Is it an actual offence to be in a caravan while it's being towed on the highway?

george d

Definitely illegal, the driver would have been charged with endangering life. Just look at what happens to a van in a crash, compared to a modern car!!
One of the reasons that no passengers are allowed in towed caravans is the braking system, which relys on the weight of the van pushing on the coupling to apply what passes for brakes. Another reason is - more importantly - WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION , and the correct "down weight " on the coupling - in-correct distribution can cause snaking, and at worst cause the van to overturn. That is why it is important to stow any bulky objects over the axle(s), or better still get rid of the wobbly box !!
Top Gear & Brainiac Science Abuse have got it spot on!!! The " Showmans Living Vans " are usually an "A Frame" Drawbar, fitted with air brakes, but are limited by law to a max of 40 mph if part of a 2 trailer set up.
I have followed many of our "Travelling Community" with children sleeping in the caravans, while they dash between illegal camp sites!!

mark

In the UK it definitely is illegal.

gazza

in england yes its an offence

jules

Offence to carry passengers in a trailer

Gary

Yes it is if you are in the UK, not sure about other countries. It is a health and safety issue, as a caravan being towed only has two wheels so it is therefor not very stable.

A friend of mine was towing a caravan a few years back, doing about 40 mph a car cut in from of them causing them to swerve. The caravan turn over several times. Everyone in the car was fine. Hence the need for the law.

Mrs Shady

Yes its illegal(in the UK anyway)Too many idiots on the road these days!

Spike H

yes without a doubt in the uk

Maid Angela

I believe so. Could it have been a motor caravan??

musonic

I'm quite sure it is illegal to be in a hitch-up trailer caravan, but I'm not sure if that applies to properly linked showmen's caravans based on truck-trailers.

After all, a bendy-bus is nothing more than a truck a trailer combination, with seats.

I would tink it would be illegal in any towed caravan, on the basis of no seat-belts or forward facing, secure seats.

Just my hunch without checking the legal facts, but it makes perfect sense to me not to travel in a caravan, unless it is a motor-home or motor-caravan.

PS: I've just realised that a "caravan" towed by a steam traction-engine, is perfectly legal, but that may be down to historic vehicle exemptions.