Travelling Europe by Motorhome: Safety Rules and Essential Advice

Before setting off on a motorhome road trip across Europe, it’s essential to understand the driving regulations and safety rules that vary between countries. For a smooth and stress-free rental experience, you’ll need to be familiar with European road laws and ensure you have all the necessary documents with you. Whether you’re travelling through France, Italy, Spain, Portugal or Germany, here’s what you should know to drive safely and avoid unnecessary fines.

What documents do you need to drive legally in Europe?

Before turning the key in your motorhome, take a moment to check that you have all the required documents ready in case of roadside checks.

Driving licence: your UK driving licence is valid across the EU for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes (Category B).

Vehicle documents: when hiring a motorhome with Evasia, we provide the vehicle registration certificate and international insurance documents.

Health cover: Make sure you carry a valid GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) or EHIC (European Health Insurance Card). These allow you to access public healthcare in EU countries at local rates.

Safety equipment: Many European countries require a reflective vest for each passenger, kept inside the cabin (not in the storage compartment), as well as a warning triangle.

Rear load signage: In Spain and Italy, a reflective red-and-white panel is required if you are carrying bicycles on a rear rack.

Driving in Europe: adapting to right-hand traffic

For drivers coming from the UK, driving on the right is often the biggest adjustment. Fortunately, most people adapt quickly, but a few key rules are worth remembering.

Priority to the right

Common in countries such as France and Belgium. If no sign indicates priority, vehicles approaching from the right have right of way.

Roundabouts

Traffic circulates anti-clockwise. Take extra care when exiting to position your vehicle correctly. In Germany and Austria, you should only use your indicator when leaving the roundabout.

Speed limits vary by country. For example in France:

- 50 km/h in towns

- 80 or 90 km/h on rural roads

- 130 km/h on motorways

Environmental zones: Many major European cities now have low-emission zones requiring a vignette or sticker, such as the Crit’Air sticker in France.

Alcohol limits: The legal blood alcohol limit in most European countries is 0.5 g/l, lower than the UK limit.

Typical speed limits for motorhomes in Europe

For heavier vehicles (over 3.5 tonnes), limits are usually reduced by 10 - 20 km/h depending on the country.

Country	Urban	Rural	Dual carriageway	Motorway	Notes
France	50 km/h	80 km/h	110 km/h	130 km/h	110 km/h in rain
Spain	50 km/h	90 km/h	100 km/h	120 km/h	20 km/h in residential zones
Italy	50 km/h	90 km/h	110 km/h	130 km/h	110 km/h in rain
Germany	50 km/h	100 km/h	No official limit*	No official limit*	*130 km/h recommended
Portugal	50 km/h	90 km/h	100 km/h	120 km/h	Frequent speed checks near towns
Belgium	50 km/h	70–90 km/h	120 km/h	120 km/h	70 km/h in Flanders
Switzerland	50 km/h	80 km/h	100 km/h	120 km/h	Strict enforcement
Austria	50 km/h	100 km/h	100 km/h	130 km/h	Some motorways limited to 110 km/h at night

Where can you park and sleep in a motorhome in Europe?

Motorhome travel allows you to stay close to nature, but overnight parking is regulated by national and local laws.

Spain and Portugal: Sleeping overnight in vehicles is often prohibited along coastal public areas unless staying in designated zones authorised by local municipalities.

Germany: A short overnight stop (usually up to 10 hours) is often tolerated in public car parks to allow drivers to rest, unless signs indicate otherwise.

Scandinavian countries: The “Right of Public Access” allows more freedom in nature, but motorised vehicles must still respect designated parking areas.

Motorhome service areas: Networks such as France Passion or Agricamper in Italy allow travellers to stay overnight on farms or with local producers in safe and welcoming locations.

Safety tips to protect your motorhome and passengers

Travelling in a motorhome requires particular attention to weight distribution and onboard safety:

Store heavy items in lower storage compartments to keep the centre of gravity low. This is particularly important on winding Alpine or Pyrenean roads.

In France and Italy, gas bottles should remain closed while driving unless the vehicle has a crash safety system such as SecuMotion.

Keep the vehicle height and width clearly noted on the dashboard. This is essential for narrow tunnels in Italy or low stone archways in historic villages.

On busy motorways in southern Europe (such as the A7 in France or the AP-7 in Spain), remain vigilant in rest areas and never leave the vehicle unattended.

Travelling across Europe after Brexit: what UK travellers should know

Since Brexit, a few practical changes affect UK travellers driving in Europe:

Food restriction: importing fresh meat or dairy products from the UK into the EU is prohibited. It’s best to buy local produce once you arrive.

Travelling with pets: An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is now required when travelling with dogs or cats, as UK pet passports are no longer valid for EU travel.

Emergency number: The universal emergency number 112 works across Europe and connects you to multilingual operators.

Following these guidelines ensures you can enjoy your motorhome adventure with Evasia while exploring Europe safely and confidently.

FAQ: Motorhome safety and regulations in Europe

Can I drive a motorhome in Europe with a UK licence?

Yes. A UK Category B licence allows you to drive vehicles under 3.5 tonnes throughout the EU.

What safety equipment is mandatory in France and Spain?

In France, a reflective vest for each passenger and a warning triangle are required. Spain usually requires two warning triangles.

Is wild camping allowed everywhere in Europe?

No. It is strictly restricted in many coastal areas of Spain and Portugal. Germany generally allows only a single overnight stop in public parking areas.

How can I access healthcare in Europe after Brexit?

Present a valid GHIC or EHIC card to access public healthcare services at local rates.

How can I identify low-emission zones?

Low-emission zones are signposted at the entrance of many major cities and often require a specific environmental sticker such as France’s Crit’Air vignette.