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Travelling around Europe in your motorhome can be so much fun! Don’t allow your trip to be spoilt by legal pitfalls. Before you set off, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the speed limits and regulations of each country, as they often vary.

It’s also essential to secure dependable motorhome insurance, so your investment will be protected from risks such as damage and theft. Lancaster Insurance offers specialist cover that can include 365 days of EU cover, among other benefits.

Take a look at our guide to exploring Europe in your motorhome, headache-free.

 

What are the European speed limits outside of Britain?

Speed limits vary from country to country, so we’ve created a list of speed limits for motorhomes in popular European destinations below – bear in mind, this a only a guide, and some of these limits are subject to change in adverse weather conditions.

Motorhomes weighing less than 3.5 tonnes must observe the following speed limits:

Country	Motorways	Other roads
Austria	81 mph	62 mph
Belgium	74 mph	56 mph
Croatia	81 mph	56-68 mph
Czech Republic	81 mph	56 mph
Denmark	68-81 mph	50-56 mph
Germany	81 mph	62 mph
France	81 mph	56-68 mph
Hungary	81 mph	56-68 mph
Ireland	74 mph	37-62 mph
Italy	81 mph	56-68 mph
Luxembourg	81 mph	56 mph
Norway	56-68 mph	50 mph
Portugal	74 mph	56-62 mph
Slovenia	81 mph	56-62 mph
Spain	62 mph	50-56 mph
Sweden	56-74 mph	44-62 mph
Switzerland	74 mph	50-62 mph
The Netherlands	81 mph	50-56 mph

 

Motorhomes weighing over 3.5 tonnes must observe the following speed limits:

Country	Motorways	Other roads
Austria	50 mph	44 mph
Belgium	56 mph	56 mph
Croatia	56 mph	50 mph
Czech Republic	50 mph	50 mph
Denmark	44 mph	44 mph
Germany	62 mph	50 mph
France	68 mph	50-62 mph
Hungary	50 mph	44 mph
Ireland	50 mph	37-50 mph
Italy	62 mph	50 mph
Luxembourg	81 mph	56 mph
Norway	68 mph	68 mph
Portugal	62 mph	44-56 mph
Slovenia	50 mph	50 mph
Spain	56 mph	50 mph
Sweden	56-74 mph	44-62 mph
Switzerland	62 mph	50-62 mph
The Netherlands	50 mph	50 mph

 

What else do I need to do when driving my motorhome in Europe?

You should always carry your full driving licence, bringing along a current insurance certificate and your motorhome’s logbook.

Make sure you have reliable motorhome insurance sorted before you head off on holiday, and check for any new legal requirements once Britain has left the EU – you may need an International Driving Permit.

You should also have a first aid kit to hand in your motorhome, in case of emergencies.

 

Euro-plates and GB stickers

You must ensure your registration plates meet European standards. If you’re driving in EU countries, you can either display ‘Euro-plates’ – showing 12 stars against a blue backdrop – or attach a GB sticker to a visible spot on your motorhome.

If you’re driving in a European country outside of the EU, whether or not you have a Euro-plate, you will still need to display a GB sticker.

 

Breathalyser

If you’re taking your motorhome to France, you’ll need to carry a breathalyser with you - it must have an NF number on it. If you’re found driving without one, you could face a fine, so don’t chance it.

Warning triangles

You’re required by law to travel with warning triangles throughout most of Europe, so it’s best to bring two along in your motorhome, wherever you go.

 

Emission sticker

Certain European countries have introduced low emission zones (LEZ) to boost air quality in urban areas.

Regulations require you to display a sticker or bring paperwork when driving through such areas, letting authorities know that you’ve been granted access to the LEZ – if you’re caught without the necessary sticker or paperwork, you could be slapped with a fine.

 

High-vis jackets

In Spain, Croatia, France, Austria and Belgium it’s compulsory to travel with high-vis jackets in your motorhome. Italy decrees that one high-vis jacket should be within the driver’s reach, while other European countries require all passengers to have one.

 

Speed camera detector

In mainland Europe, drivers are forbidden from using radar detectors that search for and flag speed cameras – if you’re found to be using one, you may face a fine then and there.

If you’re travelling Europe with a sat nav that can detect speed cameras, make sure you disable this function before you set hit the road, or you could be fined.

Child seats

Bringing children along for the trip? You’ll need to ensure your motorhome is kitted out with the correct child seats.

It’s worth doing your homework on the legal requirements beforehand, as regulations vary throughout Europe.

Consumer group Which? has a handy table that lists the laws of each country.

 

Headlights

The following European countries ask drivers to have their headlights permanently dipped during the daytime:

• Croatia (this changes on a seasonal basis, so check whether it will apply during your trip)
• Italy
• Sweden
• Norway
• Denmark
• Switzerland

You’ll also need to use headlight adjustment stickers in every European country except for Ireland, as you’ll be driving on the right-hand side of the road.

All you need to do is fix stickers to your headlights – you can buy kits for roughly £8 from stores such as Halfords.

Dash cams

If you’re spotted using a dash cam in Portugal or Austria, you could be given a fine of up to €25,000. Use of dash cams is also illegal in Luxembourg.

When travelling in Norway, France, Germany or Switzerland, bear in mind that, while you’re allowed to have a dash cam, strict conditions govern their use, so do some research before you visit.

In Denmark, Spain, Sweden, Italy and the Netherlands you can legally use a dash cam with no restrictions.

 

Protecting your motorhome

Lancaster Insurance appreciates that your motorhome is more than the average vehicle: it’s your home away from home.

We arrange specialist motorhome insurance, so you can be sure your RV is protected, whether you holiday at home or abroad.

Don’t wait, get a quote today.