How Much Is Road Tax for a Motorhome?
- MAZ
- 5 hours ago
- 15 min read
Index:
The Audio Summary of the Key Points of the Article:
Understanding Motorhome Road Tax Across the UK
So, how much is road tax for a motorhome in the UK? Let’s cut to the chase: as of April 2025, the cost of Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), commonly called road tax, for a motorhome depends on its weight, registration date, and whether it’s classified as a private light goods vehicle (PLGV) or a private heavy goods vehicle (PHGV). Across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, most motorhome owners will pay a standard rate of £195 annually after the first year, but there are nuances—especially for newer vehicles, heavier models, or those costing over £40,000 when new. Let’s unpack this step by step to make sure you’re not caught out.
What Determines Your Motorhome’s Road Tax?
Right, let’s start with the basics. Motorhome road tax hinges on a few key factors: the vehicle’s weight, its registration date, and its CO2 emissions (for newer models). The UK government splits motorhomes into two main tax classes based on weight:
TC11 (Private Light Goods Vehicle, PLGV): For motorhomes weighing 3,500kg or less. These are taxed like cars, with rates based on CO2 emissions for the first year if registered after April 2017, then a flat £195 per year.
TC10 (Private Heavy Goods Vehicle, PHGV): For motorhomes over 3,500kg. These typically face a lower annual rate of £165, with a slight increase expected for 2025/26 due to inflation adjustments.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. If your motorhome was registered before 1 March 2001, the tax is based on engine size, not weight or emissions. For example, a motorhome with an engine over 1,549cc pays £345 annually, while those under pay £200. If your motorhome is a classic—built before 1 January 1983—you might qualify for a historic vehicle exemption, meaning no VED at all, but you’ll still need to apply for it on GOV.UK.
How is My Motorhome's Road Tax Determined?
Standard Rates Across the UK
Here’s the good news: road tax rates for motorhomes are broadly consistent across England, Scotland, and Wales. Northern Ireland follows the same VED structure, but you’ll need to bring a physical insurance certificate or cover note when taxing your vehicle at a Post Office, unlike the electronic checks in the rest of the UK. Let’s break down the standard rates for 2025/26:
Registration Date | Tax Class | First Year Rate (CO2-based) | Standard Annual Rate (2025/26) |
Pre-1 March 2001 | Engine size | £200 (≤1,549cc) or £345 (>1,549cc) | Same as first year |
1 March 2001 – 31 March 2017 | CO2-based | £0–£635 (based on CO2 band) | £20–£325 (based on CO2 band) |
Post-1 April 2017 (≤3,500kg) | PLGV (TC11) | £10–£5,490 (based on CO2) | £195 (or £620 if >£40,000 list price) |
Post-1 April 2017 (>3,500kg) | PHGV (TC10) | £165 (no CO2-based first year) | £165 (inflation-adjusted, est. £170) |
Pre-1 January 1983 | Historic | £0 (exempt, must apply) | £0 (exempt, must apply) |
Source: GOV.UK Vehicle Tax Rates, updated April 2025
Be careful! If your motorhome’s list price (including optional extras) was over £40,000 when new and it’s registered after 1 April 2017, you’ll face the Expensive Car Supplement of £425 per year for the first five years, bumping your annual tax to £620. This applies to PLGV motorhomes but not PHGVs, which is a relief for owners of heavier vehicles.
How Registration Date Changes the Game
Now, consider this: the date your motorhome was first registered is a big deal. For vehicles registered between 1 March 2001 and 31 March 2017, VED is based on CO2 emissions, split into 13 bands. For example, a motorhome emitting 101–110g/km of CO2 costs £20 annually, while one emitting over 255g/km costs £735. If your motorhome was registered after 1 April 2017, the first-year rate depends on CO2 emissions (ranging from £10 for low-emission models to £5,490 for high polluters), then it switches to the flat £195 rate from year two onward, unless the Expensive Car Supplement applies.
Here’s a real-world example. Let’s say Aled from Cardiff owns a 2019 Fiat Ducato-based motorhome weighing 3,200kg. It emits 180g/km of CO2 and had a list price of £45,000. In its first year, Aled paid £1,555 based on its CO2 band. Now, in 2025, he’s paying £620 annually (£195 standard rate + £425 supplement) until the vehicle hits its sixth year, when it drops to £195. Meanwhile, Morag in Inverness has a heavier 2019 Burstner motorhome (3,850kg, PHGV). She pays just £165 annually, with no CO2-based first-year rate or supplement, because PHGVs follow simpler rules.
Northern Ireland’s Unique Requirements
Hold on a second—Northern Ireland does things a bit differently. While the tax rates match the rest of the UK, you’ll need to physically present your insurance documents when taxing your motorhome at a Post Office. This is because the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) in Northern Ireland doesn’t rely solely on the electronic Motor Insurance Database (MID) like the DVLA does elsewhere. So, if you’re in Belfast, make sure you’ve got your paperwork sorted before heading to tax your vehicle. The process is straightforward, but forgetting that insurance certificate could leave you stuck.
Exemptions and Special Cases
Now, let’s talk exemptions. If your motorhome is used by a disabled person and qualifies for a disability exemption, you could pay £0 VED. This applies to vehicles adapted for disabled use, but you can only claim it for one vehicle at a time. You’ll need to apply through GOV.UK, providing proof like a Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment certificate. Another gem: if your motorhome is over 40 years old (pre-1 January 1983), it’s classified as a historic vehicle and exempt from VED, but you must still register it as tax-exempt. For instance, Eira from Swansea owns a 1978 Bedford CF camper. She applied for the historic exemption and pays nothing, but she still renews her tax status annually to stay legal.
Why It Matters for Taxpayers and Business Owners
None of us is a tax expert, but understanding VED can save you a bundle. If you’re a business owner using a motorhome for work—say, a mobile catering business or a rental company—you’ll need to factor VED into your costs. Unlike fuel duty, VED isn’t tax-deductible as a business expense, so it’s a fixed cost you’ll need to budget for. For individual taxpayers, especially those on a tight budget, choosing a motorhome under 3,500kg with low CO2 emissions or a heavier PHGV model can keep your annual tax below £200. Always check your vehicle’s V5C logbook for its registration date, weight, and CO2 emissions to estimate your tax accurately.
How to Check and Pay Your VED
So, the question is: how do you actually pay this tax? The easiest way is through the GOV.UK website, where you’ll need your vehicle’s registration number and the 11-digit reference number from your V5C or tax reminder letter. You can pay annually, every six months, or monthly via Direct Debit, but here’s the catch—paying monthly increases the cost slightly (e.g., £204.75 for a £195 annual rate). For Northern Ireland residents, head to a Post Office with your insurance documents and V5C. You can also check your tax status online to avoid fines, which start at £80 for an untaxed vehicle (halved to £40 if paid within 33 days).
Strategies to Optimise Your Motorhome Road Tax
Now, let’s get practical. You’ve got a handle on how motorhome road tax works across the UK, but how can you keep those costs down without breaking a sweat? Whether you’re a taxpayer looking to save a few quid or a business owner running a fleet of motorhomes, there are clever ways to minimise your Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) while staying on the right side of the law. This part dives into actionable strategies, real-world examples, and some lesser-known tips to make your motorhome ownership as tax-efficient as possible.
Choosing the Right Motorhome for Tax Savings
Let’s kick things off with a big decision: picking the right motorhome. The tax class—PLGV (under 3,500kg) or PHGV (over 3,500kg)—makes a massive difference. Lighter motorhomes (PLGV) face CO2-based rates in their first year, which can sting if your vehicle’s a high emitter. For example, a 2023 motorhome emitting 200g/km of CO2 could set you back £2,245 in the first year. But heavier PHGV models? They’re taxed at a flat £165 annually (likely £170 in 2025/26 due to inflation), regardless of emissions.
Here’s a tip: if you’re buying new, consider a motorhome just over 3,500kg to qualify as a PHGV. For instance, Dafydd from Wrexham bought a 2024 Hymer motorhome weighing 3,600kg. His annual VED is £165, compared to his mate Gwilym’s 3,400kg model, which costs £195 annually (plus £425 if it’s over £40,000). The catch? Heavier motorhomes need a C1 driving licence if registered after 1997, so check your licence first. You can verify your entitlement on GOV.UK’s driving licence checker.
Which Motorhome Type Should You Choose for Tax Savings!
Timing Your Purchase to Dodge High First-Year Rates
Now, here’s a sneaky one. The first-year VED for PLGV motorhomes registered after 1 April 2017 is based on CO2 emissions, and it can be a wallet-buster. A motorhome emitting over 255g/km could cost £5,490 in year one. But if you buy a used motorhome already past its first year, you skip this hefty rate and go straight to the standard £195 (or £620 if the Expensive Car Supplement applies). For example, Sioned from Aberystwyth bought a 2018 Adria motorhome in 2024. It was three years old, so she pays £195 annually, avoiding the £1,860 first-year rate her neighbour paid for the same model when new.
Be careful! If you’re eyeing a nearly new motorhome, check its list price. Vehicles over £40,000 trigger the Expensive Car Supplement (£425 annually for five years), even if you buy second-hand. Always ask for the original list price, including extras, to avoid surprises. You can cross-check CO2 emissions and list price on the manufacturer’s website or the V5C logbook.
Leveraging Exemptions for Tax-Free Motorhomes
So, the question is: can you get away with paying no VED at all? In some cases, yes! Beyond the historic vehicle exemption for motorhomes over 40 years old (pre-1 January 1983), there’s the disability exemption. If your motorhome is adapted for a disabled person—say, with a wheelchair lift or hand controls—you could qualify for £0 VED. You’ll need to apply via GOV.UK with proof like a Disability Living Allowance letter or a vehicle adaptation certificate.
Take Rhiannon from Belfast, who adapted her 2015 Fiat Ducato motorhome with a ramp for her son’s wheelchair. She applied for the disability exemption and now pays nothing, saving £195 annually. But here’s the kicker: the exemption only applies to one vehicle per disabled person, so if you’ve got another car claiming it, you’re out of luck. Always double-check eligibility on GOV.UK to avoid rejection.
Business Owners: Tax Planning for Motorhome Fleets
Now, if you’re a business owner, listen up. Whether you’re renting out motorhomes or using one for work—like a mobile workshop or catering van—VED isn’t deductible as a business expense, unlike fuel or maintenance. This makes planning crucial. For a small fleet, consider PHGV motorhomes over 3,500kg to lock in the lower £165 rate. For example, Idris runs a motorhome rental business in Edinburgh. He switched his fleet to heavier models like the 2024 Elddis Autoquest (3,650kg), saving £30 per vehicle annually compared to lighter models at £195.
Another pro tip: if your business uses motorhomes sporadically, consider taxing them for six months at a time. The six-month rate for a PLGV is £107.25 (versus £195 annually), which can help cash flow if the vehicle’s off the road for part of the year. Just don’t forget to declare it SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) when not in use to avoid fines. You can do this online via GOV.UK in minutes.
Tax Strategy | Who It Benefits | Potential Savings | Key Considerations |
Buy PHGV (>3,500kg) | All owners | £30–£455/year vs PLGV | Requires C1 licence |
Buy used (post-first year) | Individual taxpayers | Up to £5,490 in year 1 | Check list price for supplement |
Disability exemption | Disabled owners | £195–£620/year | One vehicle per person |
Historic exemption | Classic motorhome owners | £200–£345/year | Must be pre-1 January 1983 |
Six-month tax | Seasonal business users | ~£80/year per vehicle | Declare SORN when off-road |
Source: Author’s analysis based on GOV.UK VED rates, April 2025
Avoiding the Expensive Car Supplement
Let’s talk about that pesky £40,000 threshold. If your motorhome’s list price (including extras like awnings or sat-nav) was over £40,000 when new, you’ll pay an extra £425 annually for five years, even if you bought it used. For instance, Bronwen from Newport bought a 2020 Swift Kon-Tiki for £38,000 second-hand, but its original list price was £42,000. She’s stuck paying £620 annually (£195 + £425) until 2025. To avoid this, check the original price before buying. Manufacturers’ websites or dealers can provide this info, or you can estimate using tools like Auto Trader’s valuation service.
Here’s a workaround: if you’re customising a new motorhome, keep optional extras under the £40,000 threshold. For example, skip the £5,000 leather upholstery upgrade if it pushes you over. It’s not just the first-year hit—it’s five years of extra tax.
Staying Compliant Across the UK
None of us wants a fine, right? Whether you’re in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, the DVLA (or DVA in NI) is strict about untaxed vehicles. Fines start at £80, but can climb to £1,000 if you’re caught driving untaxed. In Northern Ireland, don’t forget that physical insurance certificate when taxing at the Post Office. Elsewhere, the DVLA’s Motor Insurance Database handles this electronically, but always ensure your insurance is active before taxing online.
For business owners, compliance is even trickier. If you’re renting out motorhomes, each vehicle must be taxed individually, and missing a renewal could ground your fleet. Set up Direct Debit payments on GOV.UK to automate renewals—monthly payments spread the cost, though they add a small premium (e.g., £204.75 for a £195 annual rate).
Case Study: Saving on a Small Fleet
Take Owain, who runs a motorhome rental business in Anglesey. In 2023, he had three PLGV motorhomes, each costing £195 annually, plus one over £40,000 costing £620. Total VED: £965. In 2024, he replaced two with PHGV models at £165 each and sold the high-value one, dropping his annual VED to £495—a £470 saving. By planning his fleet around tax classes, he boosted his profit margins without compromising quality.
Advanced Tips and Navigating Complex Scenarios for Motorhome Road Tax
Right, you’ve got the basics and some savvy strategies to keep your motorhome road tax in check. But what happens when things get tricky? Maybe you’ve modified your motorhome, imported one from abroad, or you’re facing a tax dispute with the DVLA. This part dives into the nitty-gritty, offering advanced tips and solutions for UK taxpayers and business owners. We’ll cover refunds, modifications, imports, and how to handle rare scenarios, all while keeping things practical and grounded in real-world examples.
Handling Modifications That Affect Tax Class
So, you’ve kitted out your motorhome with a new kitchen or extra seating—nice one! But hold on: modifications can change your vehicle’s tax class, and that’s a game-changer for VED. If you add weight to a PLGV motorhome (under 3,500kg) and tip it over 3,500kg, it could be reclassified as a PHGV, dropping your annual tax from £195 (or £620 with the Expensive Car Supplement) to £165. For example, Llinos from Bangor added a heavy solar panel system to her 2019 Fiat Ducato, pushing it to 3,600kg. After re-registering with the DVLA, her annual VED fell to £165, saving her £30 a year.
Be careful! You must notify the DVLA of significant modifications via form V55/5 (for used vehicles) or V55/2 (for new ones). If the weight change bumps you into PHGV territory, you’ll need a C1 licence to drive it legally if it’s registered post-1997. Check your V5C logbook for the vehicle’s new revenue weight and update it online at GOV.UK. Failing to report changes could lead to a £1,000 fine or an incorrect tax bill.
Claiming Refunds for Overpaid VED
Now, here’s something nobody likes: overpaying tax. If you’ve sold your motorhome, declared it SORN, or it’s been scrapped, stolen, or exported, you can claim a VED refund for any full months left on your tax. For instance, Gethin from Derry/Londonderry sold his 2022 motorhome in June 2024, with six months of tax remaining. He applied for a refund on GOV.UK and got £97.50 back (half of the £195 annual rate). Refunds are processed within six weeks, but you’ll need your V5C or the green ‘new keeper’ slip if you’ve sold the vehicle.
Here’s a pro tip: if you pay monthly by Direct Debit, cancel it immediately after selling or SORN-ing your motorhome to avoid extra charges. In Northern Ireland, you’ll need to visit a Post Office with your V5C to process the refund, as the DVA doesn’t handle online refunds as seamlessly as the DVLA. Always double-check your tax status on GOV.UK to ensure you’re not owed money.
Taxing Imported Motorhomes
Now, consider this: you’ve found a dream motorhome in Germany or the States, and you’re bringing it to the UK. Importing a motorhome adds a layer of complexity to VED. First, you’ll need to register it with the DVLA, which involves proving its weight, CO2 emissions, and list price. If the vehicle lacks CO2 data (common for non-EU imports), it’s taxed based on engine size for pre-2017 registrations or as a PHGV (£165 annually) if over 3,500kg. For example, Cerys from Bristol imported a 2023 Winnebago from the US, weighing 4,200kg. It was classified as a PHGV, costing her £165 annually, with no first-year CO2-based rate.
Watch out for the Expensive Car Supplement on imports. If your motorhome’s UK list price equivalent exceeds £40,000, you’ll pay £620 annually for five years if it’s under 3,500kg. Use HMRC’s import duty calculator to estimate costs, and ensure you have a Certificate of Mutual Recognition or Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) to register it legally. The process can take weeks, so budget for temporary storage if needed.
Resolving Tax Disputes with the DVLA or DVA
None of us wants to tangle with the taxman, but mistakes happen. If the DVLA (or DVA in Northern Ireland) taxes your motorhome incorrectly—say, charging you £620 instead of £195 because they misapplied the Expensive Car Supplement—you can dispute it. Start by contacting the DVLA via their online form or call 0300 790 6802. Provide your V5C details and evidence, like the original list price or weight certificate. For instance, Alun from Swansea was overcharged £425 annually because his 2020 motorhome was wrongly flagged as over £40,000. He submitted the dealer’s invoice showing a £38,000 list price and got his tax corrected to £195.
In Northern Ireland, disputes go through the DVA (call 0300 200 7861). You’ll need to present physical documents, like your V5C or insurance certificate, at a Post Office or DVA office. If the issue isn’t resolved, escalate it to the Independent Complaints Assessor via GOV.UK. Keep records of all correspondence to strengthen your case.
Scenario | Action Required | Potential Outcome | Key Documents Needed |
Weight change (PLGV to PHGV) | Notify DVLA, update V5C | VED drops to £165/year | V55/5 form, weight certificate |
Overpaid VED | Apply for refund on GOV.UK | Refund for remaining months | V5C or new keeper slip |
Imported motorhome | Register with DVLA, get IVA | £165 (PHGV) or £195–£620 (PLGV) | CO2 data, list price proof |
Tax dispute | Contact DVLA/DVA with evidence | Corrected tax rate | V5C, invoices, weight proof |
Source: Author’s analysis based on GOV.UK and DVA guidance, April 2025
Case Study: Navigating a Tax Error
Take Nia, a business owner in Glasgow who runs a motorhome rental company. In 2024, one of her 2021 PLGV motorhomes was taxed at £620 annually due to a DVLA error flagging it as over £40,000. She contacted the DVLA with the original purchase invoice showing a £36,000 list price. After two weeks, the tax was corrected to £195, saving her £425 per year. She also reclassified a second motorhome as a PHGV after adding storage units, dropping its VED to £165. Total savings? £590 annually across two vehicles.
Tax for Electric and Hybrid Motorhomes
Now, let’s look forward. Electric and hybrid motorhomes are gaining traction, and their VED rules are a bit different. As of April 2025, electric motorhomes (PLGV) registered after 1 April 2017 pay £0 VED in the first year and £195 annually thereafter, unless the Expensive Car Supplement applies. Hybrids follow the same CO2-based rates as diesel or petrol models. For example, Ifan from Cardiff owns a 2024 electric motorhome (3,200kg, £42,000 list price). He pays £0 in year one but £620 annually (£195 + £425 supplement) for years two to six. By 2030, when the supplement ends, he’ll pay £195.
Key VED Milestones for Electric Motorhomes
Planning for Future Tax Changes
So, what’s next? The UK government is reviewing VED for 2026/27, with potential increases tied to inflation (likely 2–3%). There’s also talk of revising electric vehicle exemptions post-2025, so keep an eye on GOV.UK for updates. For business owners, budgeting for a slight VED hike is wise—say, £5–£10 per vehicle. Individuals can future-proof by choosing low-emission or heavier PHGV models to hedge against rising CO2-based rates.
Summary of the Most Important Points
Motorhome Road Tax Summary
Motorhome road tax (VED) in the UK depends on weight, registration date, and CO2 emissions, with standard rates of £195 for PLGVs (≤3,500kg) and £165 for PHGVs (>3,500kg) in 2025/26.
Vehicles registered before 1 March 2001 are taxed by engine size (£200–£345 annually), while those before 1 January 1983 may qualify for a historic vehicle exemption (£0 VED).
PLGV motorhomes registered after 1 April 2017 face CO2-based first-year rates (£10–£5,490) and a £425 Expensive Car Supplement if the list price exceeds £40,000.
Northern Ireland requires physical insurance documents at a Post Office for taxing, unlike the electronic checks used elsewhere in the UK.
Choosing a PHGV motorhome over 3,500kg can save £30–£455 annually compared to PLGV rates, but may require a C1 driving licence.
Buying a used motorhome past its first year avoids high CO2-based first-year rates, though the Expensive Car Supplement may still apply.
Disability exemptions allow £0 VED for adapted motorhomes, and refunds are available for sold, SORN, or scrapped vehicles via GOV.UK.
Modifications increasing a motorhome’s weight over 3,500kg can lower VED to £165 but must be reported to the DVLA to avoid fines.
Imported motorhomes require DVLA registration with IVA or CO2 data, taxed as PHGVs (£165) or PLGVs (£195–£620 based on list price).
Electric motorhomes pay £0 VED in the first year but £195–£620 annually thereafter, with potential VED changes expected post-2025.
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About the Author
Mr. Maz Zaheer, FCA, AFA, MAAT, MBA, is the CEO and Chief Accountant of My Tax Accountant and Total Tax Accountants—two of the UK’s leading tax advisory firms. With over 14 years of hands-on experience in UK taxation, Maz is a seasoned expert in advising individuals, SMEs, and corporations on complex tax matters. A Fellow Chartered Accountant and a prolific tax writer, he is widely respected for simplifying intricate tax concepts through his popular articles. His professional insights empower UK taxpayers to navigate their financial obligations with clarity and confidence.
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