Not sure how this applies to yours? Get a quote for my motorhome import and we will tell you before you spend anything.
Why does this matter for an imported motorhome?
If you are importing a heavy motorhome, an American RV for example, its weight decides three different things, and each uses a different line: the driving licence (3,500kg maximum authorised mass), vehicle tax (revenue weight) and the speed limit (3.05 tonnes unladen). People mix them up, then find out on the road. Our guides to motorhomes over 3,500kg and vehicle tax on an imported motorhome cover the other two.
Which weight does gov.uk mean?
The gov.uk speed limits page says "maximum unladen weight". That is not the same figure as the 3,500kg on a licence question, which is the maximum authorised mass. The page does not say which line on a foreign registration certificate or Certificate of Conformity it means, so do not assume. If a motorhome is close to 3.05 tonnes, ask us before you buy and send the papers; we cannot weigh the vehicle, but we can go through the documents with you.
Send us the details before you pay. We tell you what the import involves, then handle the customs, the NOVA and the DVLA paperwork.
Does an American RV count as a goods vehicle?
gov.uk says motorhomes or motor caravans are classed as goods vehicles for the speed limit if they carry goods for exhibition and sale, are used as a workshop, or are used for storage. A private motorhome used as a motorhome keeps the motorhome row. Using it as a workshop or a stock store moves it to the goods vehicle rows, which are lower for single carriageways.
Does a speed limiter apply?
gov.uk says a speed limiter must be fitted on vehicles with more than 8 passenger seats and on goods vehicles with a maximum laden weight of more than 3.5 tonnes. The page does not say that the rule applies to motor caravans, so we do not claim that it does. If you are importing a heavy motorhome, ask us before you buy.
What changes when you tow?
gov.uk's towing rows are for cars towing caravans or trailers: 50 mph on single carriageways and 60 mph on dual carriageways and motorways. The page has no row for a motorhome towing a trailer, so the motorhome rows above are for the motorhome on its own and we do not give a figure for towing.
What we do for you
Before you pay, send us the listing and the papers. We tell you what the UK side involves: the customs import declaration, VAT and duty, NOVA, approval and the DVLA registration. We make the declaration, work out and pay the VAT and duty, submit NOVA and prepare every DVLA form: you just sign and post. We do not test, weigh or modify motorhomes. If you need it, we arrange the transport to the UK.
Quick answers
What is the speed limit for a motorhome on a UK motorway?
70 mph for a motorhome of any weight in the gov.uk table. The lower limits for heavier motorhomes are on single and dual carriageways.
What is the speed limit for a motorhome over 3.05 tonnes?
gov.uk lists 50 mph on single carriageways and 60 mph on dual carriageways, and 70 mph on motorways, for motorhomes more than 3.05 tonnes maximum unladen weight.
Is the 3.05 tonnes the same as the 3,500kg driving licence limit?
No. The speed limit uses maximum unladen weight and the licence uses maximum authorised mass. They are different figures with different thresholds.
Do I need a speed limiter on an imported RV?
gov.uk requires one on vehicles with more than 8 passenger seats and on goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes laden. It does not say that it applies to motor caravans.
Official sources, checked on 5 October 2026: gov.uk/speed-limits.