Tachograph rules

[Excalibur]

Does anyone know, or could they point me in the direction of the rules regarding pulling trailers behind a 3500KG rated van. I am looking at buying one, and there appears to be some debate about tachograph requirements. The vehicle is already fitted with a tachograph.

[YorkieT]

Hi,

 

You might find the info that you are looking for on here,

 

http://www.transportoffice.gov.uk/crt/gene...legislation.htm

 

Alan.

[randal]

This might help ya

 

http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_...?n=9334&l=2

[Guest Ferret1959]

While on the transport topic, sorry to sort of hijack the thread but.............

 

Do VOSA require a transport operator to hold copies of drivers licences, both paper and picture?

 

Thanks.

[Zigs]

While on the transport topic, sorry to sort of hijack the thread but.............

 

Do VOSA require a transport operator to hold copies of drivers licences, both paper and picture?

 

Thanks.

 

 

and while its being hijacked, how many speeding convictions can we get before loosing our operators licence ?

[Norrie]

and while its being hijacked, how many speeding convictions can we get before loosing our operators licence ?

 

 

Ziggy,

 

Years ago, I got a speeding conviction, then almost immediately, got a letter from the Commisioners, telling me, that any more points, and I WOULD be pulled up in front of them, to explain, why I should keep my HGV licence.....

But on the same thread, I know of at least two self employed HGV driver, with an operators licence, who have 3 speeding convictions, so think ,they are all taken on there own merits....

 

Will do a wee bit research, and see what I can find out....

[Norrie]

Does anyone know, or could they point me in the direction of the rules regarding pulling trailers behind a 3500KG rated van. I am looking at buying one, and there appears to be some debate about tachograph requirements. The vehicle is already fitted with a tachograph.

 

 

Hiya, Have a look here, it should tell you what you want to know...compare it with your licence....

 

http://www.iwt.co.uk/scripts/faq/1.htm

 

http://www.direct.gov.uk/Motoring/DriverLi...&chk=BIZx8Z

 

http://www.direct.gov.uk/Motoring/DriverLi...&chk=oQylE9

Edited January 5, 2007 by Norrie

[Excalibur]

Thanks all, will look through these, al the humans had gone home before I could ring them.

[Yogi]

Hi Excalibur

 

Now I'm no expert on these things - BUT.

 

I used to work for a vehicle hire company, and if anyone came in for anything of 7.5 tonne or over we always asked if it was for personal use or company or business use. If it was for personal use they didn't need an operators licence, and no tacho. However for company or business use an operators licence was always needed and tacho used.

 

If your van and trailer is for business or company use then you should have a operators licence and use a tacho. If its for personal use then no tacho is needed.

 

Yes, I'm well aware there's a flaw in the system, but thats the government for you. This means to me that a guy who's un-experienced in driving lorry's can drive from Cornwall to Scotland non-stop apart from filling up using it for personal use. While an experienced driver will have to stop for tacho breaks within the rules of the law. Stupid, yep it is.

 

Must admit tho, its always been in the back on my mind. I've always wanted to hire a big motorhome and tour Europe visiting some of the Grand Prix's.

 

Hope some of the previous members can help with their links. I'd be interested too.

 

Yogi.

[chesters1]

no restrictions on 3.5ton motorhomes but not sure about the big buggers !no tacho needed in those though.

strange restrictions though towing cars though "A" frames are illegal in a euro country and many other strange laws that could catch you out.

you need a complete set of spare bulbs in france but a broken one in use is overlooked (so long as you have a french plate),a set of hi vis jackets are needed for all passengers in spain? are a couple

if like us you had a m/bike on the back of your camper an ordinary lighting board is fine over here (if it obscures the campers ones) but some strange looking board plate is needed abroad!!

 

luckily our "new" old trailer tent has an audible relay ,that would have caught me out over here had it not been already fitted (seems its now compulsory)??

 

another strange thing is that it has a "safety" chain ! but no brakes to make it work on ,if the trailer came off the pretty thin cable would snap in an instant ,strange ,i can see the reason for a cable to put on the brakes but not otherwise!

 

we found a motor home without an alternative form of transport a bind ,too big to park in a car parks bays (if it hasent a height restriction bar) so you cannot use it because it overhangs the lines and certainly not the best in visiting places with narrow streets hence the m/bike on the back

Edited January 5, 2007 by chesters1