Side rear windows on car-van?

Zaphod

Just wondering if it is legal to install side rear windows/glass panels into a car-derived-van so as to improve visibility? Or are there any VRT implications?

crosstownk

I'm not 100% sure, but I don't think there is an issue with windows - once there are no rear seats it's still considered a van.

Mr. Presentable

I'm pretty sure you can have no glass. After all, most come in as cars and are converted - why would you make work for yourself by taking out the glass?

I get your issue though, I have a car van and it's a pain to reverse. People seem to think you have xray vision and walk, drive across the back of you all the time.

Zaphod

Unfortunately, it seems as though you're correct.

"category A vehicle" means a vehicle other than a motor-cycle or a listed vehicle—

( a ) which is designed, constructed or adapted, solely or mainly for the carriage of the driver alone or the driver and one or more other persons, or

( b ) which is of not more than 3 tonnes unladen weight and has, to the rear of the driver's seat, a roofed area—

(i) which is fitted with one or more side windows, or

(ii) in which openings, suitable for the fitting of side windows, are or were incorporated and are not closed and sealed in accordance with such conditions as may be prescribed, or

(iii) in which one or more seats have been fitted or in which are provided fixtures or other devices for the purpose of fitting one or more seats, or

(iv) in which the floor is constructed or fitted otherwise than in accordance with such conditions as may be prescribed;

"category B vehicle" means a vehicle (other than a category A vehicle, a motor-cycle or a listed vehicle) which is of not more than 3 tonnes unladen weight and which has a roofed area to the rear of the driver's seat the floor of which is less than 2 metres in length when measured in such manner as may be approved by the Commissioners:

Provided that, where a motor vehicle is of not more than 1.3 tonnes unladen weight and the roofed area of the vehicle to the rear of the driver's seat has a load volume of more than 2 cubic metres when measured in such manner as the Commissioners may approve, the vehicle shall not be regarded as a category B vehicle;

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1992/en/act/pub/0009/sec0130.html

crosstownk

What about the current VW Golf van and the Opel Astra van which has the window intact, but with a plate welded in behind it?

Guy:Incognito

crosstownk wrote: »

What about the current VW Golf van and the Opel Astra van which has the window intact, but with a plate welded in behind it?

Could be a grey area that hasnt been noticed. Or maybe "window" refers to a hole or material that is see through as opposed to actually being glass? ie, not see through at al = not a window. Just a guess mind.