Your motorhome and the law

Latest figures show that motorhome sales have reached an all-time high. According to the National Caravan Council (NCC), new registrations have risen by 83% in the last decade, up from 8,017 in 2009 to 14,691 in 2018.

Life on the open road is alluring, there’s no doubt about it. But here’s what you need to know to make sure you stay on the right side of not only 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 and the motorhome’s maximum authorised mass (MAM), which is its weight plus the maximum load it can carry.

If you passed your driving test before January 1 1997, you can usually drive a vehicle and trailer combination with a MAM of 8,250kg. Before doing so, it’s wise to check your driving licence information. Note that a limit of 3,500kg applies to drivers over the age of 70, unless they have passed a medical test or an additional test.

Drivers who passed their test on or after January 1 1997 can drive a vehicle and trailer combination with a MAM of up to 3,500kg (3.5 tonnes) with up to eight passenger seats. Some smaller motorhomes will come under this category, but mid-size and larger motorhomes will be heavier, particularly when fully loaded.

To drive a motorhome with a MAM of between 3,500kg and 7,500kg, you need a category C1 licence. If you passed your driving test after 1997, you might need to take an extra test to qualify for this. To drive a motorhome with a MAM of over 7,500kg, you need a category C licence.

Driving a motorhome in the UK

Remember that the speed limit on some roads in the UK is lower for vehicles weighing more than 3,500kg, which might apply to your motorhome. For example, the speed limit on a dual carriageway for vehicles under 3,500kg is 70mph, but for motorhomes over this weight, it’s 60mph. The speed limit on a single carriageway for vehicles under 3,500kg is 60mph, while any vehicle over 3,500kg is restricted to 50mph.

It’s also important to ensure you have the right motorhome insurance. We offer comprehensive, third party, fire and theft and third party only motorhome insurance - as well as the right travel insurance for your adventures! 

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, and ignorance isn’t a defence! Did you know, for example, that in France you must carry a portable breathalyser in your vehicle? 

If travelling in Europe, you will need a GB Euro number plate or GB stickers on your motorhome. As you’re likely to be driving on the opposite side of the road, you will need to either deflect your headlights manually or buy a European conversion kit. 

The uncertainty around Brexit is not making life any easier for motorists, but our guide to driving in Europe after Brexit covers some of the main questions. We also look into what might happen to the EHIC after Brexit for travellers to Europe.

You will need to take proof of your motorhome insurance, your driving licence and other important documents such as 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. There are restrictions, with a maximum length of 12m and a width of 2.55m, not including mirrors, bumpers, lamps and reflectors. There’s no height limit but, if your motorhome is 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 will again have to modify the headlamps for use on UK roads, as well as make sure the speedometer displays speed in mph. Whether the vehicle was manufactured in the UK or abroad, it still needs to comply with UK safety regulations. Under the NCC’s certificate scheme, all motorhomes with a NCC-approved plate have been inspected to meet all UK and EU rules.  

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, whilst not illegal to transport passengers, do not accommodate seat belts easily and can actually increase the risk of injury in a frontal crash.  

Seat belts must comply with 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 is subject to the same seat belt regulations as all vehicles in the UK. A suitable child restraint must be used and these cannot be fitted to side-facing seats, so you will need forward or rear facing seats with full three-point seat belts.

Loading a motorhome 

As explained above, 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 distributed safely and your motorhome will have a 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, such as 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, and it’s a good idea to take a manoeuvring course before you make any long trips. The Caravan Club runs a series of courses designed to build confidence, give tips and ensure motorhome drivers stay safe. 

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. There are, however, 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 permissible in many parts of Dartmoor and in Scotland. However, some landowners will allow you to park up overnight as long as you are respectful and leave no trace. It’s always a good idea, if possible, to get permission before setting up camp.

Motorhome insurance

You will, of course, need the right motorhome insurance before setting off on your adventures and our motorhome cover has a 9.5 out of 10 customer satisfaction rating*. With Admiral, you and your spouse are covered for up to £5,000 for personal injury, while we’ll also include your SatNav and personal belongings in the policy.

We have a 24-hour emergency helpline and, if you have a second van, we will, in most cases, match the no claims bonus of your motorhome. Get a motorhome insurance quote. 

* According to an SMS survey of new customers in 2018.