The share of sold motorhomes is growing above the “magic” limit of 3,500 kg. The maximum permissible weight has its advantages and disadvantages — let's take a look at them.
🪪Driver’s license
For vehicles over 3.5 t a driver’s license of at least group C1.
Motor vehicles 3.5 – 7.5 t · max. 8 seats · trailer up to 750 kg. Can only be issued to a holder of group B.
🚦Traffic regulations
Speed limits for vehicles 3.5–7.5 t are lower than for passenger cars. In practice, even camper vans up to 3.5 t often drive 90–110 km/h, which is not much over the legal limit for heavier ones (Czech Republic: 80 km/h, in practice 90 km/h).
In the registry, camper vans over 3.5 t are recorded as special-purpose vehicles in category M1 — thus the same as passenger cars.
⚖Payload — main advantage
Vehicles up to 3.5 t usually have very small payload. Vehicle weight increases due to mandatory safety systems. Some vehicles are approved only for 2 crew members.
You practically don’t have to worry about fines for overweight. They make up 6–7% of newly registered camper vans.
🛣Tolls and fees
Paradoxically Austria + occasional weighing of motorhomes + higher fines for overloading = one of the reasons for acquiring a heavier motorhome.
📋Conclusion
A wagon over 3.5 t is An interesting alternative. However, it requires more attention to the road rules of each country, a C1 driver's license and slightly higher operating costs (tolls, insurance). For Greater accuracy And it often costs a calmer ride.
By: Martin Štrimpfl • AKK ČR • Promobil • Womoblog • ADAC
