Finally, there is movement on the EU driving licence directive: After more than 20 years of discussion, the EU Parliament and the member states have agreed on an important innovation!
The permissible total weight for motorhomes that can be driven with a category B driving license increases from 3,5 to 4,25 tons.
B driving license soon up to 4,25t
This affects many Camperwhich have so far failed due to the weight brake – mainly due to increasing vehicle weights, higher demands on comfort and additional luggage such as e-bikes.
Does this apply to everyone?
In principle, yes – but with conditions. Anyone who wants to drive a motorhome over 3,5 t with a B driving license will in future have to additional training or a Examination What exactly this will look like will be decided by the individual EU states. It will probably be similar to the B96 supplement: a one-day course without an exam, as is the case for heavy caravans.
Exception for alternative drives
There is a special rule for motorhomes with alternative drive systems. Anyone driving such a vehicle may even without extra training or exam up to 4,25 t – but only if you have the Driver's license at least 2 years Whether an accident-free driving behavior will be taken into account has not yet been finally clarified.
Why all this?
Since the introduction of the B driving license in 1999, there has been a kind of Two-tier system for mobile homes. Owners of the old Class 3 driver's license Vehicles up to 7,5 t are allowed to drive – with the new class B, the limit was previously 3,5 t.
And this is becoming increasingly problematic: modern base vehicles have become heavier, comfort features such as air conditioning, solar panels or awnings are standard, and the Electric drive will soon be involved here too – which means additional weight.
What about implementation?
So far, so good – but patience is still required. Before the new regulation takes effect, officially published in the Official Journal of the EU Only then does the deadline begin for the member states to implement them into national law. up to 4 years time, so theoretically it can be 2029 until you are actually allowed to start with 4,25-tonners.
And what do you think?
Is this a sensible adaptation to modern realities? Or are we slowly but surely moving toward 5-ton trucks and more? Will all this soon become too heavy, too big, too much? All further information can be found in the video. Image and video credits/source: Manufacturers | This content was created using AI and reviewed by an editor.
