If you own a motorhome, or are thinking about buying one, it’s imperative that you familiarise yourself with all of the legal requirements. Unlike a car, motorhomes are subject to a wider range of rules and regulations so it’s important to know where you stand before you hit the open road.
From the size of the motorhome that you can drive, to your consumer rights on a large purchase, follow the advice below:
Motorhome Tax
A motorhome is a M1-category, special-purpose vehicle built with accommodation. Some of these feature a MTPLM, known fully as Maximum Technically Permitted Laden Mass, of up to 3500kg, and these are classed as Private Light Goods Vehicles. Any MTPLMs that exceed 3500kg are Private Heavy Goods Vehicles.
For up to date rates, please visit the DVLA website.
Speed limits
Speed limits for motorhomes weighing less than 3050kg are exactly the same as they would be for cars. Heavier motorhomes are limited to 50mph on single carriageways, 60mph on dual carriageways and 70mph on motorways. When towing a trailer, the speed limit is 60mph on dual carriageways and motorways.
Seatbelts & Car Seats
Motorhomes registered on or after 20 October 2007 must be equipped with seatbelts on all forward and rear-facing dedicated travelling seats and as with cars, ALL seatbelts MUST be worn.
What you need to know about motorhome licencing
Drivers who passed the road driving test before 1 January 1997 may drive a motorhome of up to 7500kg MTPLM on his or her B+C1 licence. At age 70 however, a licence holder may still drive a motorhome of up to 3500kg MTPLM but to continue driving a motorhome that weighs more than that, the owner must submit a medical form D4 with renewal applications.
Drivers who passed their test on or after 1 January 1997 may drive a motorhome of up to 3500kg on a B licence. To drive any motorhome with an MTPLM of 3501-7500kg, it’s essential to pass a C1 licence test. A full C driving licence is obligatory to run a motorhome with an MTPLM of more than 7500kg – in order to do that, you must first pass an additional test