Motorhome road trips
are becoming essential on vacation ... But there are rules to be observed in
terms of parking, permits, etc. We tell you everything!
Since the first
confinement, sales of motorhomes have exploded. It must be said that it is a
way to go on vacation particularly suited to the current situation. Respect for
social distancing, comfort like at home, and discovery of unusual places.
But there are also
specificities specific to motorhomes in terms of legislation. Which license for
which motorhome? How many people can you carry onboard? But also authorized
parking lots for this type of "house on wheels". We explain
everything to you so that your future stay goes as smoothly as possible.
Which license to
drive a motorhome?
The B license is
sufficient to drive a motorhome on the condition that it weighs less than 3.5
tonnes. If your vehicle is towing a trailer weighing more than 750 kg and the
weight of the motorhome and the trailer is between 3.501 tonnes and 4.250
tonnes, you will need to add the B96 training to your B license. The B96
training is done for 7 hours in driving school.
If the weight of
your trailer is over 750 kg or if the weight of the trailer + the camper van
exceeds 4,250 tonnes, you will need to obtain the BE permitted. Finally, if the
trailer exceeds 3.5 tonnes, it will be necessary to opt for a C1E permit.
What equipment is
required onboard?
In France, the
mandatory equipment is the same as for a car, namely a safety triangle and a reflective vest. Be careful if you are traveling in Spain,
the highway code imposes two triangles to be able to signal in both directions
of traffic.
All people on
board the motorhome must be able to be fitted with a seat belt. Attention to know
the authorized number of people on board, it is necessary to refer to the gray
card and not to the number of beds present.
When to carry out
the technical control?
The technical
inspection of a motorhome due before the 4 th anniversary of the first vehicle
into circulation if it is new. The check must be carried out every two years
for a vehicle over four years old or bought used. As for cars, a technical
inspection of fewer than 6 months is necessary for the event of a sale.
Where to park with
a motorhome?
Unless a municipal
decree to the contrary, motorhomes can park freely in a car park and even sleep
there. However, the vehicle must be in a parking space and it is forbidden to
remove accessories such as a table or wheel chocks on the public highway. This
would be qualified as public camping and reprehensible.
Many
municipalities offer reception areas reserved for motorhomes. On these, it is
possible to take out the table and chairs for the meal. Be careful, however,
some municipalities only allow parking and not the "unpacking" of
accessories. Still, others limit the number of nights allowed in these
reception areas.
Finally,
campsites, of course, which offer special pitches for motor homes and all the
necessary amenities… For the price of a pitch of course! You can now travel the
roads of France in full knowledge of the laws that govern the world of
motorhomes...
