Is it illegal to tow a caravan with broken lights?
CARAVAN holidays are an exciting experience for all the family, but it’s important to understand the laws around lighting your caravan.
Failing to have working lights on your caravan comes with a number of issues, so here is a guide on the lights you will need.
Is it illegal to tow a caravan with broken lights?
A caravan must have a number of working lights on the back.
They must have two back red sidelights, two red stop lamps, an illuminated number plate and two triangular red reflectors.
They must also have amber indicators which flash between 60 and 120 times per minute.
Driving without these lights is illegal.
Also, caravans over 1.3m wide must have at least one red fog lamp.
Your caravan must also have front reflectors and, if they are more than 1.6m wide, they must have front position lights.
Can I be fined for towing a caravan with broken lights?
Failing to have working lights when you are towing a caravan could mean that you will face a fine.
If your driving was presenting a serious danger on the road and your lights were broken, then you could face more serious charges.
The laws around caravan lights are designed to keep you and other drivers safe on the road, so they are worth paying attention to.
What are the laws on towing caravans?
A caravan is great if you are heading off on holiday, but you must make sure that you are towing it within the law.
Passengers are not allowed to stay inside the caravan when it is being towed, as caravans are not built to withstand an impact from a car.
If there was an accident, someone inside the caravan could be seriously hurt or injured.
You do not need to have an MOT for your caravan or pay insurance, but experts recommend that you look to get both.
Speaking to your insurance provider can allow them to adjust you premiums and make sure that you are paying the right amount for your coverage.
What is the difference between a caravan and a motorhome?
Motorhomes are typically larger than a caravan and have their own engine.
On the other hand, caravans are towed by a car and cannot drive themselves.
Whether you buy a caravan or a motorhome is dependent on your needs.
A motorhome has an engine which means it must pay road tax.
A caravan is better if you are planning on spending a lot of time in one place, as you can park the caravan and travel around the surrounding area by car.
A motorhome is better if you might be travelling to a number of sights.
With a motorhome, you can easily park up and begin your holiday.