Reply To: Dinghy Trailers and the EU
I seem to be getting down to the bottom of this issue now. It seems that I have two options eg either carry on regardless or talk to the VOSA. I have to say that the RYA have been very good about this as they have replied to me even though I am not a member. I hope the following reply to my question from the RYA will be helpful to any other sailors having this issue with trailers.
Dear Mr Ward
I suspect a home built trailer built prior to 2012 is likely to be exempt as I do not believe the Regulations are retrospective. Indeed the Gov UK website specifically states that approval is not required for light good vehicles (3,500kg maximum weight or less) over 10 years old. https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-approval/exemptions-from-vehicle-approval. I would advise you to contact VOSA to discuss the matter in more detail.
Proving an exemption will only be necessary if stopped by the police and asked to do so and I would have to say that is unlikely to happen as the police as fairly unfamiliar with trailer law – if you were required to prove the exemption you are likely to have to show evidence of the date of build, which I appreciate may be difficult.
Here is a link to the actual Regulations covering approval for trailers – http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2009/717/pdfs/uksi_20090717_en.pdf the reading of which, I have to say, is like wading through treacle!
As you are a non-member of the RYA I have spent as much time as I am able to on this matter.
Regards
Mandy E Peters FCILEx LLM
RYA Legal Advisor
Royal Yachting Association
T: 02380 604225 | M: 07810 102 185 | E: [email protected]
