Can I be fined for storing a caravan in my garden?

CARAVANS are incredibly convenient while you’re on holiday, but where to store them when you’re not isn’t always so simple.

Here we take a look at the rules surrounding keeping a caravan in your garden.

Can I be fined for storing a caravan in my garden?

There is no specific law concerning parking your caravan in your garden.

This means you can generally park your caravan there, just as long as it isn’t causing any obstruction and you have parked carefully and responsibly. 

Owners should consider whether the way their caravan is parked poses any problem to their neighbours or other residents.

However, caravan owners could be issued with a fine, or even face a court appearance, for parking in their own garden because of a rather obscure law.

Some UK residences may contain clauses in their deeds prohibiting caravans from being parked in the garden or on the driveway.

This means it is a good idea to check your property deed before assuming you can park in either.

To be kept on your property, your caravan must have maximum dimensions of 20m long, 6.8m wide and 3.05m tall.

It will also need to be used as a temporary extension of your home — not as a completely separate dwelling.

As the GoCompare website explains: “You and your family are free to use your caravan as an extension of your home, for example as an extra bedroom or office, without applying for planning permission.

“If the caravan is effectively a separate home, like you’re renting it out to someone else, then you might need to apply for planning permission to do this legally.”

It is advisable to make sure you always inform your insurance company when you plan to move your caravan to a different storage location.

Founder of Ripe Caravan Insurance John Woosey said: “You can usually get hold of property deeds online via the Land Registry for a minimal fee.

“You can be given access to the deeds for any property — not just your own — so you can check your neighbour’s deeds, too. 

“This page on the Government website contains more information on how to access property deeds.

“Caravan parking rules are also sometimes set by local authorities, so read up on the rules specific to wherever you live to ensure that you don’t get caught out.

“Ultimately, despite all the fun and excitement it can bring, owning a touring caravan is a big commitment. 

“One of the many things you need to consider as a caravan owner is how and where to park your caravan when you’re not using it. 

“As a sensible owner, you should consider the impact of your parking on others before picking a spot — just as you would when parking your car.”

Do I need to take a special test to tow a caravan or trailer?

You do not need to take a specific test to tow a caravan trailer as long as you have a valid category B (car and small vehicle) driving licence.

However, the weight that you can legally tow depends on the date you originally passed your driving test.

If your licence was issued BEFORE January 1, 1997: You are allowed to drive a combined vehicle and trailer weight of 8,250 kg MAM (maximum authorised mass).

If your license was issued BETWEEN January 1, 1997 and January 19, 2013: You can drive a car or van of up to 3,500 kg MAM towing a caravan of up to 750 kg MAM. You can also tow a trailer over this weight providing that the combined MAM of both vehicles does not exceed 3,500 kg.

If your license was issued AFTER January 19, 2013: You are permitted to tow trailers under 750 kg MAM, or trailers heavier than that if the two vehicles’ combined weight is no more than 3,500 kg MAM.

Will my insurance cover me if I am towing a caravan or trailer?

Depending on your level of car insurance, your provider should cover you when towing a trailer.

That said, it is still worth checking with your provider to see if your policy covers towing.

It is not compulsory to get dedicated caravan insurance, but it is worth considering as many insurers cover the cost of damage to your car, but not the trailer, with a standard insurance policy.