Motorists face £2,500 fine and driving ban for breaking caravan licence rules on UK roads

Motorists need to check their Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) allowance on their driving licence before towing a caravan, with experts warning not to set off without making sure.

In 2021, the law changed to allow drivers who passed their driving test on or after January 1, 1997, to tow trailers including caravans up to 3,500kg in MAM without needing an additional licence.

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As caravans grow in popularity and become equipped with the latest mod cons, many of them exceed this weight threshold, with drivers now risking fines for having the incorrect licence on UK roads.

Experts at BigWantsYourCar.com have shared: "Since not all caravans fit within this category, be sure to check the weight of your caravan to confirm you are permitted to tow it with a standard licence.

"If you got your driving licence before January 1, 1997, you could tow a larger caravan with a combined vehicle and caravan weight limit of up to 8.25 tonnes MAM, without needing an extra driving qualification."

The expert recommended checking the details on the back of the driving licence, which will tell drivers their MAM limit.

If the driving licence lists category B or BE, motorists can drive caravans up to 3,500kg, but if it reads Category C1E(107), drivers can tow larger trailers.

The expert explained that drivers also need to conduct safety checks on their caravan lights, which are used less frequently than car lights.

"This makes it much easier to overlook faults, but driving with a faulty light can lead to fines, a driving ban, and three points on your licence for operating a vehicle in a dangerous condition," the expert shared.

Drivers should also make checks on caravan tyres as they can lose pressure over time, "especially if the caravan has been stationary for months".

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As part of the safety measures, motorists need to check tyres for air pressure, signs of damage, and that the tread depth is at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread and around the entire circumference, which is the legal limit in the UK.

Last month, the DVSA issued a safety update for caravan owners in a bid to ensure they meet the UK driving standards, particularly as they become more popular in the summer months.

In a post on social media platform X, the agency shared: "Towing a caravan or trailer on narrow roads can be difficult. It’s challenging for any driver, especially those new to towing.

"Towing training is a great way to build confidence if you’re new or to refresh your towing skills."

The DVSA highlighted two key resources drivers need to use for caravan safety checks. This includes the Approved Workshop Scheme and the National Trailer and Towing Association's free safety checks.

These services help ensure caravans are in roadworthy condition before journeys set off. "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.

Experts have also reminded drivers to stick to speed limits and lane laws, which differ from regular driving. Drivers who tow a caravan must drive at 60mph while on motorways and dual carriageways, with speeds lowered to 50mph on single carriageways.

They must also stay out of the right-hand lane if the road has three or more lanes, or they could be slapped with a £100 fine and three penalty points.