The planned increase in the weight limit for driving license category B to 4.25 tons could result in significant changes for motorhome fans. This change, which was proposed by the European Caravaning Federation (ECF) together with the German Caravanning Industry Association (CIVD), is intended to offer motorhome owners more flexibility.
The proposal is currently in the decision-making process in the European Union. Despite initial successes, however, it could be years before the new regulation comes into force.
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Background and motivation
Since the introduction of the B driving license in 1999, motorhome drivers have been confronted with a kind of “two-tier society”, as the SP-X article calls it. Holders of older class 3 driving licenses are still allowed to drive vehicles up to 7.5 tons, while those with a B driving license are restricted to 3.5 tons.
This restriction is becoming increasingly impractical as modern motorhomes have increased in weight due to additional equipment such as exhaust gas purification systems and improved safety features.
As early as 2003, the European Caravanning Federation (ECF), with the support of the German association CIVD, approached the European Union in order to achieve an increase in the weight limit from 3.5 to 4.25 tons for B driving license holders.
The ECF proposal of May 18, 2022 can be found here: Proposal for extending the B Driving License for Motor Caravans to 4.25 tons.
Progress and challenges in the EU
After tough negotiations and two decades of effort, all three EU decision-making bodies – Commission, Council and Parliament – have now given a fundamentally positive response to the planned 4th Driving License Directive.
However, this approval is subject to the condition that the vehicles in question are motorhomes with alternative drive systems. The CIVD advocates extending the regulation to all motorhomes, as the additional safety features make it easier to handle heavier vehicles.
Click here for the CIVD article: Driving license trilogue | CIVD.
Different approaches to implementation
There are differing opinions within the EU on the implementation of this regulation. The EU Council is in favor of mandatory training or a test for B license holders, similar to the B96 license for combination drivers.
In contrast, the EU Parliament has opted for simpler requirements and would allow the higher weight limit to apply to all motorhomes that have held a B license for at least two years.
Future steps and timeframe
It is now crucial that the EU Commission, the Council of Ministers and the EU Parliament agree on a uniform regulation in the coming years. However, this process could take some time due to broader issues such as the digital driver’s license and possible health checks for older drivers.
As Jost Krüger, Secretary General of the ECF and Head of Technology at the CIVD, told the SP-X news agency, it will certainly be some time before the three bodies reach an agreement and the new regulation is subsequently transposed into national law in the member states. Krüger does not expect this to be the case before 2028.
Conclusion
For motorhome enthusiasts, the increase in the weight limit would be a welcome development, but it still has to overcome considerable political hurdles. Until the final decision is made, it remains to be seen how the different interests within the EU can be reconciled.
Campers will probably have to continue to exercise patience before they benefit from easier legislation.
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Cover picture (montage):
Motorhome: © erix2005 – depositphotos.com
Driving license: © Justyna Glatzer
