How Much Is Road Tax for a Motorhome: Costs Explained

If you’re thinking about buying a motorhome for sale or planning a self-drive holiday in the UK, one practical question you can’t skip is: How much is road tax for a motorhome? Let’s understand by vehicle type and cover everything you need to know, as well as some more.

Road Tax Basics: What Affects the Cost?

In the UK, road tax is officially called Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), and it’s based on several factors:

• Engine size (cc)
• Gross vehicle weight (GVW)
• Registration date and emissions standard
• Whether the vehicle is classified as “historic” (40+ years old) and exempt

VED pays into the central government fund, not specifically for roads, as it did decades ago.

Motorhomes weighing under 3,500 kg (PLGV category)

Most motorhomes fall into this category (Private Light Goods Vehicle, or PLGV). Here’s a breakdown:

Engine Size	Road Tax Per Year
Up to 1,549 cc	£200
Over 1,549 cc	£325

These rates come from recent information on motorhome taxation. Older models (registered before 1 April 2017) had slightly lower rates:

• Up to 1,549 cc: £170
• Over 1,549 cc: £280 

Motorhomes over 3,500 kg (PHGV category)

If your motorhome is hefty, over 3,500 kg in GVW, it falls under Private Heavy Goods Vehicle (PHGV). The VED is:

• £165 per year, regardless of engine size 

Emissions-based discounts (Euro 4 & Euro 5)

Some motorhomes get reduced VED, for example:

• £140 per year for Euro 4 models (registered 2003–2006, under 3,500 kg)
• The same rate for Euro 5 (registered 2009–2010, under 3,500 kg)

Just make sure your registration date and compliance match the guidelines before counting on that rate.

Vintage motorhomes (over 40 years old)

If your motorhome is a classic, over 40 years old, it may be exempt from VED. You still need to apply via DVLA for historic vehicle exemption, but once approved, you’re off the hook for road tax.

Paying a luxury surcharge?

There’s a surcharge if your motorhome’s List Price (before discounts or registration) exceeds £40,000. You’ll pay an extra amount, typically £425 per year, for five years from your second tax year. It also applies to electric models, unless they’re zero-emissions registered before April 2025.

Summary Table for Road Tax for Motorhome

 

Motorhome Type	Engine / Weight	Annual Road Tax
PLGV (≤ 3,500 kg) – up to 1,549 cc	Recent models	£200
PLGV (≤ 3,500 kg) – over 1,549 cc	Recent models	£325
PLGV (≤ 3,500 kg) – older models	Registered before 1 April 2017	£170 / £280
PHGV (> 3,500 kg)	Any engine size	£165
Euro 4 / Euro 5 compliant	≤ 3,500 kg & within registration period	£140
Vintage (40+ years old)	–	Exempt (must apply)
Luxury surcharge (List Price > £40k)	–	+£425 (years 2–6)

How to Pay Road Tax for a Motorhome and Stay Compliant

You can pay your motorhome VED online via GOV.UK, by phone, or at a Post Office. You just need your V5C logbook and MOT handy (if required). If your motorhome isn’t going on public roads, declare it SORN (Statutory Off Road Notice) to avoid paying VED while it’s off the road.

Hidden Costs and Practical Budgeting Tips

VED is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to owning or running a motorhome in the UK. Insurance premiums for motorhomes tend to be higher than for standard cars, especially if you opt for fully comprehensive cover that includes European travel and breakdown assistance. 

Then there’s the MOT (Ministry of Transport) test, required annually for vehicles over three years old, which can cost more if specialist checks are needed for large coachbuilt models. Fuel efficiency varies widely, with heavier PHGV-class motorhomes often returning under 25 mpg, so long trips can quickly add up. 

If you store your motorhome off-road for winter, you might save on tax with a SORN declaration, but you’ll need secure storage, which often comes with monthly fees. Even things like tyre replacements can be pricier; large motorhome tyres can run £150–£250 each. All of this means the actual “cost of ownership” goes beyond the headline VED figure. 

When budgeting, it’s worth combining your annual road tax with realistic estimates for fuel, insurance, servicing, and depreciation. That way, whether you’re buying outright, financing, or hiring, you have a clear, no-surprises picture of what your motorhome will cost you year to year.

Related Interests and Context

Suppose you’re looking into motorhomes for hire. In that case, extra tax doesn’t change, but knowing the real cost of ownership is helpful when comparing rental vs. buy decisions, and thinking of turning your motorhome into a luxury holiday home. 

Factor VED (and possible luxury surcharge) into your running costs. And if you’re in the market to buy a motorhome, road tax rates are a practical part of your budget.

Final Takeaway

So, how much is road tax for a motorhome? It depends on weight, engine size, age, emissions, and even purchase price. For most modern, under-3,500 kg motorhomes, you’re looking at £200–£325 a year.

Go above 3,500 kg, and it drops to £165. Older, Euro-compliant, or historic models can pay much less or nothing. Take a moment to check the specifications of any motorhome you’re hiring, buying, or using, knowing the VED can help you budget accurately and avoid surprises.

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