More and more people are being tempted by life on the open road. But here’s what you need to know about motorhomes to make sure you stay not only on the right side of the road, but the law too!
Who can drive a motorhome in the UK?
Whether you can drive a motorhome in the UK depends on:
- your licence
- your age
- the motorhome’s maximum authorised mass (MAM), which is its weight plus the maximum load it can carry
Licence rules for driving a motorhome
Here are GOV.UK’s licence requirements for driving a motorhome in the UK:
- Driving a motorhome with an MAM of up to 3.5 tonnes: you’ll need a category B licence.
- Driving a motorhome with an MAM of 3.5 to 7.5 tonnes: you’ll need a category C1 licence.
- Driving a motorhome with an MAM over 7.5 tonnes: you’ll need a category C licence.
Age restrictions for driving a motorhome
To drive a motorhome with an MAM of 3.5 tonnes or lower in the UK, you have to be at least 17.
To drive a category C motorhome (weighing over 7.5 tonnes), you’ll need a C licence, which you usually can’t get until you’re 21.
Check out the government's guide to driving licence categories.
Driving a motorhome in the UK
The speed limit on some roads in the UK is lower for vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes, which might apply to your motorhome.
For vehicles under 3.5 tonnes, the general driving speed rules in the UK are as follows:
- Built-up areas: 30 mph (unless you’re in Wales, where it may be 20mph)
- Single carriageways: 60 mph
- Dual carriageways: 70 mph
- Motorways: 70 mph
For vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, the general driving speed rules in the UK are as follows:
- Built-up areas: 20-30 mph (unless you’re in Wales, where it may be 20mph)
- Single carriageways: 50 mph
- Dual carriageways: 60 mph
- Motorways: 70 mph
Driving a motorhome abroad
Before driving abroad, do your research on the country you’re planning to visit.
Each will have its own laws and motoring regulations. For example, in France, you must carry a portable breathalyser in your vehicle.
If you’re travelling in Europe, you'll need a number plate with a UK identifier or UK stickers on your motorhome.
As you’re likely to be driving on the opposite side of the road, you’ll need to either deflect your headlights manually or buy a European conversion kit.
You'll need to take:
- proof of your motorhome insurance
- your driving licence
- other important document like your V5C certificate
Take a look at our European driving checklist for our top driving abroad safety tips.
Importing a motorhome
To import a motorhome into the UK permanently, you’ll need to register it as you would with any vehicle. If you don’t register it, you could face fines or prosecution.
There are restrictions, with a maximum length of 12m and a width of 2.55m, not including mirrors, bumpers, lamps and reflectors.
If it’s more than three metres high, a notice showing the height must be positioned in the driver’s view.
If your motorhome was manufactured in another country, you'll have to modify it to make sure it follows UK driving laws.
You should check on the UK government’s website whether you can import your vehicle if it’s modified, rebuilt or damaged.
Under the NCC’s certificate scheme, all motorhomes with an NCC-approved plate have been inspected to meet all UK and EU rules.
How you register your vehicle for importing depends on whether you’re having it shipped into the UK for you, or if you’re driving through the Channel Tunnel or via ferry yourself.
Head to the UK government’s vehicle import guide for a full list of steps.
Can I carry passengers in my motorhome?
Of course, but the driver is personally liable for the safety of all passengers in a motorhome and seatbelts must be used where fitted.
Side-facing seats aren’t illegal to transport passengers. But they often don’t fit seat belts easily and can actually increase the risk of injury in a frontal crash.
Seat belts must follow the latest British or European standards and be marked accordingly with either the ‘e’, ‘E’ or BS Kitemark.
The UK government advises that seat belts are professionally installed by qualified fitters, such as at a commercial garage or by a seat belt specialist.
When travelling with children, a motorhome has to follow the same seat belt regulations as all vehicles in the UK.
A suitable child restraint must be used, and these can't be fitted to side-facing seats. So, you'll need forward- or rear-facing seats with full three-point seat belts.
Loading a motorhome
Every motorhome has its own payload - its maximum weight, including contents on board.
This includes passengers, gas bottles, solar panels and leisure batteries, as well as all your holiday belongings.
The weight must be spread out safely - your motorhome will have a specific front and rear axle load.
These can be found on your motorhome’s weight plate, which is usually located inside the cab door or under the bonnet.
You can calculate the weights by visiting a public weighbridge. Your local council will be able to tell you where the nearest is and you might need to pay a small charge to use it.
Remember that if you make last minute additions, like a bike rack, this will affect the axle load and could invalidate your motorhome insurance.
Getting used to driving a motorhome and its load can take time, so it’s a good idea to take a manoeuvring course before you make any long trips.
Can I live in my motorhome?
Yes, you can live full-time in a motorhome as long as it’s fully road-legal and has a valid MOT. But there are restrictions on where you can park up.
Wild camping, whether in a hammock, tent or motorhome, is illegal in Wales and most of England, although is okay in many parts of Dartmoor and in Scotland.
Some landowners may allow you to park up overnight as long as you are respectful and leave no trace. It’s always a good idea to get permission before setting up camp.
Motorhome insurance
You'll need the right motorhome insurance before setting off on your adventures.
Most motorhome insurance policies will cover you for things like personal injury and will protect your belongings inside your motorhome up to a certain amount.
