I was told by a professional driver that from 2027, motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes will require a tachograph to be fitted for driving in Europe. Is anyone able to confirm this before we look at buying our next van? Thanks
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It's a long while now since I did any commercial driving but when I did I had to use a tachograph regularly. I don't know for certain, but it seems highly unlikely to me unless the motorhome was going to be used for commercial purposes. Tachographs are used to record drivers' hours and to make sure commercial drivers stick to the regulation HGV/PCV drivers' hours. They are not usually for non-commercial private vehicles.
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
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Without links to anything official what anyone tells you is a rumour or half a story.
I suspect it will be the same as other vehicles over 3500kg in that it will only be a requirement when the vehicle is used for commercial or hire and reward purposes.
Couldn't find anything 'official' from Europe, but a fair bit of tittle tattle implying >3.5T vehicles private or commercial now need Tachos! That could well be mis-information that tends to spread as scaremongering!
After the debacle last year of trailers >750Kg in most of Europe now needing to be registered and displaying that registration number in addition to tow vehicle registration, where the OFFICIAL UK Gov web site blatantly misled with incorrect info, and took many weeks to correct fully after the rule came into operation, I'd NOT believe a word from them on this subject, ONLY rely on info obtained from official Euro sources!
If you research enough, you'll likely find a reliable official Euro source.
Definitely don't take my word on it, do your own research, I'm no expert on these matters.
I would just ask the question "why on earth would a privately owned vehicle of any size, driven purely for pleasure, need a tachograph when the main purpose of a tacho is for recording commercial vehicle drivers hours". As far as I know it has never even been suggested that ordinary drivers be subjected to legal driving hours restrictions like commercial drivers are.
------------- Best Regards,
Colin
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Considering the huge number of leisure motorhomes, some of huge size, in Europe, can you imagine the outcry if this was imposed?
Once a destination is reached, most stay put rather than clock up miles each day. Better to impose more parking restrictions for them on beaches and seafronts so that the rest of us can enjoy the views etc!
Why would anyone be interested in how many hours a leisure vehicle was being driven at a time? Unless the EU is intending to introduce legislation restricting the driving and resting hours of motorhome drivers, what would be the point?
Definitely think one is a lot more dangerous than the other.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
Quote: Originally posted by Colin21 on 29/1/2026
Why would anyone be interested in how many hours a leisure vehicle was being driven at a time?
Because some people will drive for hours on end to get to their destination, and a tired motorhome driver is as dangerous as a tired HGV driver.
That is very true, but why stop at motorhome drivers? Overtired car drivers are dangerous too, but would anyone think of fitting tachographs to cars? I think the idea of fitting tachos to leisure vehicles would be an absolute administrative nightmare. Would older motorhomes have to be retro-fitted? Would motorhome drivers all have to go on a course to learn all about drivers' hours and how to use a tacho? Would the tacho form part of the MOT test? I just can't see it happening.
AI generated:
Commercial/Rental Use: If a motorhome is used for business, advertising, or rented out, it may be subject to commercial regulations and require a tachograph.
Key word is may, I guess. And rented.
Not concerned, as we own our MH & don’t use it for business (because couldn’t get insurance for it, when I wanted to use it for overnights when I was doing site visits in remote places in uk).
"The European Commission has opposed mandatory tachographs for private motorhomes and motorhome combinations over 7.5 tonnes. EU member states will now be able to explicitly exempt such non-commercial vehicles from driving time, rest period, and tachograph rules. This move reverses a previous controversial requirement, reducing costs and legal uncertainty for private users."
Connexion are about as reliable as theSunday sport used to be. the place to get the true information is the French goverment website https://www.info.gouv.fr/
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Motorhome Tachograph for Europe?
via mobile 02/2/2026 at 9:50pm
