Unimogs
Published 1 July 2012
© Crown copyright 2012
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General requirements
The Mercedes Unimog can fall within various categories. The rules which apply differ depending on its functionality, its use and how it is taxed with DVLA. A summary table is given below.
If the vehicle is not yet registered and taxed, in principle it is up to the user to pick the category which will suit what he wants to do with the vehicle, although if the vehicle is new then it will only be able to access certain categories, depending on what kind of type approval certificate is in possession of the person requesting registration.
In principle a Unimog by default would be classed as a truck, a vehicle that carries goods.
However, it is possible to classify the Unimog as an Agricultural vehicle (ie a tractor), if it is only used for agricultural purposes. Under this classification it has lower tax but is limited to lower speeds and cannot go on motorways. Two other possibilities are outlined in our table but these are uncommon.
Lighting – the rules are as per a conventional vehicle of the relevant category (in other words, a truck or a tractor). A full set of lights is normally required as you would see on any vehicle of that description, this also depends on age of the vehicle.
| Appearance and/or function | Tax class at DVLA | Limits on how it is used | Speed limits (mph): motorway/dual carr./single carr. | Motorway us | MOT needed | Driving licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural tractor. | Agricultural machine | Restricted only used for agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and for trimming hedges. | Cannot be used for other uses, eg hauling goods, going to the shops. | X/30/30 | Not allowed if taxed as agricultural machine | No Tractor (ie on a car licence, B category) |
| Truck or multi purpose vehicle. Load bed fitted. | HGV | Any use moving goods, hauling trailers, agriculture, council work etc. | 60/50/40 | Allowed | Yes from DVSA (Plated and tested) | C category (HGV) |
| Engineering plant. No load bed. Mobile machinery | Other Engineering plant ? | Only as a piece of mobile machinery – for example a “cherry picker”. Not allowed to carry goods. | 40/30/30 | As long as capable of exceeding 25mph | No | Car licence, B category |
| Truck, but no load area.Towing only | General haulage | Hauling a balanced trailer. Not allowed to carry goods itself. | 40/30/30 | Yes | No | C category (HGV) |
Printed copies
If you would like to purchase printed copies, Statutory Instruments are available to purchase from TSO:
The Stationery Office
TSO Orders/Post Cash Dept
Norwich
NR3 1GN
Telephone: 0870 600 5522
Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop
Alternatively you can consult consolidated versions such as ‘The encyclopaedia of road traffic law and practice’ published by Sweet and Maxwell. Such publications are continually updated and are available in most city reference libraries.
EU directives can be found on the EU website — the above lists all directives pertaining to road and agricultural vehicles.
UNECE regulations can be found on the UNECE website.
Paper copies of directives can be ordered from TSO or from the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) — telephone: +44 (0)117 952 4178 / 4143 or email: vista@vca.gov.uk
Legal information
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