Regardless of you living or holidaying in a static caravan or motorhome, many people will watch television, but whether or not you require a TV licence is down to how you watch or record live television or programmes on the BBC’s iPlayer.
If you have a TV in a static caravan or motorhome that is your main residence, you will need to apply for a TV licence. If the TV in your static caravan or motorhome will be watched or recorded on at the same time as the set in your main residence, you will need a separate licence to cover your second home.
TV licence exceptions
The exception to having a TV licence is if the TV in your static caravan or mobile home is never in use at the same time as the one at your main home. To prove you do not use both TVs simultaneously, you need to print off, complete and sign a non-simultaneous use declaration form and send it to the TV Licensing Agency.
For a declaration to be acknowledged, you must have a TV licence at your main address and your caravan or motorhome must be capable of moving from one place to another (i.e. by being towed or transported on a vehicle or trailer).
Jason Hill, spokesperson for TV Licensing, said it is important that people understand the difference in licensing a touring caravan to a static one: “Being caught watching TV without a licence could put a real dampener on your holidays - we want people to ensure that they stay on the right side of the law.”
Penalties for not having a TV licence
A standard TV Licence costs £145.50 (£49.50 for black and white) for a year with a range of payment options, including monthly, weekly and quarterly bills. It covers the use of a TV, computer, laptop, mobile phone, tablet, games console, digital box or DVD/Blu-Ray/VHS recorder to watch or record television programmes.
Watching or recording programmes without having the relevant TV licence is a criminal offence. The maximum penalty in the UK is £1,000 (£2,000 in Guernsey and £500 in Jersey) plus any legal costs and/or compensation.
To pay for a TV licence, visit the TV Licensing website.
This article is for guidance only. Snooper cannot be held liable for any errors or omissions. If you are in any doubt, please contact TV Licensing.