For the first time, the SMMT and the National Caravan Council (NCC) have produced an official motorhome model register, developed to help the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to clearly identify motorhomes for first registration purposes. The DVLA needs to clearly identify a motorhome in relation to the chassis and satisfy itself that it meets the law for vehicles of this type. For instance, the external dimensions of motorhomes must not exceed 12 metres in length and 2.55 metres in width.

The Model Register was started in April 2006 and is regularly updated to include motorhomes sold in the UK. It includes the following information:

1. Model reference number
2. Brand name
3. Group or manufacturer name
4. Model name
5. Chassis manufacturer and Model
6. Length (mm)
7. Width (mm)
8. Height (mm)
9. NCC Approval number
10. European Type Approval number
11. DVLA checked (where applicable)

How do vehicles get listed?

A motorhome sold in the UK can be included on the Register provided it has one or more of the following:

• An NCC Approved Motorcaravan Europeene Norme Inspection.
• A Certificate of European Whole Vehicle Type Approval.
• A Certificate confirming conformity of dimensions issued by an independent testing authority eg. MIRA, Status.
• An NCC Certificate of Dimension Conformity.
• An inspection by DVLA.
• For American imports the verification of external dimensions is carried out by SMMT using the official manufacturer's technical details available publicly.

IMPORTANT: Anyone selling (or offering to supply) a vehicle is responsible for ensuring that it complies with all applicable laws. It is an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988 if a vehicle offered for sale is too long or too wide.

For details of how to register a vehicle or advice on obtaining the qualifying certification please contact Carmelo Aquilina at SMMT on 020 7344 9209 or e-mail caquilina@smmt.co.uk in the first instance.

First Registration process

Dealers applying to first register motorhomes can use:

• AFRL (Automated First Registration & Licensing) system, or
• a V55/1 or V55/2 if they have already been accredited to use either of these forms, or
• a V55/4 available from the DVLA Local Offices.
• a V55/5 if the vehicle has been previously registered or used overseas.

When presenting a V55 form for first registration a dealer must also provide either a copy of the Certificate of Conformity or a copy of the converter invoice showing the clear link of motorhome to base vehicle. If the model presented for first registration appears on the attached list and conforms to C& U dimension regulations (models appearing in Sections A, B and C), the DVLA will consider registering the vehicle without the need for inspection. If the model appears in Section D because it exceeds the maximum dimensions set by law, or if the vehicle is not on the current list the DVLA will inspect the vehicle before registering it.

Motorhome Statistics

The SMMT's Automotive Data Services department produces a database on the complete vehicle fleet in the UK. The following summary data has been extracted to provide a clear statement of the Motorhome market in this country and to help support the activities of this specialist market.

Reports tailored to your requirements are available from the ADS department; contact Carmelo Aquilina on 020 7344 9209 or e-mail caquilina@smmt.co.uk

SMMT's Motorhome Forum

The SMMT's Motorhome Forum brings together chassis and motorhome manufacturers, importers, retailers, suppliers and consumer organisations to exchange views, inform and consult on key motorhome industry issues. It monitors legislative developments and ensures that the motorhome case is presented to Government as well as promoting motorhomes in the UK. Its discussions help inform the SMMT representation on the Motorhome industry issues.

The Forum meets four times a year unless issues arise that require additional meetings to be convened which may be undertaken by specialist task groups. An essential component of the motorhome business is the high level of technical information and support that is required together with regulatory advice.

Committee correspondence is available to members of the committee only, in the restricted area of this site, or as distributed by the committee secretary by e-mail.

For further information please e-mail motorhomeweb@smmt.co.uk or
contact John de Mierre on 01444 453399 or by e-mail jdm@i-dmc.co.uk
Alternatively, contact Alison Handley SMMT Membership Dept on 020 7344 9210 email ahandley@smmt.co.uk