This is a big step not only for prospective motorhome owners, but also for camping enthusiasts who want to rent a motorhome: The EU has decided on a significant change to the driving licence directive. In future, motorhomes with a total weight of up to 4.25 tonnes may be driven with a classic B driving licence - subject to certain conditions.
New regulation brings more freedom for campers
The The European Union has agreed on a revised driving licence directive which will bring real relief for many camping enthusiasts. In future, it will be possible to drive motorhomes with a gross vehicle weight of up to 4.25 tonnes with a category B driving licence - a clear improvement on the previous limit of 3.5 tonnes.
This decision is the result of intensive negotiations between the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. The amendment affects motorhomes and rescue vehicles in particular, for which a special regulation is planned.
How the new regulation works
In future, holders of a class B driving licence will be allowed to drive heavier motorhomes for hire - but only after successfully completing an additional training course or test. The exact implementation is left to the individual member states. For vehicles with alternative drive systems such as electric motors, this requirement is waived if drivers have been driving for at least two years without an accident on a B driving licence.
The new driving licence framework is not yet immediately valid: the directive must first be transposed into national law. The member states have until 2030 at the latest to do this.
Car and trailer combinations also benefit from the reform
Another adjustment concerns the total weight of vehicle combinations: In future, the combination - for example a motorhome with trailer - may have a total weight of up to five tonnes. The towing vehicle accounts for the majority of 4.25 tonnes, while the trailer may weigh a maximum of 750 kilograms.
What remains as it was
Despite the new driving licence, some previous regulations remain in place. For example, the truck overtaking ban for heavier vehicles still applies, as does the statutory speed limit of 100 km/h on motorways. In addition, the new weight extension only applies after the two-year probationary period has expired.
A look back: Previous regulation for motorhomes
Since 1999, holders of category B driving licences have only been allowed to drive vehicles with a maximum total weight of 3.5 tonnes. Larger motorhomes were therefore excluded - anyone wishing to drive them had to obtain a C1 driving licence. With the change that has now been adopted, this hurdle has been removed in many cases, especially for younger drivers who obtained their driving licence after 1999.
Further innovations at a glance
In addition to the regulation for motorhomes, the new EU directive brings further changes:
The minimum age for obtaining a lorry and bus driver's licence will be lowered to 18 - a step against the shortage of drivers in the transport industry.
The digital driving licence is to be introduced throughout the EU by 2030 at the latest and will be available via a central app - the EU eWallet.
In future, novice drivers throughout Europe will be subject to a standardised probationary period of two years.
In future, driving licence suspensions will apply throughout Europe - anyone who loses their driving licence in one EU country will no longer be allowed to drive in any other member state.
Caravanning industry association welcomes the new regulations
The Caravanning Industry Association CIVD welcomes the changes: "The reform creates better conditions for young people and families who want to experience sustainable holidays close to nature." The new rules finally make larger motorhomes accessible to a broader target group - a real benefit for anyone who enjoys travelling.
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