Over 3,500 kg<\/strong><\/td>\n| Category C1 or C<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n So, if you\u2019re renting a campervan, always check the vehicle’s weight<\/strong> before signing anything.<\/p>\nIt could save you a massive fine<\/strong>\u2014or worse, your trip<\/strong>.<\/p>\nMotorhomes Over 3,500 kg: Requirements for Category C Licences<\/strong><\/h3>\nNow, what happens if your campervan exceeds 3,500 kg<\/strong>?<\/p>\nThat\u2019s where things get a little more complicated.<\/p>\n For heavier motorhomes, you\u2019ll need a Category C or C1 licence<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n- C1 Licence<\/strong> \u2192 Covers vehicles between 3,500 kg and 7,500 kg<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
- C Licence<\/strong> \u2192 Required for anything above 7,500 kg<\/strong> (which is rare for campervans but not impossible).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
And here\u2019s the catch:<\/p>\n If you passed your driving test before January 1997<\/strong>, you might already have the C1 entitlement<\/strong> on your licence without even knowing it<\/strong>.<\/p>\nSounds great, right? Not so fast.<\/p>\n To legally<\/strong> use it in Spain, you\u2019ll need to:<\/p>\n\n- Pass a medical exam<\/strong> (yes, even if you\u2019re fit as a fiddle).<\/li>\n
- Renew your licence more frequently<\/strong> than a standard Category B holder.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Miss either of those? Say goodbye to that entitlement.<\/p>\n So before you commit to a bigger motorhome<\/strong>, double-check your licence, your entitlements, and your renewal requirements<\/strong>.<\/p>\nOr just play it safe and stick to 3,500 kg or less<\/strong>.<\/p>\nWeight Categories and Licence Types Explained<\/strong><\/h2>\nWeight isn\u2019t just a number\u2014it\u2019s the difference between an easy, stress-free road trip<\/strong> and a bureaucratic nightmare<\/strong>.<\/p>\nLet\u2019s break it down.<\/p>\n Why Weight Matters<\/strong><\/h3>\nHere\u2019s the thing:<\/p>\n Spanish road laws are strict<\/strong> when it comes to vehicle weight.<\/p>\n\n- It affects your speed limits<\/strong> (heavier vehicles = lower speed limits).<\/li>\n
- It changes where you can park<\/strong> (some towns restrict parking for larger motorhomes).<\/li>\n
- It determines which roads you can use<\/strong> (some smaller rural roads have weight restrictions).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
So, whether you\u2019re buying, renting, or just planning<\/strong>, knowing these categories is crucial.<\/p>\nCommon Weight Limits and Classifications<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n \n\n\nVehicle Type<\/strong><\/th>\nWeight (kg)<\/strong><\/th>\nLicence Required<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n\n\n| Small campervans<\/td>\n | 2,000 \u2013 3,500<\/td>\n | Category B (Standard licence)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| Standard motorhomes<\/td>\n | 3,500<\/td>\n | Category B (with weight close to limit)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| Large motorhomes<\/td>\n | 3,500 \u2013 7,500<\/td>\n | Category C1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| Heavy-duty motorhomes<\/td>\n | 7,500+<\/td>\n | Category C<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n See the problem?<\/p>\n Most travellers assume “it\u2019s just a big van”<\/strong>, but once you start adding water tanks, gas installations, extra batteries, and storage<\/strong>, things can add up fast<\/strong>.<\/p>\nCampervans vs. Motorhomes vs. Caravans<\/strong><\/h3>\nNot all “homes on wheels” are the same.<\/p>\n \n- Campervans<\/strong> \u2013 Compact, easy to drive, often under 3,500 kg<\/strong>. No problem with a Category B licence<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
- Motorhomes<\/strong> \u2013 Bigger, heavier, often close to 3,500 kg<\/strong>. Some require Category C1<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
- Caravans<\/strong> \u2013 Not motorised, but towing weight<\/strong> matters. If the total weight exceeds 3,500 kg<\/strong>, you might need a B+E licence<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
So before you hit the road, make sure you know exactly what you\u2019re driving<\/strong>\u2014because the wrong licence can cost you your trip<\/strong>.<\/p>\nEssential Traffic Rules for Campervans<\/strong><\/h2>\nLet\u2019s get something straight.<\/p>\n Driving a campervan isn\u2019t the same<\/strong> as driving a regular car.<\/p>\nYes, they share the same licence requirements (if the vehicle is under 3,500 kg)<\/strong>, but the rules on the road? They change.<\/p>\nAnd if you think the police won\u2019t bother checking, think again.<\/p>\n Speed Limits for Campervans<\/strong><\/h3>\nSpeed limits in Spain vary depending on weight<\/strong>. And, as you already know, weight determines which licence you need<\/strong>\u2014and now, how fast you\u2019re allowed to go.<\/p>\nLet\u2019s break it down:<\/p>\n \n \n\n\nVehicle Type<\/strong><\/th>\nMotorway (km\/h)<\/strong><\/th>\nMain Roads (km\/h)<\/strong><\/th>\nUrban Areas (km\/h)<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n\n\nCampervans (\u22643,500 kg)<\/strong><\/td>\n120<\/strong><\/td>\n90<\/strong><\/td>\n50<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nMotorhomes (>3,500 kg)<\/strong><\/td>\n90-100<\/strong><\/td>\n80<\/strong><\/td>\n| 50<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n So, if you\u2019re in a standard AJJ Vans campervan<\/strong> (yes, all four of their campervans can be driven with a normal Category B licence), you can legally cruise at 120 km\/h on the motorway<\/strong>\u2014just like a regular car.<\/p>\nBut here\u2019s where things get interesting.<\/p>\n Speed cameras in Spain are ruthless.<\/strong><\/p>\nUnlike in other countries where you get a bit of a \u201cmargin of error,\u201d Spain\u2019s traffic enforcement is precise. 1 km\/h over the limit? Fine.<\/strong><\/p>\nAnd those fines aren\u2019t small, either.<\/p>\n So stick to the limits. Your wallet will thank you later.<\/p>\n Road Safety and Traffic Laws<\/strong><\/h3>\nNow, let\u2019s talk about the rules you probably didn\u2019t know existed<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n- Overtaking laws<\/strong> \u2013 If you\u2019re driving a campervan over 3,500 kg<\/strong>, overtaking on certain roads is restricted<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
- Seatbelt rules<\/strong> \u2013 All passengers must wear seatbelts at all times<\/strong>, including those in the living area.<\/li>\n
- Alcohol limits<\/strong> \u2013 Lower than for regular cars (0.25 mg\/L in breath, 0.5 g\/L in blood).<\/li>\n
- Low-emission zones<\/strong> \u2013 Some Spanish cities restrict access<\/strong> to older diesel vehicles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Now, here\u2019s something that catches a lot<\/strong> of travellers off guard:<\/p>\nBattery charging and fuel stops.<\/strong><\/p>\nRunning out of fuel in a remote location might sound like an adventure, but trust me, it\u2019s not<\/strong>.<\/p>\nBefore setting off, check your nearest fuel stations and battery charging stations<\/strong>.<\/p>\nAnd if you\u2019re heading into the mountains or rural Spain, fill up before you go<\/strong>. You might not see another petrol station for miles.<\/p>\nCamping and Parking Regulations in Spain<\/strong><\/h2>\nThis is where things get tricky.<\/p>\n Parking is NOT camping.<\/strong><\/p>\nAnd if you don\u2019t know the difference, you could end up with a hefty fine<\/strong>.<\/p>\nAvoiding Fines: Camping and Parking Guidelines<\/strong><\/h3>\nFirst, let\u2019s clear this up.<\/p>\n Parking<\/strong> \u2013 Allowed in public areas as long as<\/strong> you don\u2019t extend anything outside the vehicle. No tables, chairs, awnings, or stabilisers.<\/p>\nCamping<\/strong> \u2013 The moment you start setting up an outdoor \u201cliving space\u201d (chairs, awning, or even opening windows too wide), you\u2019re camping<\/strong>. And that\u2019s not allowed<\/strong> outside designated areas.<\/p>\nNow, the biggest mistake<\/strong> travellers make?<\/p>\nThinking they can \u201cpark\u201d overnight anywhere.<\/strong><\/p>\nHere\u2019s why that\u2019s a bad idea:<\/p>\n \n \n\n\nLocation<\/strong><\/th>\nParking Allowed?<\/strong><\/th>\nCamping Allowed?<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n\n\n| Public car parks<\/td>\n | Yes<\/td>\n | No<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| Coastal areas (Coastal Act)<\/td>\n | No<\/td>\n | No<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| National parks & protected zones<\/td>\n | No<\/td>\n | No<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| Designated campervan areas<\/td>\n | Yes<\/td>\n | Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\nFAQ: Common Questions About Driving a Campervan in Spain<\/strong><\/h2>\nQ1: What type of driving licence is required for campervans under 3,500 kg in Spain?<\/strong><\/h3>\nA standard Category B licence is sufficient<\/strong>.<\/p>\nAll four campervans from AJJ Vans<\/strong> fall under this category\u2014so no extra licences needed.<\/p>\nQ2: Are there any special rules for parking campervans in protected areas?<\/strong><\/h3>\nYes<\/strong>.<\/p>\nThe Coastal Act<\/strong> prohibits parking near beaches, dunes, and other protected zones<\/strong>. Fines can be up to \u20ac1,500<\/strong>.<\/p>\nQ3: What are the speed limits for motorhomes on Spanish roads?<\/strong><\/h3>\n | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |