All about motorhome road tax

One of the best ways to travel around both the UK and Europe is in your own motorhome. Not only does it become your home, but it also gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace. So if you have your own motorhome or if you’re interested in acquiring one, you should know about motorhome tax, which has recently changed in 2020. From 12th March 2020, the annual vehicle consumption tax (VED) for new campers (model approved M1SA) is set at 265 pounds.

This means that all new motorhome and campervan (type approved M1SA) owners who registered their vehicles before 1st September 2019 and after 12th March won’t have to spend £2,135 on road tax. Unfortunately, however, those who registered their vehicles between 1st September 2020 and 12th March are unable to claim back the extra money they have paid despite the road tax policy being overturned.

‎‎How much is a motorhome road tax?

The rate of a motorhome road tax is largely based on the vehicle’s revenue weight (also known as maximum or gross vehicle weight). Other factors which often affect road tax rates include the vehicle’s age, emissions and engine capacity.

You’ll pay a different rate of tax if both of the following apply to your vehicle:

1. The CO2 emissions are included on the ‘type approval certificate’, also known as a ‘certificate of conformity’ or ‘individual vehicle approval’.

2. It’s in the M1SP category

Calculating motorhome and campervan road tax can be complex. Here is an overview of road tax rates, organised by category.

‎Classic campervans

Good news! If your motorhome or campervan was built or first registered more than 40 years ago, you are exempt from paying road tax. You still have to ‘tax’ your motorhome or campervan even though you don’t have to pay by applying for vehicle tax exemption.

‎Euro 4 motorhomes and campervans

If your vehicle is Euro 4 compliant, has a revenue weight less than 3,500kg, and was registered between 1st March 2003 and 31th December 2006, your annual road tax cost will be £140.

Euro 5 motorhomes and campervans

If your vehicle is Euro 5 compliant, has a revenue weight less than 3,500kg, and was registered between 1st January 2009 and 31th December 2010, your annual road tax cost will be £140.

Weighing under 3,500kg

Vehicles that have a revenue weight of 3500kg or less are taxed as private light goods vehicles (PLGV). 

If the engine size is more than 1549cc, your road tax rate will be £280 for 12 months. If your motorhome or campervan is a PLGV and has an engine size less than 1549cc, your road tax rate will be £170 for 12 months.

Weighing over 3,500kg

Vehicles that have a revenue weight that’s over 3500kg are taxed as private heavy goods vehicles (PHGV) at a rate of £165 for 12 months.

When should I pay?

Private or light goods (TC11)

Private or light goods vehicles have a revenue weight of 3,500kg or less.

Private heavy good (TC10)

Private heavy goods vehicles have a revenue weight that’s over 3,500kg.

We recommend you to check our blog about “Why should you rent out your campervan?“.

About the Author

Laia Cerdán