently:)
So, if you intend towing anything, make sure you are legal, they are looking for illegal operators [B)]

http://www.commervanspares.co.uk/

http://www.yorkshireclassiccampers.co.uk/
 
Martin. Do you need to have an operators licence to operate a tachometer? Did they do a PNC check to make sure the van on the trailer was actually yours, or did he take your word for it?

I used to move vehicles now and again for people I know, or indeed other forum members. However, as I borrow the trailer off they guy I rent the workshop off. I don't want to fall foul of the law I was unaware of before, and get the trailer impounded - which is what I understand happens. However, if I go to collect something I have bought, how could I prove it was mine?

A

A wandering commer blog - http://commerblog.wordpress.com/
 
You don't need an opp licence to use the tacho, only if you are doing it for someone else. You are breaking the law borrowing a trailer and moving someone elses vehicle [B)]
Summary
A/If you own the towing vehicle and the load and you are using them for private use, you do not need a tachograph.
B/If you own the vehicle and load, but are using it for business use, you need to have a tacho fitted and use it, if you go more than 50K radius from your base.
C/ If you transport goods (including vehicles) that belong to someone else, for reward or not, you must have a tacho and an operators licence

He can't have done a pnc, as the butchers van is not on their system. Bazz suggested getting a receipt from someone to say you bought the vehicle you are moving, but I think they will follow it up and check if you register it in your name [V]

http://www.commervanspares.co.uk/

http://www.yorkshireclassiccampers.co.uk/
 
On point C Martin, does that include the tow car?

I have my own trailer, but my own tow car is off the road and unlikely to see the road again so I have in the past borrowed a tow car (my insurance does cover me to do this) to tow my trailer and my cars. From what you've written that sounds like I need a tacho too [:0]
 
If your towing a trailer for business use you need a Tacho. If you have just bought something for yourself and are towing it home you will need proof ie the V5C Green Slip and a receipt, you would not need to be using a Tacho though.
Martin is right Vosa and the Police do seem to be targeting trailers and Recovery trucks at the moment and its not a bad thing as there are far too many cowboys out there who are offering cheap recovery because they are breaking all the rules and if they get stopped with your car or camper on board you lose it and have to pay a hefty recovery charge to get it back legally.

Bloody Commer`s!
 
quote:
Originally posted by 80mojo

On point C Martin, does that include the tow car?

I have my own trailer, but my own tow car is off the road and unlikely to see the road again so I have in the past borrowed a tow car (my insurance does cover me to do this) to tow my trailer and my cars. From what you've written that sounds like I need a tacho too [:0]



Doesn't matter who's vehicle you use, same rules apply. But you don't need it if transporting your own vehicle, but don't get caught out moving one for a 'mate', you will need a tacho and an Op licence.

http://www.commervanspares.co.uk/

http://www.yorkshireclassiccampers.co.uk/
 
quote:
Originally posted by martin maltas

Bazz suggested getting a receipt from someone to say you bought the vehicle you are moving, but I think they will follow it up and check if you register it in your name [V]

Just to clarify. The V5 is nothing to do with ownership, it's just the registered keeper of the vehicle. Therefore it's irrelevant whether you register it later or not.

I went to Wales last weekend to help a friend collect an Imp. He bought it and the trailer and tow car were his so no problems with the legalities etc.

However, if we were collecting a car that I was buying from the guy in Wales it's quite simple. The owner of the tow car and trailer (my friend) buys the car from the seller and gets a receipt. When we get back home I then buy the car from him, and get a receipt. That way he was transporting his own car and should we get stopped we have the receipt to prove it.

BazRockscropped.jpg

I am not a person, I am a number, 395 actually......Be seeing you!
If I told you I was a pathological liar, would you believe me?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top