Drivers of motorhomes and caravans have been warned they could be slapped with penalties of up to £2,500 as well as driving bans for committing "common" driving mistakes.
It comes after experts pinpointed several errors that could invalidate insurance coverage and create serious safety hazards on the roads for larger vehicles.
The mistakes range from operating vehicles without proper licencing to fitting unsuitable towing equipment and failing to display correct registration plates.
**ARE YOU READING THIS ON OUR APP? DOWNLOAD NOW FOR THE BEST GB NEWS EXPERIENCE**
With numerous families travelling over the summer holiday period, the warnings serve as crucial guidance for those unfamiliar with the distinct regulations governing motorhomes and caravans.
Drivers of the larger vehicles could be slapped with hefty fines for having incorrect licences
|GETTY
These vehicles must comply with separate legal requirements from standard cars, encompassing specific licencing categories, reduced speed restrictions, and maximum weight regulations.
Driving regulations differ significantly based on when motorists obtained their driving qualifications, creating confusion for many holidaymakers.
Individuals who qualified before January 1, 1997, typically possess automatic entitlements for Categories C1, BE and C1E, permitting them to operate motorhomes weighing up to 7,500kg Maximum Authorised Mass and tow combinations reaching 8,250kg MAM.
However, those qualifying from January 1, 1997, onwards face stricter limitations under Category B, restricting them to vehicles not exceeding 3,500kg MAM. Operating heavier motorhomes requires passing an additional C1 examination.
Motorhome owners have been urged to check their licence allows them to drive larger vehicles
| PARecent changes in December 2021 granted automatic BE entitlements to post-1997 licence holders in England, Scotland and Wales, allowing them to tow trailers up to 3,500kg MAM alongside vehicles of equivalent weight, totalling 7,000kg maximum.
Experts also warned that equipment violations represent another major area where holidaymakers face substantial penalties.
Vehicles registered after 1998 require EC-type-approved tow bars matched to the specific vehicle model, with improper installations risking fines reaching £2,500, three penalty points, and potential driving disqualifications for operating dangerous vehicles.
Visibility requirements mandate fitting extended towing mirrors when caravans exceed the width of the towing vehicle's rear section. But motorists who fail to install appropriate mirrors face fines of up to £1,000 and three penalty points.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Complying with number plate rules also presents additional challenges, with experts explaining that caravans must display identical plates to the towing vehicle at the rear.
Some drivers mistakenly transfer their car's rear plate to the caravan rather than obtaining a duplicate, risking £1,000 fines and potential insurance invalidation following accidents.
Speed restrictions for recreational vehicles differ markedly from standard automobile limits, catching many drivers unaware.
Motorhomes weighing under 3.05 tonnes unladen follow the same limits as cars, while heavier models face reduced maximum speeds of 50mph on single carriageways and 60mph on dual carriageways.
Towing vehicles face further restrictions, with 50mph limits on single carriageways and 60mph on both dual carriageways and motorways. Additionally, vehicles towing caravans cannot use the right lane of the motorway.
Drivers towing caravans must ensure they have the right number plates attached to both vehicles
| GETTYDimensional awareness proves equally critical, as numerous operators misjudge their vehicle's measurements, resulting in bridge collisions.
International travellers must verify precise dimensions for ferry and Eurotunnel access, while noting measurement unit variations across European nations. Weight violations pose additional dangers, with overloading affecting vehicle handling, braking performance, and fuel consumption.
Personal possessions, accessories, and water tank contents frequently push vehicles beyond legal limits, resulting in £300 fines and penalty points while endangering all road users.
Lee Evans, insurance expert at Quotezone, emphasised the importance of thorough preparation: "Caravanning and motorhome holidays are becoming increasingly popular and are a great way to enjoy a UK staycation or a holiday abroad, but aren't always straightforward."