If you are thinking of getting behind the wheel of a motorhome to drive it for the first time, you are surely wondering what is the maximum speed of a motorhome in Spain. And it is that driving a car is not the same as driving a campervan, let alone driving a motorhome! Both the size and the weight are greater, and consequently, the rules of the game that influence their driving are also different.
But don't worry, because in today's post we are going to tell you about the maximum speed limits for motorhomes and everything you need to know to travel in a motorhome safely and without fines. So that you only have to worry about choosing your route and enjoying every kilometer.
Maximum speed for motorhomes
First of all, you should know that traffic regulations establish different maximum speed limits for motorhomes depending on their weight or MMA (maximum authorized mass).
So, to drive a motorhome that exceeds 3500 kilos of maximum authorized mass, the speed limits are different from those established for one that does not exceed them. Even the driver's license is different for driving a motorhome or another!
To drive a motorhome of 3500 kilos or less, it is not necessary to obtain another license, it is enough to be in possession of the B permit. But to drive larger and heavier vehicles, it will be necessary to have the B96 or B+E license.
However, we will focus on the case of a 3,500-kilo motorhome, for which the maximum speed at which it can circulate is determined by the type of road on which it travels.
1. Maximum speed of a motorhome on motorways and highways
To drive on highways and dual carriageways, the maximum speed of a motorhome weighing less than 3,500 kilos is 120km/h. And the minimum speed is 60km/h.
2. In the city
Now, like other vehicles, if driving through a city, the maximum speed of a motorhome will have to be the following: 20 km/h if the road has a single road surface and sidewalk; 30km/h if there is only one lane in each direction; and 50km/h if there are two or more lanes in each direction.
3. On conventional roads
Finally, the maximum speed of a motorhome of less than 3,500 kilos of MMA is 90km/h when traveling on conventional roads that are more than 1.50 meters wide or have more than one lane. For the rest of the secondary roads, this limit is reduced to 80km/h for safety reasons.
With all this in mind, don't forget that every trip is an experience. What better than enjoying the scenery? Always drive respecting the maximum speed limits for motorhomes so you don't miss a thing. The important thing is to reach your destination!
Tips for driving a motorhome
Even bearing in mind the maximum speed limits of a motorhome, to drive this type of camper vehicle safely, due to its size, it is necessary to take other types of precautions:
Always make smooth maneuvers, and be careful with the curves!
When driving a motorhome it is important that the maneuvers are not sudden. We must bear in mind that we are behind the wheel of a heavy and long vehicle, and that we can hit the back of the motorhome if we are careless. So when making turns or parking, try to go slow.
Similarly, try to anticipate maneuvers and take corners at low speed. You will avoid losing control of the motorhome and having instability and adherence problems.
And of course, don't forget to keep a greater safety distance from other vehicles. Remember that due to its weight, a motorhome needs more braking distance than a car to stop.
Keep height limits in mind
Motorhomes are vehicles that typically measure between 2 and 2.35 meters wide, between 5.5 and 9 meters long, and about 3 meters high. They are big everywhere you look at them! So, it is very important that you know the specific measurements of your motorhome to avoid unforeseen events on the road.
And above all, never lose sight of the signs limiting the height and width of the road that you find during your route. This way you can avoid going through low tunnels or narrow streets where the motorhome can get stuck.
Watch out for the wind
Finally, when driving and overtaking, be extremely careful. And it is that, the side gusts of wind and the “screen effect” may play a trick on you.
Motorhomes have a large side surface that offers resistance to the wind, so overtaking at high speed can cause the vehicle to lose stability. Don't play it!
Nobody get up from your seat
Also, remember that during any motorhome trip, none of the occupants are allowed to walk or stand in the motorhome. In each trip you make, all passengers will have to be correctly seated, occupying a seat and fastened with a seat belt. If someone has to go to the bathroom, stop the motorhome!
In short, driving a motorhome is easy, but it requires knowing and respecting these rules and tips to do it safely.
Now that you already know what the maximum speed of a motorhome in Spain is and what you should take into account when driving a motorhome, you can get behind the wheel and enjoy each route with total peace of mind!
