The DVSA has issued a major safety update for caravan owners in a bid to ensure they meet the UK driving standards.
In a social media post, the agency urged drivers towing a caravan to book safety checks before setting off on trips ahead of the busy summer period to help avoid getting hit with fines.
"Planning a caravan trip soon? Book a safety check to make sure it's safe!" the DVSA advised. The timely reminder comes as the UK approaches the peak summer season when thousands of holidaymakers take to the roads with caravans in tow.
The agency has provided resources for caravan owners to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and safe to tow, as well as warning them of the penalties for failing to follow the rules.
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Caravans must meet certain weight limits to be towed on UK roads
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This follows recent DVSA enforcement activity where officers found multiple vehicles with safety issues, including problems with tyres, brakes and insecure loads.
The DVSA has highlighted two key resources for caravan safety checks, which include the Approved Workshop Scheme and the National Trailer and Towing Association's free safety checks.
These services help ensure caravans remain roadworthy before owners embark on journeys. Safety checks are crucial as they can identify potential issues with tyres, brakes, and other critical components that could lead to dangerous situations on the road, the DVSA shared.
Proper maintenance is particularly important given the specific challenges of towing, including the risk of snaking and pitching.
Snaking occurs when a caravan sways excessively from side to side, while pitching involves vertical instability with the caravan's front moving up and down.
Both conditions can seriously compromise safety and control while driving. Many modern caravans are equipped with electronic and friction stabilisers to reduce these problems, but regular safety checks remain essential.
Drivers must be aware of the legal requirements for towing caravans, which vary based on when they passed their driving test.
Motorists who obtained their licence before January 1, 1997, can usually drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8,250kg Maximum Authorised Mass.
Drivers who passed their test from January 1, 1997, onwards can tow trailers weighing up to 3,500kg MAM, known as a "category BE" vehicle. Most cars have a maximum towing capacity listed in the handbook or specification sheet.
The maximum trailer width for any towing vehicle is 2.55 metres. But if the vehicle's MAM is 3,500kg or less, drivers will not be allowed to tow a trailer longer than seven metres.
When towing a caravan, drivers must also adhere to specific speed limits, including 50mph on single carriageways and 60mph on dual carriageways and motorways, unless lower limits are in force.
It's a legal requirement to have appropriate towing mirrors that allow clear visibility of an area four metres wide from the side of the caravan at a distance of 20 metres behind the driver. Failing to use proper towing mirrors could result in three points on a driving licence and a fine of up to £1,000.
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Drivers can be fined £1,000 for failing to meet the towing rules for caravans
NORTH YORKSHIRE POLICEOther rules drivers must follow include not letting passengers travel in the caravan while it's being towed.The caravan's number plate must display the caravan's registration number and be illuminated at night.
The Camping and Caravanning Club offers one and two-day courses covering essential skills from hitching up to reversing. These courses allow drivers to use their cars while towing Club caravans under professional supervision.
