Summertime is here, and what better way to enjoy the sun than at your favourite motorhome pitch? Park up, take out your awning and unfold your garden chair for the ultimate lounging experience. 

When you’re done soaking up the sun, all you need to do is pack away your valuables and hit the tarmac. 

The merits of motorhome adventures are undeniable: with the convenience of a hotel and the freedom of a vehicle, it’s no wonder more and more travellers are renting motorhomes for the summer season. 

But if you want to avoid fines and enjoy a smooth ride, you should have the answer to this question: how much is road tax for a UK motorhome? 

What is a motorhome road tax?

Motorhome road tax, also known as Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), is imposed by the UK government on vehicles driven on public roads. 

It is an annual tax that contributes to the maintenance and development of road infrastructure. Depending on your preference, you can pay it in one lump sum that covers you for either six months or a year.  

Or, you can make monthly direct debit instalments to spread the cost of your payment. However you choose to pay, road tax rates will vary based on several factors: 

• the type of vehicle you drive
• emissions
• vehicle weight

You can pay VED in two ways: 

• If you purchase a new vehicle outright, your VED will be calculated based on your motorhome’s fuel emissions as a one-off fixed fee.
• If you buy a second-hand vehicle, you won’t need to pay a lump sum, but you must still pay road tax annually. 

What tax class is a motorhome?

Motorhomes fall under the tax class of “Private/Light Goods” (PLG) if they meet certain criteria. To qualify for the PLG class, the motorhome must be designed and constructed to accommodate people for camping and other leisure activities.

It should have the necessary facilities, such as sleeping quarters, cooking facilities, and storage space.

What factors affect motorhome tax?

Motorhome road tax is influenced by various factors. Let’s take a closer look at each of these: 

MS1 Category 

The MS1 category refers to the body type of the motorhome. 

It classifies motorhomes based on their construction and layout. Different MS1 categories may have varying rates, so it’s important to determine the specific category of your motorhome when calculating road tax.

Engine Size and Gross Weight 

As we mentioned earlier, one of the main ways road tax is calculated is based on your vehicle’s gross weight (which, in turn, determines the engine size). 

While most motorhomes fall under the Private/Light Goods Vehicles (PLG) category and weigh less than 3,500kg, some are classified as Private/Heavy Goods Vehicles (PHG). In this instance, the cost of road tax will differ. 

Production date

According to GOV.UK, Vehicle Tax Rates change depending on your motorhome’s production date. For example, you’ll pay a different price if your motorhome was manufactured between the 1st of April 2017 and the 11th of March 2020. 

How much is the road tax for a motorhome?

Now that we know why road tax costs fluctuate, how much does the UK government charge to tax your vehicle? 

Motorhomes weighing under 3,500kg (TC11)

Motorhomes with a maximum weight of under 3,500kg fall into the TC11 tax class. 

Motorhomes weighing above 3,500kg (TC10)

Motorhomes weighing above 3,500kg fall into the TC10 tax class.

Classic motorhomes

If you’re driving a motorhome registered over 40 years ago, this is considered a ‘classic motorhome’, and you no longer need to pay VED. They are covered by a historical road exemption policy that you must apply for before setting off. 

Rent a Vehicle With Melling Motorhomes

Motorhome tax might seem complicated, but it’s easy to understand once you break it down. Whether purchasing second-hand or buying a new vehicle outright, VED is a cost you’ll need to factor into your yearly budget. 

But what if you’re only planning a 2-week road trip? Renting a motorhome from a reliable supplier for a fixed cost may be more financially viable than buying a vehicle outright. That’s where we come in! 

By renting with Melling Motorhomes, you can avoid road tax costs and set off only when necessary. Our fully-furnished vehicles come equipped with all the latest amenities, like air-conditioning, TVs and even outdoor tables and chairs! 

Make this summer the best one yet by renting a vehicle from Melling Motorhomes. 

FAQs

1. How often do I need to pay motorhome road tax?

Motorhome road tax is paid annually. You are required to renew your road tax each year.

1. Can I pay motorhome road tax in instalments?

Yes, you can pay motorhome road tax in either 6-month or 12-month instalments.

1. Do electric motorhomes have to pay road tax?

Electric motorhomes are exempt from road tax as they produce zero emissions.

1. Can I claim a refund if I sell my motorhome mid-year?

Yes, if you sell your motorhome before the end of the tax year, you can apply for a refund for the remaining months.

1. Is motorhome road tax the same across the entire UK?

Road tax rates for motorhomes are consistent across England, Scotland, and Wales. However, road tax rates may differ in Northern Ireland.