Anyone travelling with a motorhome in 2026 will not only have to comply with the upcoming amended driving licence regulations, but also the extended safety standards and the new tachograph requirement.
This year also brings a number of important innovations for motorhome owners and the entire camping industry. The European Union has adopted several measures that affect both the driving and the technical equipment of motorhomes. This includes an adjustment of the driving licence categories, the mandatory introduction of various safety and assistance systems as well as clear requirements for the tachograph obligation, which may also affect private motorhomes under certain circumstances. These changes are intended to facilitate mobility, further increase safety on Europe's roads and at the same time create uniform standards across Europe.
So that you can start the new season well prepared, we provide you with a comprehensive overview of all relevant regulations. On our motorhome overview page, you can also quickly and easily find out which Carthago motorhome is suitable for your driving licence.
Changes to the driving licence categories
One of the most important changes concerns the category B driving licence. Up to now, it has been possible to drive a vehicle with a maximum total weight of 3.5 tonnes. This limit is to be increased to 4.25 tonnes in future. The background to the new driving licence directive is simple: modern motorhomes have become heavier. New safety systems, better insulation, more powerful batteries and extensive comfort features lead to more weight, which is why the previous 3.5 tonne limit was increasingly perceived as too restrictive.
However, the option to drive vehicles up to 4.25 tonnes with category B does not apply automatically. An additional training course or test is planned, which will probably be organised by a driving school. The specific form this training will take has not yet been finalised and is the responsibility of the individual EU member states. According to the EU directive, Germany has up to four years to implement this adjustment. Industry associations assume that the actual introduction in Germany could take place in November 2029 at the earliest. The driving licence for the old driving licence category 3, which was acquired before 1999, remains unchanged. Holders of this category may continue to drive vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes without having to complete additional training.
Although driving licence category B could soon be extended to 4.25 tonnes, the rules for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes remain in place. These include:
- Ban on lorries overtaking
- Speed limit of 100 km/h on motorways
- Higher toll charges
For campers, however, the new regulation means a considerable gain in flexibility. Those who previously had to pay very close attention to every kilogramme when removing or loading their motorhome now have more leeway. Manufacturers also benefit as they have to adhere to less stringent weight specifications.
Discover our lightweight models in the configurator
Motorhome configurator
Mandatory safety features from July 2026
In addition to the driving licence categories, another EU regulation is causing far-reaching changes. With the General Safety Regulation II (GSR II), the EU will make a number of modern safety and assistance systems mandatory for all newly registered vehicles from July 2026. This applies not only to cars and vans, but also expressly to motorhomes and motorhomes. The regulation aims to reduce accidents, make road traffic safer and standardise equipment across Europe.
The list of mandatory assistance systems includes:
- Device for alcohol-based immobiliser
- Fatigue detection
- Intelligent speed assistant
- Reversing assistant
- Lane departure warning
- Emergency Brake Assist
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
- Requirements for cyber security
For motorhomes, the GSR II represents a significant upgrade to the standard safety features. Drivers receive reliable support in critical situations, which is a major safety benefit, especially on long journeys or in confusing traffic situations. At the same time, the additional sensors and technology lead to a slightly higher vehicle weight. Manufacturers must also expect increased development and integration costs, which may also affect vehicle prices in the long term. Nevertheless, the GSR II is seen as an important step towards greater safety and a harmonised technical standard within the EU.
Compulsory tachograph for motorhomes
Another point that often raises questions concerns the tachograph obligation. The Federal Office of Logistics and Mobility expressly notes that a tachograph may not be required exclusively for commercial use. An obligation may also exist for private use if certain conditions are met.
A tachograph may be required if:
- the motorhome has a maximum permissible laden mass of more than 7.5 tonnes and
- the vehicle is used to transport goods
The transport of goods includes, among other things
- towing a trailer (motorhome combination) if the total combination is over 7.5 tonnes
- the transport of goods via a special loading device, e.g. for motorbikes, cars or horses
There is no tachograph obligation if:
- only a tow bar is available, but no trailer is being towed
- for non-commercial use of motorhomes up to and including 7.5 tonnes total permissible mass
To the Carthago liner premium class
Effects on motorhome travellers and manufacturers
The new regulations will have a significant impact on the entire industry. For drivers, the new features mean greater safety and more flexibility, particularly due to the increase in the weight limit and the mandatory use of modern assistance systems. For manufacturers, there is both more room for manoeuvre in the design and additional effort in the technical implementation. Overall, however, it is clear that the EU measures create more reliable, fuses and user-friendly conditions for travelling with motorhomes.
Frequently asked questions and answers.
What kind of driving licence do you need for a motorhome?
In principle, the driving licence required depends on the permissible total weight of the motorhome. Vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes may currently be driven with a class B licence; in future, the limit is to rise to 4.25 tonnes after appropriate training. For heavier motorhomes, higher classes such as C1 or class 3 (old stock) are required. Discover our new products in the liner premium class.
Which motorhome can I drive with a category B driving licence?
With a category B driving licence, motorhomes with a maximum permissible mass of up to 3.5 tonnes can currently be driven. In future, this limit is to be raised to 4.25 tonnes after additional training or testing. However, the 3.5 tonne limit will remain in place until this EU regulation is implemented.
Do I need a different driving licence for a heavy motorhome over 3.5 tonnes?
Yes, for motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes you need either category C1 (up to 7.5 tonnes) or - if purchased before 1999 - category 3, which is also valid up to 7.5 tonnes. Only with the implementation of the new regulation can a vehicle up to 4.25 tonnes be driven with category B under certain conditions.
Which safety and assistance systems will be mandatory for new motorhomes from 2026?
From July 2026, all newly registered motorhomes must be equipped with several safety and assistance systems - including Emergency Brake Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Driver Drowsiness Alert and Intelligent Speed Assist. These requirements originate from the EU safety regulation GSR II.