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LEGAL MATTERS

Motorhomes, Driver's Licences,
and Motorhome Mass

Question: Is it the tare mass or GVM of a motorhome that will determine whether a Class B or a Class C1 driver's licence is required to drive this motorhome?
Answer: It is the tare mass. If this is less that 3500 kg, you may drive it with a light vehicle (Code B or EB) driver's licence, even if the GVM exceeds 3500 kg. If the tare exceeds 3500 kg, then a Code C1 driver's licence must be held.
Why: Because the GVM is not relevant to the driver's licence code in cases where the vehicle has not been constructed for the purpose of carrying goods.

Reference documents:
• Types of drivers' licences – Click here: (Reg 99 licence type.pdf)
• Legal opinion with supporting documents – Click here: (Alta Swanepoel Document.pdf)

Assistance in providing this information for members has been kindly provided by Dennis Bouwers of Motorhome World. Professional legal assistance is available from Alta Swanepoel & Associates using the contact information provided in the explanatory letter.

Caution: Loading a motorhome over the plated GVM, or towing a mass that results in a total combined mass that exceeds the plated Gross Combination Mass (GCM) are overloading violations that can lead to severe penalties. Those towing motor cars should beware, as the added mass could be a 1000 kg or more. Driver's licence class has no bearing on this matter.

Motorhomes - Tyres, Loads and Pressures

• Click here (Tyres.pdf) for the information that you need.

Tips when towing a manual vehicle
with an A-Frame

Question: Have any tips when towing a manual vehicle with an A-Frame?
Answer:
1. Brackets onto the vehicle to attach the A-Frame need to be sturdy and have no side flex.
2. Brackets cannot be attached solely to the towing and shipping tie down eyes of the vehicle – it needs to be properly secured to the chassis or the chassis may crack.
3. Monocoque chassis vehicles are made of thin plate and very difficult to safely attach towing brackets.
4. The A-Frame should not be made from light material.
5. The coupler must be properly rated - Not a 750kg coupler to tow a +1000kg vehicle.
6. The tow hitch of the motorhome must not be too high. The A-Frame should be near level or only slightly up when attached.
7. Always switch off your motorhome and towed vehicle when coupling up the electrics – to avoid any electrical spike.
8. When de-coupling park on a level surface and in a straight line.
9. Avoid sharp turns as this puts strain on the A-Frame.
10. Do not reverse with your vehicle attached – uncouple.
11. Check your A-Frame regularly for cracks and play.
12. Remember the following when coupling up
- Key one click on (to prevent steering from locking)
- Vehicle in neutral.
- Handbrake off.
- Radio, fan, any other accessories off.
13. Have a dummy key cut to leave in the ignition when towing. Lock the door manually with your original key.
14. Remember you cannot tow an automatic vehicle :)

Motorhomes - Professional Driver's Permit

Question: Do I need a Professional Driver's Permit (PrDP) to drive a motorhome
Answer: No
Why: Because a motorhome (provided that the windscreen licence disc identifies the vehicle type as a "caravan") does not fall into any of the listed vehicle categories that require a PrDP.

Motorhomes - Lending or Hiring to a Third Party

Question: Can I lend or hire my motorhome to a third party, or use my motorhome in the course of conducting my business?
Answer: If covered through the MCSA group insurance scheme: The Garrun Group Policy cover does not allow for hiring or lending to third parties; you will lose your cover. Advise the broker of your needs and he/she will arrange appropriate cover for such use outside the standard MCSA Club cover. Read your policy document carefully.

Knowing more about the Law

Question: Where can I source information on road law and other related matters?
Answer: Go to www.foresightpublications.co.za

Holiday Exchange Programme

Question: What is motorhome holiday exchange?

Answer: Motorhome holiday exchange is a mutual agreement of the following kind.

An local MCSA member with Club insurance cover can negotiate with a foreign motorhomer owning an insured motorhome abroad to swop use of vehicles, so that the MCSA member has a motorhome holiday abroad, and the foreign motorhomer has a South African motorhoming holiday here.

Conditions:
The MCSA is not involved in the mutual contract between the two persons. It is the member's responsibility to check the bona fides of the foreign party. It should be a genuine swop; i.e. both holidays have parity in value, and no money is paid from either party to the other. Payment of any kind will constitute motorhome hire, which is prohibited by recreational insurance cover. You will be liable if you are caught playing skellem on this.
The two participants need to consult their respective insurance brokers to sort out the arrangement, and an additional premium payment for this special extension to the two existing policies for the swop periods will be needed.
Get yourself an international driving permit from the AA, and check for its validity in the countries in which you intend to travel.
Check that there will be no problems if you intend crossing customs/immigration borders on the motorhome route.
Advantages: This can save you a lot of money on an overseas trip

Disadvantages:
If you involve yourself with someone who does not treat your motorhome like you do, then you could lose out on the deal.

MCSA Constitution

Download a copy of the MCSA consitution.

Definition of a Motorhome for membership purposes

Membership of the Motorhome Club of South Africa is restricted to vehicles that comply with the principles and standards of being a "Motorhome". Such vehicles must be licenced as a "Self-Propelled Caravan" and have the basics of a bed, fridge, cooking plate and built-in cupboards. Converted cargo vans and bakkies must comply with these standards.

POPI Declaration

Click here for our POPI Declaration in English

Laai ons POPI-verklaring in Afrikaans af

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