If you’re planning a trip in your campervan or motorhome, whether it’s across Europe or the UK, it’s important to stick to the rules of the road.
In this post we’ll outline the motorhome and campervan speed limits in the UK and Europe, to help you avoid fines and other troubles on your trip.
At Anthony Jones, we specialise in bespoke insurance cover for campervans and motorhomes – including European breakdown cover. If you have any questions about your insurance needs for your European trip, call us on 0208 290 9099, or email Commercial.Motor@AnthonyJones.com.
Motorhome and Campervan Speed Limits in the UK
In the UK, the speed limit for your campervan or motorhome will depend on the weight of your vehicle, and whether you’re towing a trailer. A trailer will affect your handling and increase your stopping distance, which is why there are generally stricter speed restrictions if you have a trailer.
If your vehicle weighs 3.05 tonnes or less:
- 30mph in built-up areas
- 60mph on single carriageways (or 50 mph if you’re towing a trailer)
- 70mph on dual carriageways and motorways (or 60mph if you’re towing a trailer)
If your vehicle weighs more than 3.05 tonnes::
- 30mph in built-up areas
- 50mph on single carriageways
- 60mph on dual carriageways
- 70mph on motorways (or 60mph if you’re towing a trailer)
But if your vehicle weights more than 3.05 tonnes, and it’s more than 12 metres long, then there are separate speed limits to account for your increased stopping distance and larger blind spot:
- 30mph in built-up areas
- 50mph on single carriageways
- 60mph on dual carriageways
- 60mph on motorways
These restrictions apply whether or not you’re towing a trailer.
European Speed Limits for Campervans and Motorhomes
There are different speed limits for campervans and motorhomes across Europe. As in the UK, the specific speed limit for you will depend on the size of your vehicle, in that you will usually have to travel slower if your vehicle weighs more than 3.5 tonnes. There will usually be different speed limits depending on the type of road you’re driving on, too.
We do not have the space to list the speed limits for campervans and motorhomes for every European country. You’ll have to check the specific laws for each country you’re travelling in. But below we’ll list the speed limits for some of the most popular European destinations for campervans and motorhomes depending on their weight:
Belgium
- 5 tonnes or less can travel up to 74mph on a motorway, or 56mph on other roads.
- 5 tonnes or more are restricted to 56mph on all roads, including motorways.
France
- 5 tonnes or less can travel up to 81mph on a motorway, or 50mph on other roads.
- 5 tonnes or more can travel up to 68mph on a motorway, or 50mph on other roads.
Germany
- 5 tonnes or less can travel up to 81mph on a motorway, or 62mph on other roads.
- 5 tonnes or more can travel up to 62mph on a motorway, or 50mph on other roads.
Italy
- 5 tonnes or less can travel up to 81mph on a motorway. Speed limits on other roads range between 56 and 68mph.
- 5 tonnes or more can travel up to 62mph on a motorway, or 50mph on other roads.
Spain
- 5 tonnes or less can travel up to 74mph on a motorway, or 56mph on other roads.
- 5 tonnes or more can travel up to 56mph on a motorway, or 50mph on other roads.
Sweden
In Sweden, the speed limits are not just determined by the type of vehicle you drive, but also by the quality and safety of the road you’re driving on. There will be a lot of variance in speed limits, but also a lot of signs communicating the current speed limit.
As a general rule, regardless of their weight, motorhomes can travel between 56 and 74mph on a motorway, or 37 and 62mph on other roads. If you’re unsure about the specific rules for the road you’re currently using, just stick to the lower speed limit and you should be fine.
Switzerland
- 5 tonnes or less can travel up to 74mph on a motorway, and between 50 and 62mph on other roads.
- 5 tonnes or more can travel up to 62mph on a motorway, and between 50 and 62mph on other roads.
Are You Prepared For Your Road Trip?
Kelly Dunk at Anthony Jones says:
“The speed limits across Europe and the UK can vary, but not by too much. Just do a bit of research and you should be fine.
“But you should prepare for the unexpected, no matter where you’re driving. Don’t let a breakdown ruin your European adventure! At Anthony Jones, we can help you ensure you’re fully covered for breakdowns and other setbacks when touring Europe.”
If you have any questions about your insurance needs for your European trip, call us on 0208 290 9099, or email Commercial.Motor@AnthonyJones.com.
