Drivers heading out across the UK in campervans and motorhomes have been warned about a lesser-known DVLA rule that could result in lower speed limits than those for cars. The key factor is how the vehicle is registered and its weight, with many campervans still classified as commercial vans, subject to reduced limits.
According to Paul Gorry, vehicle expert at luxury motorhome manufacturer Auto-Trail, if a campervan is classed as a light goods vehicle up to 3.5 tonnes, the national speed limit is typically 50mph on single carriageways and 60mph on dual carriageways, which is 10mph lower than a car. This difference often comes down to registration rather than use, leading to confusion for owners who have converted a van into a camper.
Speed limits for campervans and motorhomes are largely based on weight, with 3.05 tonnes being a key threshold. For vehicles under 3.05 tonnes, drivers can follow standard car limits: 60mph on single carriageways and 70mph on dual carriageways and motorways. Once a campervan exceeds that weight, the limits drop to 50mph on single carriageways and 60mph on dual carriageways, though motorway speeds can remain at 70mph.
Towing a trailer reduces speed limits further, with motorway speeds dropping to 60mph and similar reductions across other road types. For larger motorhomes or caravans over 3.05 tonnes or longer than 12 metres, lower limits of 50mph on single carriageways and 60mph on dual carriageways and motorways apply more consistently.
Exceeding the correct speed limit can lead to fines of up to £1,000 and penalty points. Modern speed cameras use number plate recognition to identify vehicle type, making it easier to catch drivers travelling at car speeds in a vehicle classed as a van. Drivers are advised to check both the weight of their campervan and how it is registered with the DVLA before setting off.
