Don’t Get Hit With a £1,000 Caravan Fine

Caravan owners who passed their driving test after 1997 could be liable for a fine of up to £1,000, if they fail to observe the towing restrictions on their licence.

Since 1997, holders of a Category B driving licence can tow a laden trailer over 750kg, provided the combined Maximum Authorised Mass of the trailer and towing vehicle is no more than 3,500kg.

Motorists who need to drive a heavier car plus caravan combination need to pass the Category BE car plus trailer test as well.

“It might seem odd,” the RAC’s Rod Dennis said, “but anyone who passed their driving test before 1 January 1997 is entitled to drive and tow considerably heavier vehicles than those who passed their test on or after this date.  Pre-1997 licences, for instance, permit motorists to drive minibuses and tow heavier trailers.

“This easily covers most ‘car plus caravan’ combinations.  But drivers who have passed their test from 1 January 1997 onwards can only tow a trailer or caravan if the combined maximum authorised mass of their vehicle and that of the trailer or caravan and is no more than 3,500kg.”