Motorhome Weight Limits: How Heavy Can You Go on a Category B Licence?

A motorhome with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of up to 3.5 tonnes can be driven on a standard Category B licence. Beyond that, a Category C licence becomes mandatory. However, there is one historical exception: licences issued before 20 January 1975 with the B79 endorsement. These allow for a higher MAM. Always check for this endorsement before purchasing or booking your road trip.

Category B Licence: The 3.5-Tonne Rule for Motorhomes

In France, a Category B licence allows you to drive a vehicle with a MAM of up to 3,500 kg. This limit applies to motorhomes just as it does to cars. In practice, a streamlined or integrated motorhome under 3.5 tonnes falls into this category. A converted van, often lighter, typically stays below this threshold.

A vehicle exceeding this limit requires a Category C licence. This rule, confirmed by the French Federation of Camping and Caravanning (FFCC), applies regardless of the driver’s age. The only exception is Category B licences issued before 20 January 1975 with the B79 endorsement, which permit a MAM above 3.5 tonnes without a Category C licence.

B79 Endorsement: The Exception That Changes Everything

If your Category B licence was issued before 20 January 1975, check the back for the B79 endorsement. This allows you to drive a motorhome with a MAM over 3.5 tonnes without a Category C licence. It’s a real advantage for owners of older or heavily converted vehicles.

To qualify:

• Your licence must have been issued before 1975.
• The B79 endorsement must be clearly stated.
• No further steps are required—the endorsement is valid for life.

Double-check for this endorsement before signing on the dotted line.

What If My Motorhome Exceeds 3.5 Tonnes?

If your vehicle exceeds the 3.5-tonne limit and your Category B licence doesn’t have the B79 endorsement, you have two options:

1. Take the Category C licence test: Mandatory for driving a motorhome over 3.5 tonnes. This involves both a theory and a practical exam.
2. Lighten your vehicle: Reduce the fittings or opt for lighter materials. Some motorhomes can be modified to fall back under the 3.5-tonne limit.

The B96 endorsement allows you to tow a trailer over 750 kg, provided the combined weight of the vehicle and trailer doesn’t exceed 4,250 kg. This is useful for bringing along a car or motorbike. The B96 endorsement requires a short 7-hour training course with no exam, unlike the BE licence (for trailers over 3,500 kg), which involves a full practical test.

Camper Vans and Converted Vans: Specific Rules

A camper van or converted van isn’t exempt from weight regulations, but it does benefit from an additional tolerance: VASP (Véhicule Automoteur Spécialisé de Personnes) approval. This becomes mandatory if the conversion meets five criteria:

• Fixed storage.
• A table and seating.
• Seats that convert into a bed or a fixed bed.
• A fixed kitchen (gas, electric, or diesel).
• Permanent fittings that can’t be removed in under two hours.

If your conversion is basic and can be dismantled quickly, VASP approval isn’t required. This suits travellers who prioritise flexibility.

Why Is VASP Approval Important?

Without this approval, your insurer might refuse to cover a claim. During a roadside check, an undeclared conversion could result in a fine. Always ensure your vehicle complies before hitting the road.

Insurance and Parking: What You Need to Know

A motorhome requires tailored insurance. Expect to pay between €200 and €600 per year, depending on the level of cover (third-party or fully comprehensive) and the vehicle’s value. Comparison sites like LesFurets or GoodAssur confirm this range.

Where Can You Park a Motorhome?

A motorhome can be parked on public roads just like a car. However, parking mustn’t pose a hazard or cause an obstruction. By-laws specifically banning motorhomes are illegal. That said, “camping” (using levelling blocks, extending an awning, or setting up tables and chairs) remains prohibited.

To avoid issues, opt for dedicated motorhome areas or campsites. Some towns offer spaces with services. For a comparison of models before buying, check out our guide to low-profile, integrated, and over-cab motorhomes.

Winter Storage: Key Steps to Protect Your Motorhome

If you’re not using your motorhome over winter, a few precautions will help avoid nasty surprises come spring.

1. Drain all tanks: Fresh water, grey water, and black water. Open the water heater’s drain valve and all taps to clear any residue.
2. Disconnect the power supply and remove the battery. Store it in a dry, frost-free place.
3. Clean the exterior: Mud, salt, and leaves can damage the bodywork.
4. Check tyre pressure and slightly raise the vehicle to avoid flat spots.

These steps, recommended by manufacturers like Hymer and insurers such as Generali, will help extend your vehicle’s lifespan.

Could the Rules Change in Europe?

A proposed EU directive could raise the weight limit for Category B licences to 4.25 tonnes by 2029. This measure, mentioned in a parliamentary question to the French National Assembly, would make it easier to drive heavier motorhomes without a Category C licence. For now, the 3.5-tonne rule remains in place, and the B79 exception still applies to older licences. If adopted, this change would specifically target alternatively fuelled vehicles (electric or hydrogen), whose batteries add significant weight compared to equivalent diesel or petrol models.