Campervan Speed Limits

Let’s be honest – you’re not exactly racing a sports car. But that does not mean speed limits are just suggestions for campervan drivers. They vary depending on the size and weight of your vehicle, and yes – they really do matter. One speeding fine can do more than ruin your day – it can bump up your insurance, drain your wallet and even lead to points on your licence.

Speed Limits for Campervans in the UK

So, what can you legally do on a dual carriageway? A motorway? Down a country B-road at dusk with a roast chicken rolling about in the back?

Here are the basics, but keep in mind – it depends on your campervan’s unladen weight and classification.

• If your campervan weighs under 3.05 tonnes unladen:
  • Built-up areas (e.g. towns): 30 mph
  • Single carriageways: 60 mph
  • Dual carriageways: 70 mph
  • Motorways: 70 mph
• If your campervan weighs over 3.05 tonnes unladen:
  • Built-up areas: 30 mph
  • Single carriageways: 50 mph
  • Dual carriageways: 60 mph
  • Motorways: 70 mph (unless towing – then it’s 60 mph)

How Do You Know What Your Unladen Weight Is?

Ah, there’s the rub. Some owners never check. Some guess (bad idea). And others assume their converted van counts as a car (it might not). The best way? Look at your V5C logbook or the manufacturer’s plate under the bonnet or inside the door frame. If it’s not clear, weigh the van empty at a public weighbridge. That few extra kilos could make a big difference when a speed camera flashes.

Why the Limits Are Lower for Heavier Campervans

Imagine a campervan bombing down a winding B-road, top-heavy with surfboards, water tanks and a dog crate. Heavier vehicles take longer to stop. They handle differently in corners. And let’s face it – if things go wrong, they tend to go wrong in a big way. These limits are not just there to spoil your fun. They exist for a reason.

Real-World Caution

Just imagine this: a couple heading to Cornwall in their coachbuilt camper hit a narrow lane, heavy with gear. They’d assumed the 60 mph signs applied to them. A tight bend, a sudden brake, and they ended up in a hedge. Thankfully, no one was hurt – but the van was out of action for months, and insurance was not too thrilled.

What About Towing a Trailer?

If you are towing – maybe a small car, motorbike or trailer – the maximum motorway speed drops to 60 mph, regardless of weight. And on single carriageways? Just 50 mph. Also remember: no trailers allowed in the outside lane of a motorway with three or more lanes. Plenty of people forget that one.

Other Speed-Related Considerations

• Speed Awareness Courses: You might be offered one instead of points, but it depends on how fast you were going and where.
• Insurance Impacts: Speeding convictions can increase premiums. They stay on your record for at least 4 years.
• Foreign Roads: Other countries, other rules. France and Spain, for example, have lower limits for heavier vehicles too.

Tips to Stay Within the Limits

• Stick a post-it or sticker on your dashboard with your specific limits.
• Use your sat nav or smartphone apps with speed alerts.
• Relax your pace – getting there five minutes faster rarely matters.
• Remember – downhill momentum can creep up on you!

Speed Might Not Be Everything, But It Can Cost You

Campervan journeys are about the ride as much as the destination. Taking it steady not only keeps you legal – it keeps you safer, calmer, and frankly, helps preserve your pride and joy. That extra care can also mean fewer incidents, fewer insurance claims, and more happy memories on the road.

Want a feeling of being safe and sound that you are covered properly, whatever your journey speed? It’s always worth getting a proper quote. It only takes a few moments, and could make all the difference if things go sideways.