What is a 'commercial vehicle'?
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• A reader has asked for guidance as to what is a "commercial vehicle".
Curiously, while we all use the expression knowing quite well what we mean, it is a phrase that the law does not recognise. Vehicles are either described by type motor car, heavy motor car and so on or by their ability to carry goods as in goods vehicle.
The distinction is between a vehicle and a "goods" vehicle I am deliberately not considering passenger vehicles. The purpose for which the goods are carried may not be directly relevant when one considers the type of vehicle.
The problem of description arises particularly with dual-purpose vehicles such as "estate" cars, They may or may not be "goods vehicles" depending on the nature of the goods that are carried and the purpose for which they are carried. It is, I am afraid, largely a question of fact.
Conversely, looking at the question asked, the use of a vehicle for a "commercial" purpose does not make it a "commercial vehicle".
Two points: The use of a "car" for a commercial purpose may affect the insurance, and a failure to give your insurance broker adequate information could be very dangerous. The use of an "estate car" to carry goods could cause the vehicle to become a "goods vehicle" which could well affect the relevant level of tax • by Jonathan Lawton