Update regarding the European legislation driving license B!
Can you drive a 4,250kg motorhome with an ordinary car license? If it is up to the European Parliament, you already can! After intense lobbying by all European camping federations and professional associations, the first step of this new law was taken at the end of February 2024. A fantastic prospect, although we must keep in mind that this is a long-term prospect: IF the law is officially approved, IT WILL TAKE EFFECT AT THE EARLIEST IN 2028.
More payload capacity
This possible new directive is extremely good news! Over the years, safety and environmental requirements have increased the empty weight of a motorhome by several hundred kilograms. However, the upper limit for driving a motorhome with a normal car license remained at 3,500 kg. This meant that the payload for an identical motorhome had been decreasing over the years. This could now change!
Vanomobil takes the lead
Even if the law passes, you are and will remain dependent on the allowable weight of your chassis. After all, a motorhome made to carry 3.5T cannot suddenly carry 4T! How much your motorhome can carry can be found on the COC of the motorhome body: point 16 (or 16.1) Maximum Permitted Mass (MTM).
For the last 5 years, Vanomobil has been at the forefront of communication on this subject and we have tried to convince our customers to buy a motorhome on Heavy chassis or MTM 4250kg! These are also safer to drive and brake.
As a buyer, you may not be concerned about weight at the time of purchase or you may not know what to look for. Our team always communicates transparently and guides you to the best motorhome for your needs, also looking at the future. We were convinced that in the foreseeable future the MTM of a motorhome to be driven with driving license B would go up, and the moment is almost there!
When does this new law go into effect?
Can you drive a 4.25T motorhome with your car license, starting from tomorrow? Unfortunately not yet! The directive has now been voted but still needs to be practically worked out by the European Parliament, which also needs to incorporate it into the legislation of each European country. It is estimated that it could take until 2028 until it is applicable in every European country! So wait a little longer to take that extra suitcase with y
Update March 2025 – Provisional Political Agreement Reached
On March 25, 2025, the European Parliament and the Council reached a provisional political agreement on the revision of the European driving license directive. For motorhome drivers, this means that the plans to raise the maximum allowed weight with a category B driving license to 4,250 kg are now a significant step closer to being realized.
However, this extension will only apply if the driver completes specific training or takes an exam. Member states can decide whether this training involves practical instruction, a theoretical test, or both. For motorhomes with alternative drives (such as electric or hydrogen), this requirement will be waived if the driver has driven accident-free for at least two years.
Additionally, there are a few other relevant reforms:
- The introduction of a digital driving license, equivalent to the classic physical version
- Extension of the validity period of the category B driving license to at least 15 years
- Broader opportunities for young professional drivers to start earlier
Update May 2025
The Transport Committee of the European Parliament has presented a final proposal for the fourth Driving Licence Directive, requesting its full adoption. The directive still needs to be approved between the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. Fortunately, an agreement has already been reached, and only formal approval is still required. After that, it will be up to the Member States to transpose the directive into national legislation. The directive is expected to come into force no earlier than 2028.
