Roadside Checks by the DVLA and Police in the UK: What You Need to Know

Southern Towbars
7 days ago
3 min read

If you own or tow a caravan in the UK, it’s important to be aware of the rules and regulations that apply—not just for safety, but to stay on the right side of the law. The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) and UK police forces both carry out caravan checks to ensure road users are complying with legal requirements.

In this blog post, we'll cover what these checks involve, why they happen, and how you can make sure you're prepared.

Why Do Caravan Checks Happen?

Caravan checks are conducted to:

Ensure vehicles and caravans are roadworthy
Prevent overweight towing or unsafe setups
Confirm that the driver is licensed to tow
Crack down on stolen caravans or those with tampered Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs)
Reduce risks of road accidents

These checks help keep everyone on the road safe—and ensure that caravan owners are responsible and compliant.

Who Performs These Checks?

DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency):
- Primarily responsible for vehicle registration and driver licensing
- May flag discrepancies in caravan registration or ownership records
- Collaborates with police on stolen caravan databases (e.g. CRiS checks)
UK Police and DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency):
- Conduct roadside checks and inspections
- Use mobile weighbridges to check towing weight compliance
- Check if your driving licence includes the correct towing entitlement
- Inspect caravan safety (lights, brakes, tyres)

Common Areas Checked

During a roadside inspection or caravan enforcement operation, officers may check:

✅ Towing Licence Entitlement

As of 16 December 2021, most UK drivers can tow trailers up to 3,500kg MAM without an extra test.
Always check your licence to confirm what you’re legally allowed to tow.

✅ Tow Vehicle & Caravan Weight

Your caravan and car must be within legal weight limits.
The police may check the caravan’s plated Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM) and the actual loaded weight.

✅ Tyres and Lights

All lights (indicators, brake lights, reversing lights) must be working.
Tyres must be in good condition with at least 1.6mm tread depth.

✅ Brakes and Hitch Mechanism

Caravans over 750kg must have a working braking system.
The breakaway cable must be fitted correctly and in good condition.

✅ Number Plates and VIN

Your caravan must display the same number plate as your tow car.
Police can check VIN numbers to ensure the caravan is not stolen.

✅ Insurance and CRiS Registration

Caravan insurance isn’t mandatory by law, but police may check CRiS registration (UK's national register for touring caravans).

What Happens If You Fail a Check?

If the police or DVSA find an issue with your caravan or towing setup:

You may receive a fine, points on your licence, or be issued a prohibition notice.
In serious cases, your caravan may be impounded or you may be prosecuted.
You may be required to make immediate repairs or changes before continuing your journey.

Tips to Stay Compliant

✅ Check your driving licence category (look for B+E if you passed before December 2021)
✅ Weigh your caravan and check towing limits
✅ Carry out regular maintenance on tyres, brakes, and lights
✅ Ensure your caravan is CRiS-registered and secured against theft
✅ Have proper caravan insurance, even if it’s not required by law

Final Thoughts

Caravan checks by the DVLA and police are not meant to be a nuisance—they're about ensuring safety on UK roads for everyone. With a little preparation and regular maintenance, you can enjoy your caravan adventures worry-free.

Need Help?If you're unsure about your towing entitlement or want a weight check before your next trip, contact your local DVSA office or a professional towing service.