Acoustic Vehicle Alert Systems (AVAS) legislation in effect from 1st July 2019

[Haliotis]

Ah, Type Approval. An occurrence in the past has always made me wonder how this works in practice.

When I bought my 54-plate VW Touran (new), I had a tow bar fitted before taking delivery of it.  I noticed it did not have tell tale light or audible signal to show that the caravan indicators were working. Questioning this with the dealership, I was told that the facia bulb failure lamp detected the caravan lights when it was connected, and they demonstrated this to be so.

In club discussions with other caravanners I was fiercely advised that my car was illegal.  My enquiries due to my concern eventually ended with me exchanging info with the office for the Minister of Transport.

It was explained to me that, in theory, my vehicle was not legal.  But the bulb warning light as arranged on my car had become a common factor with cars manufactured in other countries (including those made for export to the UK), and the situation had become acceptable “by the back door”.

So, how rigidly is Type Approval applied in practice?

[FROSTYBALLS]

7 minutes ago, Haliotis said:

So, how rigidly is Type Approval applied in practice

Which is a question for another topic.