1. Legal aspects and safe loading
These penalties apply to motorhomes with a maximum permissible weight of up to 7.5 tons and caravans with a maximum permissible weight of up to 2 tons. It is important to note that overloading can not only be very expensive, but also endangers road safety.
The list of fines provides further information on the legal consequences and exact penalties for overloading a motorhome. It is advisable to find out about the applicable regulations before starting your journey in order to avoid unwanted surprises and potential fines. To avoid overloading and ensure road safety, motorhome owners should regularly check the load of their vehicle and only take the necessary items with them. Even weight distribution in the vehicle is also important to ensure driving safety. The rule of thumb is: the heavier the motorhome or caravan, the longer the braking distance!
2. Weight restrictions and safety
A relaxed motorhome adventure begins with careful loading. In particular, for holders of a Class B driver's license, who are restricted to vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of up to 3.5 tons, the choice of payload is limited. This can result in many vehicles being loaded to the edge of the permissible limit.
Even for vehicles with a higher gross vehicle weight rating, it is important to follow the regulations to avoid penalties. Weight restrictions are not only important for legal reasons. Overloading also significantly impairs the safety and handling of the vehicle. An overloaded motorhome requires longer braking distances and increases the risk of accidents. To avoid overloading, travelers should take care when packing. The weight of the interior fittings and the filling of the tanks should also be taken into account. Lightweight alternatives to heavy crockery and other items can help to keep within the permissible gross weight. You can find such alternatives here in our camping shop.
It is also advisable to check the route in advance and find out whether it is possible to stop for fuel along the way in order to reduce the weight of the vehicle. These small adjustments not only minimize the risk of penalties, but also ensure a safer and more enjoyable travel experience.
Fines for overloading
According to the provisions of the catalog of fines in Germany, owners of motorhomes or caravans can expect the following penalties if their vehicle exceeds the permissible gross weight (zGG):
| Overloading | Fine in € | Points in Flensburg |
|---|---|---|
| from 5 % | 10 | – |
| from 10 % | 30 | – |
| from 20 % | 95 | 1 |
| from 25 % | 140 | 1 |
| from 30 % | 235 | 1 |
Please note that penalties can be significantly higher in other European countries, as many countries have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to overloading!
| Country | Tolerance deduction | Penalties | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belgium | Up to 2 % | 110 to 330 euros (foreign tourists must always pay in cash) | |
| Denmark | Up to 1 % | up to 3.5 t per % deviation: | 10 kroner for drivers, 25 kroner for owners |
| over 3.5 t per % deviation: | 100 kroner for drivers, 250 kroner for owners | ||
| France | No | 135 to 750 euros | |
| Great Britain | No | 70 to 6000 euros (converted) | |
| Italy | Up to 5 % | Minimum €41, maximum penalty €1,697 | |
| Croatia | not specified | At least 40 euros | |
| Luxemburg | not specified | For 10% overload: 74 euros, then 251 to 5000 euros | |
| Netherlands | not specified | Minimum €130, maximum penalty €850 | |
| Austria | Over 2 % | Minimum €36, maximum penalty €5,000 | |
| Portugal | not specified | Between 60 and 300 euros | |
| Swiss | not specified | At least €85 (for less than 100 kg over the limit), €170 (over 100 kg) | |
| Spain | Up to 1 % (6–15% above gross vehicle weight) | 300 to 400 euros, maximum penalty 4,600 euros |
Our tips
Avoiding overload made easy!
To avoid fines and other problems related to overloading, motorhome owners should follow a few simple tips:
Pack light
Only take what you really need and avoid unnecessary items.
Check the weight
Weigh your motorhome to ensure that it is within the permissible limits. Use a calibration office in your area for this purpose.
Distribute the weight evenly
Make sure that heavy items are distributed evenly throughout the motorhome.
Plan ahead
Avoid unnecessary items from the outset to reduce weight and save space.