The Ultimate Guide to Campervan and Motorhome Speed Limits

Although driving a motorhome or campervan is simple and accessible for new drivers, there are plenty of things you need to know before you take to the road. One mandatory factor to consider is campervan and motorhome speed limits in the UK, since the legislation is a little different from driving a car, particularly when on the motorway.

As specialist industry experts, we are here to help you with any guidance you may need when it comes to the functioning of your leisure vehicle. Stocking a quality range of new motorhomes for sale, we can help you make the most of your holiday on the road. We offer servicing packages, endless accessories and much more across our excellent branches.

But motorhomes aren’t the only things we specialise in. Catering to all kinds of holidaygoers, we also provide new caravans for sale that provide spacious getaways, as well as perfectly compact cutting-edge campervans that allow for spontaneous trips. No matter what kind of vehicle you’re after, at Spinney we can help. Simply contact us to get your new adventure started.

But, before reaching out, let’s get into the details of motorhome speed limits in the UK.

Campervan and motorhome speed limits in the UK

When it comes to cars, speed limits are fairly straightforward, with different roads demanding different legal requirements. Caravan and motorhome speed limits in the UK are slightly different, however, being based on maximum authorised mass (MAM) and whether or not a trailer is being towed by your vehicle. So, let’s break down exactly how the speed limits work.

Speed limits for campervans and motorhomes under 3.05 tonnes

Speed limits for motorhomes under 3.05 tonnes vary across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

• 30mph in built-up areas in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
• 20mph in built-up areas in Wales.
• 60mph on single carriageways across the UK.
• 70mph on dual carriageways across the UK.
• 70mph on the motorway across the UK.

Speed limits for campervans and motorhomes over 3.05 tonnes

Speed limits for motorhomes that exceed 3.05 tonnes can vary a little more in comparison to lighter vehicles. Very large, often premium motorhomes, over 12 metres in length, abide by different speed limit laws.

• 30mph in built-up areas in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
• 20mph in built-up areas in Wales.
• 50mph on single carriageways across the UK.
• 60mph on dual carriageways across the UK.
• 70mph on the motorway across the UK.

Are speed limits different when towing?

Yes, speed limits are slightly different if you’re using a campervan or motorhome to tow a trailer or car. The speed limit changes in order to protect road users since trailers increase the stopping distance of the motorhome/campervan.

Speed limits for campervans and motorhomes when towing (regardless of vehicle weight)

• 30mph in built-up areas
• 50mph on single carriageways.
• 60mph on dual carriageways.
• 60mph on the motorway.

Are UK motorhome speed limits different in Europe?

Every country across the world has slightly different legal requirements when it comes to speed limits. So, if you’re planning to take your motorhome or campervan across the UK border and into Europe, then you’ll want to do your research before you put the keys into the ignition. Doing this will help you to stay safe and legally compliant no matter what country you’re in.

Motorhome speed limits in France

Motorhome speed limits in France can vary depending on visibility and the length of time a driver has held their licence. When driving your motorhome in France, remember these speed limit guidelines.

• 50 km/h in built-up areas.
• 110  km/h on dual carriageways.
• 130  km/h on the motorway.

Motorhome speed limits in Spain

Spain has a legal maximum speed limit for motorhomes, regardless of weight, with these types of vehicles being restricted to driving beneath 120 km/h.

• 90 km/h for motorhomes under 3.5 tonnes on regular roads.
• 120  km/h for motorhomes under 3.5 tonnes on motorways.
• 80 km/h for motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes on regular roads.
• 90  km/h for motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes on motorways.

Motorhome speed limits in Italy

If you’re taking your motorhome to Italy, it’s worth remembering that the speed limit is lowered when driving on the motorway in bad weather conditions.

• 50 km/h for motorhomes under 3.5 tonnes in built-up areas.
• 130 km/h for motorhomes under 3.5 tonnes on motorways.
• 50 km/h for motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes in built-up areas.
• 100 km/h for motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes on motorways.

Penalties for improper speed limit compliance

Failure to comply with the UK speed limit regulations can result in a variety of penalties, including fines and points on your licence. In particularly serious or repeated violations, your licence may be revoked. The minimum fine for speeding is £100 in addition to three points on your licence, however, these points can be avoided if you’re a first-time offender and instead partake in a speed awareness course.

Some guides state that drivers can only be prosecuted when the speed limit is exceeded by 10% plus 2mph, but this isn’t legally enforced by law enforcement, so it’s best to stick to the stated speed limit. Indeed, exceeding the relevant speed limit by more than 11mph could lead to fines and penalty points. Furthermore, driving over 21mph over the speed limit could result in an outright ban.

While speeding is the most common driving offence in the UK, with 2,324,542 speed limit breaches being recorded in 2023, it’s far from the only driving offence. Other offences, which can result in a variety of penalties, include:

• Careless driving.
• Using your mobile phone behind the wheel.
• Driving a vehicle that doesn’t match the allowances of your licence (remember, motorhome licences differ slightly from car licences).
• Driving without an MOT.
• Driving without car or motorhome insurance.

What is a speed limiter?

A speed limiter is a small electronic device that is installed in a vehicle that prevents it from going over a specific speed. Mandatory for large motorhomes that are over 3.5 tonnes MAM, speed limiters restrict the amount of power that is sent to the engine. The installation of these devices helps to improve road safety and reduce the likelihood of collisions.

Essential tips for safe motorhome driving

For some drivers, motorhomes can be a daunting prospect thanks to their size and weight, but handling a large campervan or motorhome is surprisingly simple. First-time drivers should certainly take their time and take the weight and size of the vehicle into account when on the road, but some other motorhome driving tips may not be quite as clear.

Lane Usage

Motorhomes or campervans beneath 3.5 tonnes can generally use any lane on the motorway, just like a car. Campervans or motorhomes over 3.05 tonnes, however, cannot use the third lane. Similarly, you cannot use the outside lane if you’re towing a caravan or a trailer.

Weight distribution

Proper weight distribution when packing your motorhome or campervan should be considered essential in order to improve the handling of your vehicle. To maximise the performance of your vehicle, the heaviest items should be stored low down over the axles.

Reversing

This is one aspect of motorhome driving that some may find difficult to adjust to. Great care should be taken when reversing your motorhome, considering just how much extra space is needed to accommodate its size. Choose a large berth to park in and utilise every one of your mirrors intelligently. If you have a passenger who can get out to help you reverse, this is always helpful.

How to lighten the load of your motorhome

Lightening the load of your motorhome will make it easier to drive for both new vehicle owners and seasoned pros. In addition, making sure your motorhome is under 3.05 tonnes MAM will allow you to drive at faster speeds than if your vehicle were over 3.05 tonnes. There are a number of things, both major and minor, that you can do to lighten the weight of your vehicle.

• Choose a lightweight motorhome: You may want to consider doing this during your initial decision process! If a light load is what you’re looking for, you’ll want to choose a compact motorhome with a low number of berths – why not consider Adria’s Compact range?
• Water tank: Before setting off on your trip, make sure you save valuable weight by releasing some of the liquid in your water tank. Consider releasing enough water so it’s less than half full – after all, it’s easy to refill once you’ve arrived at your campsite.
• Food and drink: Foodstuffs can add considerable weight to your motorhome, so try not to overfill your vehicle’s fridge and cupboard before you set off. You could consider pre-making meals to save you from transporting loads of ingredients.
• Reduce the domestic items you take: This seems incredibly obvious to mention, but there are loads of clever ways you can reduce your luggage load. If you’re a bookworm, why not invest in an e-book reader instead of lugging several heavy books? Cooking lovers could replace heavy pots and pans with travel-appropriate alternatives and could even ditch their beloved air fryer entirely!
• Carefully consider heavy items: Do you need to take those heavy mountain bikes in your motorhome? Or, how about those weighty outdoor tables and chairs? Ponder whether you need these items before you pack them – why not check the weather? Alfresco dining isn’t quite as enjoyable when it’s raining cats and dogs.

Where can I weigh my motorhome?

The easiest way to weigh your motorhome is to take it to the range of public weighbridges, which can be found all across the country. It will charge you a small amount to use the weighbridge, but the figure is accurate and simple to receive. The unladen weight of your vehicle can, alternatively, be checked in your vehicle’s handbook.

Different kinds of motorhome measurements

There are several different ways in which a motorhome can be weighed, with different values being needed for different scenarios.

Gross vehicle weight (GVW): GVW refers to the maximum your motorhome can weigh, including the vehicle and the payload. Closely related to MAM, MAM refers to the legal limit of a vehicle, while GVW reflects the real-time weight.

Vehicle Unladen Mass (VUM): The VUM can be found in the motorhome’s handbook and refers to the mass of the vehicle minus the weight of the passengers, fuel and luggage.

Maximum Train Weight (MTW): The maximum a motorhome can weigh in tandem with its towing trailer.

After a new campervan or motorhome?

Now you know all about campervan and motorhome speed limits in the UK, you’re ready to take to the road on your next adventure into the countryside and beyond. Explore our excellent range of motorhomes online, including beloved brands, such as the popular British manufacturer Swift, the excellent Italian label Roller Team and the innovative Bristol-based brand, Bailey.

We make it as simple as possible for you to buy with us, too. If you have a leisure vehicle that you’d like to upgrade, why not sell with us and put the money toward your new purchase? Or, consider our finance options that allow you to enjoy a new motorhome, caravan or campervan sooner rather than later, especially given the 95% acceptance rate through our partner company, Auto Finance.

But, if you’re looking for the same quality vehicles at more budget-friendly prices, then you’ll want to browse our used motorhomes, second-hand caravans and pre-owned campervans for sale. In a cutting-edge, ever-evolving industry, at Spinney, we keep you up to date with our news and blog page, signposting the most exciting upcoming caravan shows, providing guidance on motorhome WiFi, and more.

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