The NKC (full name: 'De Nederlandse Kampeerauto Club, which means: The Dutch Motorhome Club'), parent company of Campercontact, is calling on European politicians to increase the weight limit of the B driving licence from 3,500 to 4,250 kilograms. This should enable B licence holders to drive vehicles weighing up to 4.25 tonnes for private purposes. In this way, motorhome tourism remains accessible to current and future generations.
The NKC and Campercontact join the proposal of the European interest groups ECF (European Caravan Federation) and FICC (Federation Internationale de Camping et de Caravanning). Together these organisations represent more than two million motorhome owners.
Currently, drivers with a European B driving licence are allowed to drive a vehicle with a maximum permitted mass of 3.5 tonnes. This is increasingly problematic for motorhome owners, as motorhomes are becoming heavier and heavier. This increase in the weight of motorhomes is mainly due to the safety and environmental features required by EU legislation. Hardly any space is left in terms of weight for passengers and their luggage. In order to drive a motorhome weighing more than 3.5 tonnes, drivers must obtain a C or C1 licence. However, this driving licence is mainly aimed at commercial goods transport and is complex and time-consuming for private use. Also, the dimensions of a motorhome over 3.5 tonnes are not necessarily different from those under 3.5 tonnes.
Furthermore, there are no indications that raising the weight limit of the driving licence would be unsafe. German research* confirms that the number of motorhomes involved in accidents is low in all weight classes. Against this background the NKC and Campercontact are in favour of extending the European B licence for motorhomes to 4.25 tonnes. This requires a corresponding change in the category B driving licence. Stan Stolwerk, Managing Director NKC and Campercontact: "On behalf of all European motorhome owners we would like to raise the issue with politicians. With a relatively small administrative change motorhoming will become more accessible for a wider audience.
Important note: should this be introduced, only motorhome owners with a motorhome with a technical maximum mass of 4250 kilograms or more will be allowed to drive with it. This therefore does not apply to every motorhomer. Both maximum masses are listed on the back of your motorhome's registration certificate.
* This has emerged from a study by the Federal Institute for Highway Research (BASt), which has analysed the accident statistics for motorhomes annually since 1997.