Is my Mercedes Vito with windows classified as a van or a car?

I have just bought a Mercedes Vito with windows in the sliding doors behind the driving seat and a row of seats. For speed limits, is it classed as a van or a car, and when towing is it commercial, needing a tachograph?

Asked on 13 April 2023 by Mick Moor

Answered by David Ross
Typically the regulations for this kind of vehicle are not straightforward. You can read the full legislation on the government's website here www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1986/1078/regulation/3...e, but the short version is that your Vito is likely classified as a dual purpose vehicle, in that it can carry both passengers and goods, assuming it weighs less than 2040kg unladen.

Dual purpose vehicles are classified the same as car-derived vans in terms of speed limits, which means 60mph on single carriageways and 70mph on dual carriageways and motorways, but we have seen several stories of owners driving similar vehicles and getting speeding fines, which then have to be appealed. We would err on the side of caution until you are certain this is the class your Vito falls into.

You only need a tachograph when towing if the gross train weight of your vehicle is over 3500kg, and you can find this information on the weight plate which should be on the B-pillar.
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