Owning a motorhome is a fantastic way to explore the open road while enjoying all the comforts of home. However, one important cost you need to consider is motorhome road tax. In this guide, we’ll break down road tax for motorhomes, factors that affect the cost, and what changes you can expect for motorhome road tax in 2025.
What is Motorhome Road Tax
Motorhome road tax, also known as Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), is a fee you must pay to legally drive your motorhome on public roads in the UK. The amount of tax depends on your vehicle’s weight, engine size, emissions, and production date. You can pay road tax motorhome fees as a one-off annual payment, every six months, or in monthly instalments via direct debit.
If you’ve bought a new motorhome, the rate will depend on CO2 emissions. Second-hand vehicles, on the other hand, follow a fixed rate. Keeping up with these costs ensures you can continue to enjoy your travels worry-free.
Factors That Affect Motorhome Road Tax
A few different factors determine how much campervan tax you’ll need to pay. These include the production date, weight, and engine size of your vehicle. Let’s break them down:
Production Date
The age of your motorhome impacts its road tax rate. Vehicles manufactured before specific dates often fall into different tax bands. For example, motorhomes registered between April 2017 and March 2020 are subject to different rates compared to newer or older models.
If you own a vintage vehicle, you may even qualify for tax exemptions under the historic vehicle category. Knowing your motorhome’s registration date helps you calculate accurate tax costs. Vehicles over 40 years old are eligible for a historic tax class, but you’ll need to apply for the exemption with the DVLA.
MS1 Category
The MS1 category applies to motorhomes and campervans that meet specific construction standards. Vehicles in this category may have different tax rates compared to other types. If you’re unsure about your motorhome’s classification, have a look at your V5C registration document or talk to your dealer.
Gross Weight and Engine Size
The weight and engine size of your motorhome are key factors in determining tax rates. Heavier vehicles and those with larger engines typically pay higher rates. Vehicles under 3,500kg are taxed as Private Light Goods (PLG) vehicles.
On the other hand, vehicles over 3,500kg are taxed as Private Heavy Goods Vehicles (PHGV). For motorhomes with an engine size below 1549cc, you’ll pay a lower rate compared to those with engines exceeding this capacity. To better understand how weight impacts tax, you can use a motorhome weights guide to your advantage.
How Much Is Road Tax for a Motorhome?
The cost of motorhome tax depends on the vehicle’s emissions, weight, and registration date. Different tax bands apply depending on these factors. Let’s look at these in turn:
Euro 4 Motorhomes
Euro 4-compliant motorhomes registered between 1st March 2003 and 31st December 2006 fall under a reduced tax band. To qualify, the vehicle must have a gross weight below 3,500kg. The annual road tax for these motorhomes is £140, but if you’re buying a second-hand model, check the registration date and weight to confirm eligibility.
Euro 5 Motorhomes
Motorhomes that meet Euro 5 emissions standards and were registered between 1st January 2009 and 31st December 2010 also benefit from a lower annual tax rate. For vehicles under 3,500kg, the yearly cost is £140.
Older Motorhomes
For motorhomes registered after 1st March 2001 with an engine capacity of up to 1549cc, the annual road tax is £180. Vehicles with engines over 1549cc are taxed at £295 per year. Motorhomes registered before 1st March 2001 are taxed at a fixed rate, depending on engine size:
- Under 1549cc: £180 per year
- Over 1549cc: £295 per year
Motorhomes Under 3,500kg (TC11)
Motorhomes with a gross weight of 3,500kg or less are taxed as Private Light Goods (PLG) vehicles. The tax rate varies based on engine size. For example:
- Engine size under 1549cc: £210 annually
- Engine size over 1549cc: £345 annually
Motorhomes Above 3,500kg (TC10)
Motorhomes over 3,500kg fall under the Private Heavy Goods Vehicle (PHGV) tax category. The annual road tax for these vehicles depends depends on weight, but also on emissions:
- 3,500kg to 7,500kg: £165 per year
- 7,500kg to 11,999kg: £200 per year
- 12,000kg and above: £189.50 (Euro VI-compliant) or £221 (Euro V-compliant)
As you know, heavier motorhomes often have larger engines. This increases fuel consumption but provides more power for longer journeys. It’s a bitter-sweet situation.
Classic Motorhomes
Motorhomes first registered over 40 years ago are eligible for road tax exemption under the historic vehicle category. While owners don’t need to pay Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), they must still apply for an exemption through the DVLA. Once approved, you’ll still need to renew your tax exemption annually to keep your vehicle road-legal.
To qualify, the motorhome must not have been significantly altered. For vintage motorhome owners, this exemption offers significant savings and celebrates the vehicle’s historic value. It’s a great incentive for enthusiasts who take care of classic motorhomes for future generations to enjoy.
How to Check Road Tax Costs for Motorhomes
Checking road tax for motorhomes is super straightforward. You can visit the DVLA website and enter your motorhome’s registration number to find the applicable tax rate. This tool will display the current DVLA road tax price based on your vehicle’s weight, emissions, and engine size.
How to Minimise Motorhome Road Tax Costs
You can easily reduce your motorhome campervan tax costs by choosing the right vehicle. Driving responsibly helps, too. Here are some tips to help you save:
- Choose Low-Emission Vehicles: Motorhomes with lower CO2 emissions fall into cheaper tax bands. Look for vehicles that meet Euro 5 or RDE2 compliance standards.
- Opt for Lightweight Motorhomes: Vehicles under 3,500kg are taxed at lower rates compared to heavier motorhomes. Check the gross weight before purchasing.
- Consider Alternative Fuels: Hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles often qualify for reduced tax rates. Electric options are also emerging in the motorhome market.
- Maintain Your Motorhome: Maintaining your motorhome properly will help reduce emissions and improve efficiency, keeping tax costs manageable over time.
Still shopping for a motorhome? Prioritise models that balance comfort and efficiency. There are so many different motorhome types to explore.
Current Changes in Motorhome Road Tax for 2025
Staying up to date on policy changes ensures you’re prepared for future costs, and it would also be a good idea to check in on your motorhome insurance. As of yet, there haven’t been official announcements on significant motorhome road tax 2025 update. However, there are some trends and changes motorhome owners should keep in mind.
Clean Air Zones
Clean Air Zones (CAZ) are becoming increasingly common across UK cities as part of efforts to reduce vehicle emissions. If your motorhome does not meet CAZ emission standards, you may face daily charges when entering certain areas. For example:
- Vehicles with Euro 3 to Euro 5 diesel engines may need to pay charges of up to £10 per day.
- Heavy motorhomes weighing over 3,500kg with older engines could face charges as high as £60 per day in specific zones.
To avoid these costs, make sure your motorhome meets current emission standards. Research CAZ rules for the cities you plan to visit to prevent unexpected fees. And on that note, if you’re thinking of taking longer trips to unfamiliar cities, you should think about investing in motorhome insurance to keep your travels protected.
2019 EU Policy Updates
In 2019, the EU reclassified motorhomes and campervans as light commercial vehicles (LCVs). This meant road tax rates were based on CO2 emissions, leading to significant increases: up to £2,135 in the first year for new vehicles.
Fortunately, this policy was overturned in March 2020. New motorhomes (type-approved as M1SA) are now taxed as private vehicles rather than commercial ones. This has significantly reduced costs for motorhome owners.
For future motorhome purchases, it’s a good idea to stay aware of any potential changes to UK road tax policies. Vehicles with cleaner, more efficient engines are likely to see the greatest benefits moving forward. You should keep this in mind if you’re in the market for a new motorhome.
FAQs
Do I need to insure my motorhome after paying road tax?
Yes, motorhome tax and insurance are separate requirements. Paying road tax ensures your motorhome is legal to drive, but insurance protects you financially in case of damage or accidents. For peace of mind, explore motorhome insurance options that cover your specific needs.
How much is road tax in the UK for a motorhome?
The cost of road tax depends on factors like your motorhome’s weight, engine size, and registration date. It’s up to you to know your vehicle’s classification (TC10 or TC11, for example) so you can work out how much you’ll need to pay. You can visit the DVLA and find detailed instructions on how to check.
Why is my motorhome tax so high?
Tax on motorhomes can be higher due to engine size, emissions, and weight. Larger engines and older vehicles typically incur higher costs. Choosing a lightweight, low-emission vehicle can help reduce your tax burden.
Is my motorhome tax exempt?
Motorhomes registered over 40 years ago are exempt from road tax under the historic vehicle category. To qualify, your motorhome must not have been significantly modified. You’ll still need to apply for an exemption with the DVLA.
As a registered disabled person and receiving the higher rate of pension ,if I buy a secondhand camper will it still have the same free insurance as my car etc
I’m not aware that anyone is entitled to free motor insurance. Motorhome insurance tends to be a lot cheapoer than you might think given the value of the vehicle. Most customers pay £200 – £400 per year for motorhome insurance.
I’m not aware that anyone is entitled to free motor insurance. Motorhome insurance tends to be a lot cheapoer than you might think given the value of the vehicle. Most customers pay £200 – £400 per year for motorhome insurance.
Mr Brions question really concerns me. Was he/is he really driving around with no insurance. Why would anyone think that just because they are disabled, that they are less of a risk (or not one at all) on the road, than an able bodied person. If he was unfortunate enough to be the cause of an accident, who would he think his victim would recover their losses from?
Hi we have a 2020 plate VW Grand California registered 16.03.20
It was registered by a dealer as M1. And so has a different tax to a motorhome along with the additional over £40,000 tax.
I questioned this and VW acknowledged a mistake had been made and it should be M1SP. The dealer wrote to DVLA but they say it cannot be changed and it makes no difference to the vehicle or its tax.
Could you please give any advice.
Many thanks
Hi, We generally find that the DVLA will not change the tax bracket if a mistake was made. If it was registered as a motor caravan or similar during the luxury vehicle tax experiment, you will have to pay the increased tax for the first 4-5 years.
Hi. I have an Autotrail Imala based on a Fiat Ducati that was mistakenly registered by Autotrail as Diesel Car in March 2017. I have letter from Autotrail confirming the mistake. I have written to the DVLA to ask for this mistake to be corrected. The DVLA say that my vehicle was correctly registered so it will have to stay as a Diesel Car. On what basis can the DVLA refuse to correct such an obvious mistake? I wonder how many other motor homes are caught up in this problem and paying twice as much Road Tax than they should?
This is pretty disappointing but unfortunately quite common. We have had motorhomes and campervans which have been incorrectly registered and very rarely will the DVLA change it. I have never understood why, you would think that they would want vehicles to be registered correctly.
Hi we have a Swift kon-Tiki 574 MH that was first registered in March 2020. The MGW is £3500kg with a 2.3 Fiat diesel lump.
The tax was first paid by Swift as a purchase incentive so I don’t know what the tax was for the first year.
I have just received my tax bill for this year £570.00 is this correct please.
Sorry for the slow reply here. That is probably correct. There was a window where the Vehicle Excise Duty was set at a high rate for the first 4 years for recreational vehicles or cars over a certain value. Although they retracted this additional VED, vehicle which were sold while it was law are subject to the additional payments. A lot of main dealers paid the first year to conceal the high tax payments from the customer so it came as a shock to many when they had to pay the second year’s tax.
just bought a fiat ducato 1.9td motorhome and was shocked at the road tax for such a small vehicle £345 buyers bewhare
Tax on leisure vehicles is based on weight. Up to 3500KG is the most expensive class. Over 3500KG is only £165!