RULES FOR MOBILE WORKSHOPS
Page 48
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
QAs a self-employed motor engineer I plan to buy a 7.5-tonne box van to convert to a mobile workshop.
It will carry tools, specialised equipment, oil and grease.
I have been told that I require a restricted operator's licence but, as no goods are involved, can I tax the vehicle private light goods and be exempt from operator's licence, tachographs, etc?
AThough you might not be carrying goods in the same way as a haulier, the tools, equipment, oil and grease you plan to have on the vehicle would amount to goods carried in connection with your trade or business.
You would need a restricted 0-licence and must pay goods tax at the ,E130 rate.
However, there is an exemption from the European Community hours' and tachograph law which might be of benefit to you.
Namely, The Community Drivers' Hours and Recording Equipment (Exemptions and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 1986.
This gives exemption to a goods vehicle, not over 7.5 tonnes permissible maximum weight, carrying material or equipment for the driver's use in the course of his work within a 50km radius of the vehicle's base, but excluding a vehicle if driving is his main activity.
As long as motor engineering is your main activity — not driving — you should come within the exemption. If so, you would be subject to the British hours' and records' rules.
But a person who does not drive for more than four hours on each day of a working week is exempt from the British hours' law during that week.
On any day when he does not drive for more than four hours and outside a radius of 50km of the vehicle's operating centre he is also exempt from keeping British records on that particular day.