What are the rules to follow when traveling in a motorhome?

 

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...