Do Caravans Need an MOT?

You’ve finally got a week off from work and itching to get out of the house and enjoy a break in your caravan. Then suddenly, you remember it doesn’t have an MOT. Getaway plans ruined, or maybe not! Unlike cars, caravans do not need an MOT, meaning you can get back out on the road and soak up the sun, relax by a river or head to a caravan camp where you can join others sharing the same idea as you.

That’s not to say they don’t need to be maintained or serviced though. The last thing you want to discover is that your caravan is unfit for you to spend time in.

What vehicles do need an MOT?

Almost any other vehicle type needs an MOT. Without one, you won’t be able to drive it anywhere. MOTs are different to services, and it’s perhaps worth clarifying that. A service is an inspection of the vehicle where a qualified professional assesses the vehicle following the manufacturer’s specific guidelines, these are not a legal requirement but should be carried out regularly on all vehicles, including caravans.

MOTs, on the other hand, are a legal requirement. Without one, the vehicle cannot be on the road. Vehicles requiring an MOT include:

• Motorbikes
• 3-wheeled vehicles
• Cars
• Motorhomes (often listed as motor caravans)
• Quads
• Ambulances
• Playbuses

Why do caravans not need an MOT?

Caravans are vastly different to vehicles that do require an MOT. Much of what is tested on a standard MOT wouldn’t apply to a caravan, so it is not deemed legally necessary. However, caravans must be roadworthy to ensure they are safe when on the road, and the responsibility for this, falls upon the owner.

The services for caravans though can be quite thorough and can in fact include more things to check than what you’d find on a car service.

What’s included in a caravan service?

A caravan service will vary depending on the level of service you go for. Interim, full and major services are all available and work on an escalating scale of thoroughness. They aren’t a legal requirement, but they will make sure your caravan is in the best possible condition for your journey.

With such vast differences between cars and caravans, the services are significantly different, so it is often worth looking for a service centre that specialises in caravans. Internal features in each room may be checked such as cookers, showers and electrical sockets. Outside of the caravan, the specialist will look at the condition of the chassis, the trims and whether the water and gas systems are fully operational. As the caravans take on the role of living quarters, they will also be checked for aspects relating to fire safety and CO2 detection.

What makes a caravan road legal?

Caravans must be roadworthy, and this includes how they are towed. The caravan may be functioning perfectly but if it cannot be towed safely, it isn’t allowed on the road. You’ll also need to make sure the tyres are all within the legal tread depth. This isn’t all. You will also need to:

• Make sure the correct mirrors are fitted. As you’ll be towing a vehicle you will need to see down the side of the caravan to see what is approaching from behind. This will normally mean towing mirrors will need to be fitted. They will need to allow you to see to a distance of 20 metres behind you.
• Working lights. Your caravan must have sidelights, brake lights and indicators that are working. You must also have two red triangular reflectors in place to help alert other road users.
• Functioning breakaway cable. For all caravans built after 1982, a breakaway cable must be in use. These cables attach to your towbar and should the caravan work itself loose, its brakes will be applied immediately.
• Clear number plate on show. Your caravan must show, clearly, a registration plate that matches your car. It must be illuminated if travelling at night to be compliant.

Then to add to the list even more, you will also need to ensure gas, water and electrical systems are all safe and compliant with laws around storage, use and movement.

Can you be fined if your caravan is unroadworthy?

Yes. The things listed above are all essential and if you are found to have failed to carry out the relevant checks or deliberately tow a caravan that does not comply with the simple requirements, you could be fined. The current fine is set at £2,500 and that may not be your only worry. The authorities also have the right to ban you from driving or add penalty points to your license.

If you consider a caravan as the ideal holiday home, speak to the team at Euphoria Finance. We can secure affordable caravan finance for anyone, regardless of credit score and finance history. Working as a direct lender, we make it easy for anyone to obtain the finance they need for the vehicle they desire. Start today by getting a free caravan finance quote. Whether it be your first caravan or a new model to replace your existing one, get in touch today and see how easy we can make it.