Traveling with motorhomes and camping trailers is becoming increasingly popular. Whether it’s a weekend trip or an extended vacation – accommodation is always included, which often makes the tour cheaper and more flexible and ensures mobile freedom when exploring many places.
But where and for how long can you legally park a motorhome or camping trailer? And what weight restrictions are there? Tom Louven, lawyer for traffic law and partner lawyer at Geblitzt.de, reveals the answers.
Parking problems for campers?
In principle, motorhomes and attached camping trailers can be parked on public roads and in parking lots without time restrictions, provided that no special traffic signs prohibit it – but only if the permissible total weight is less than 7.5 tonnes. “If the motorhome or the combination of car and trailer weighs more, parking in residential areas is not permitted between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. According to Section 12 Paragraph 3a of the Road Traffic Act, it is also prohibited for campers over 7.5 tonnes on Sundays and public holidays,” says the lawyer. “For drivers who park their camping trailer on the side of the road without a towing vehicle, a maximum parking period of two weeks in the same parking lot applies according to Section 12 Paragraph 3b of the Road Traffic Act.” Also to note: Some parking spaces are only permitted for cars. They are marked with the additional sign 1010-58, which shows a car. Anyone who parks their camper there with their camper must expect a fine of 10 to 30 euros. You should also be careful when parking on the sidewalk. Parking on the sidewalk, as indicated, is only permitted for motorhomes with a total weight of up to 2.8 tonnes.
Overnight stays prohibited
If drivers want to not only park on public roads but also spend the night, special regulations apply. In many cities and municipalities, overnighting in a motorhome is prohibited. “It is permitted for one night at motorway rest areas and parking lots on federal roads and, with the permission of the owner, for longer periods on private property. Alternatively, there are specially designated parking spaces where campers can stay several nights at low cost or sometimes even for free,” explains Louven. There is one exception, however: if the driver is too tired to drive any further, parking and one overnight stay is possible where the road traffic regulations do not expressly prohibit it. However, this must serve the sole purpose of restoring the driver’s ability to drive.
This is how much campers are allowed to weigh
To ensure safe and legal travel, travelers should familiarize themselves with the regulations on vehicle weight. Louven explains: “The permissible total weight for motorhomes that can be driven with a class B car license is 3.5 tons. To determine this, the empty weight of the vehicle, the maximum payload and the weight of the occupants are added together. Cars with camping trailers are also only allowed to weigh 3.5 tons. The permissible total weights of the towing vehicle and the trailer are added together. If the weight is higher, drivers need a class BE license or, for motorhomes, class C1.”
Risks of overloading
Overloaded vehicles mean longer braking distances – the risk of chassis damage and poor evasive maneuvers increases. To ensure that the permissible total weight is not exceeded, drivers should check using vehicle scales, for example at motorway service stations, waste disposal facilities or special weighing stations. Louven emphasizes: “Overloading can not only be expensive, but can also result in points on your license. In serious cases, you may also be prohibited from continuing to drive. In the event of an accident, the insurance company may refuse to pay out due to the vehicle being overloaded.”
Different weight, different regulation
The permissible total weight is also important for the question of which signs apply. For example, if a motorhome weighs less than 3.5 tonnes, it may not be parked in a parking space marked for trucks. “Another example is the no-entry sign with a truck in the middle. This applies not only to trucks, but also to motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes. Failure to comply can result in a fine of 50 to 100 euros,” reveals Louven. Weight also plays an important role in terms of the permitted speed. “For campers under 3.5 tonnes, there is no general limit on the motorway. With a motorhome between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes, on the other hand, the maximum speed allowed is 100 km/h.”
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