RV Regulations: What Every Motorhome Driver in the UK Must Know

If you’re planning a motorhome road trip across Nottinghamshire, the first thing to check is the law. Forgetting a rule can mean a fine, a nasty surprise, or even a safety risk. Below is a straight‑forward guide that covers the most common UK RV regulations, so you can focus on the scenery instead of paperwork.

Driving and Safety Rules

First up, the driving licence. You need a full Category B licence to operate a motorhome up to 3,500 kg. If your vehicle is heavier, you’ll need a Category C1. It’s easy to verify – just look at the weight badge on the driver’s door.

Seat belts are a must. Every person in the vehicle, even in the rear lounge, must wear a belt when the motorhome is moving. The law doesn’t care if you’re only a few metres from the driver; you’re still liable for a fine.

Speed limits follow standard road rules: 30 mph in built‑up areas, 60 mph on single carriageways, and 70 mph on motorways, unless signs say otherwise. Keep an eye on weight‑related speed restrictions – some local roads cap vehicles over 2,500 kg at lower speeds.

When it comes to moving inside a motorhome, you can’t walk around while it’s in motion. The law treats the cabin like any seated vehicle, so stay seated or stop the vehicle before getting up.

Camping, Parking, and Waste Rules

Parking a motorhome isn’t as simple as pulling into any space. Look for designated motorhome bays, marked with the blue “M” sign. If you’re on a public road, you can park for up to two hours unless a local restriction says otherwise.

Wild camping is allowed in many parts of the UK, but not everywhere. In England you need landowner permission, while Scotland’s Land Reform Act gives you a right to camp responsibly on most uncultivated land. Always follow the "Leave No Trace" principle: pack out all rubbish, avoid damaging vegetation, and use a portable toilet if needed.

Speaking of toilets, you can empty the waste tank at a proper dump point, not in a public area. Most service stations and dedicated dump sites have facilities for black water and chemical toilets. Using a public toilet for disposal can lead to pollution fines.

Electrical hookups follow the UK 13‑amp standard (plug type G). If a site offers a 16 A or 32 A hook‑up, bring an appropriate adapter. Never overload the system – a simple rule is to keep your total draw under 90 % of the site’s rating.

Finally, be aware of height and length limits on bridges and tunnels. The typical maximum height is 4.5 m and length is 12 m, but always check local signage before you enter a restricted area.

Sticking to these rules keeps you safe, avoids fines, and lets you enjoy the freedom of motorhome travel across Nottinghamshire and beyond. Got a specific question? Drop a comment and we’ll help you sort it out.