Trailer Board Lights Legal or Illegal

Hmm! Technically, any lights that are fitted, MUST work. Therefore, if the marker lights are not working, and you get pulled over by VOSA, you may well end up with a caravan you are not allowed to tow any further.

On the other hand, it is very unlikely that will happen, and using the trailer board is legal to cover the rear lights. You don't legally need a fog light, nor reversing lights, but then again, if they are fitted they should work.

So, in answer to your question, no, it isn't legal to use the trailer board if your caravan is fitted with marker lights, a fog light and reversing lights that don't work.

However, it could be argued that as it isn't foggy, or dark, they are not needed anyway. As for a police officer nicking you for it, it isn't going to happen if the main lights and indicators on the trailer board work.

I'm sorry, but if the caravan was manufactured on or after the 1st April 1980 it must have a type approved rear fog lamp. A reversing lamp is optional, but if fitted it must display an approval mark if the caravan was first used on or after 1st October 1985.

To be honest carrying a trailer board incase of caravan electrical problems isn't a bad idea.

If you have room for storage & the cost is relatively low compared to the implications of not having the correct lighting / issues. 

We only have 7 pin trailer socket on the towcar anyway , but relay on a 13 Pin adapter for caravan connection when towing.