How Much is Motorhome Road Tax in 2025?
You might be planning an exciting motorhome adventure in 2025, but one crucial aspect that is often overlooked until the last minute is road tax. You may have wondered ‘How much is motorhome road tax’ and what the legal considerations are surrounding it. Luckily, you’re in the right place, as this guide will provide you with all of the latest motorhome road tax information to ensure that you’re financially prepared for your next journey.
At Auto Finance, we understand that budgeting for your leisure vehicle is essential, which is why we make securing motorhome finance easy. We’ll liaise directly with the UK’s top dealers to secure your dream motorhome at the best possible price.
Ready to find out how much it is to tax a motorhome? Let’s delve into it…
Understanding Motorhome Road Tax
Before you find out an exact figure, what actually is motorhome road tax? Motorhome road tax, also known as Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), is a fee that you must pay to legally drive your motorhome on public roads in the UK. The amount of tax that you’re required to pay will depend on your vehicle’s weight, engine size, emissions, and production date. You can pay road tax motorhome fees as a one-off annual payment, every six months, or in monthly instalments via direct debit.
If you’ve just recently bought or financed a new motorhome, then the rate will depend on CO2 emissions. Second-hand vehicles, on the other hand, follow a fixed rate. Staying up to date with these costs means that you can experience a stress-free trip, wherever you’re headed.
Things to Consider When It Comes to Motorhome Road Tax
There are a few different factors that will determine how much motorhome road tax you’ll need to pay in 2025. It’s important to be aware that vehicle tax regulations can change, so always refer to the official government sources for the most up-to-date information. These things to consider include:
- Production date – Vehicles that are manufactured before specific dates often fall into different tax brackets. For example, motorhomes registered between April 2017 and March 2020 are subject to different rates compared to newer or older models. Vehicles over 40 years old are eligible for a historic tax class, but you’ll need to apply for the exemption with the DVLA.
- MS1 category – The MS1 category applies to motorhomes and campervans that meet specific construction standards, giving them different tax rates compared to others. If you are unsure about your motorhome’s classification, check your V5C registration document or talk to your dealer.
- Gross weight and engine size – The weight and size of your motorhome are key factors when it comes to tax rates. Typically, vehicles over 3,500kg are taxed as Private Heavy Goods Vehicles (PHGV). Vehicles under 5,500kg are taxed as Private Light Goods Vehicles (PLVG). If your motorhome has an engine size below 1549cc, you’ll pay a lower rate compared to those with engines exceeding this capacity.
Categories and Rates
Once you’ve taken into account these considerations, you can figure out how much road tax you’ll be expected to pay. The best way is to compare Private Light Goods (PLG) and Private Heavy Goods (PHGV).
Private or Light Goods (TC11)
Private or light goods vehicles have a revenue weight of 3,500kg or less.
| Engine size (cc ) | Single 12 month payment | Single 12 month payment by Direct Debit | Total of 12 monthly instalments by Direct Debit | Single 6 month payment | Single 6 month payment by Direct Debit |
| Not over 1549 | £210 | £210 | £220.50 | £115.50 | £110.25 |
| Over 1549 | £345 | £345 | £362.25 | £189.75 | £181.12 |
Private Heavy Goods (TC10)
Private heavy goods vehicles have a revenue weight that’s over 3,500kg.
| Single 12 month payment | Single 12 month payment by Direct Debit | Total of 12 monthly instalments by Direct Debit | Single 6 month payment | Single 6 month payment by Direct Debit |
| £165 | £165 | £173.25 | £90.75 | £86.63 |
Exemptions and special cases
Disability exemptions
In certain cases, individuals with disabilities may be eligible for an exemption or reduction in vehicle tax. Your eligibility will depend on specific criteria related to your individual disability and the vehicle’s usage. It’s essential to check the official government guidelines for more detailed information or read our blog about accessible motorhome travel for people with disabilities.
Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN)
If you are not using your motorhome on public roads, you can declare it as ‘off the road’ by applying for an SORN. A SORN allows you to avoid paying vehicle tax while the vehicle is not in use. This can be particularly useful for seasonal storage or when your motorhome is undergoing repairs.
Historic vehicles
Motorhomes that are over 40 years old are generally exempt from road tax under the historic vehicle category. This exemption is designed to preserve and encourage the use of classic vehicles. Please note that you’ll still need to apply for an exemption with the DVLA.
How to Pay Motorhome Road Tax
You tax your motorhome in the same way that you would tax any other vehicle, such as a car or a motorbike. Before you start, you’ll need one of the following items:
- The vehicle’s V5C in your name
- If you’ve just purchased a motorhome, you’ll need the New Keeper green slip from the previous owner
- The letter from the DVLA reminding you to pay your tax
(If you don’t have any of these documents, you can request a new copy of the V5C logbook from the DVLA.)
You can pay your motorhome road tax by debit or credit card or by Direct Debit from your bank account via the GOV website. If you own an exempt motorhome or are exempt from paying road tax, you will still need to apply and your exemption will be added to the application.
Checking road tax for your motorhome is also super straightforward. Just visit the DVLA website and enter your motorhome’s registration number to find the applicable tax rate. This tool will display the current DVLA road tax price based on your vehicle’s weight, emissions, and engine size.
How to Minimise Motorhome Road Tax Costs
If you’re worried about how much your road tax is going to cost you, consider the below ideas to reduce costs:
- Choose low-emission vehicles – Motorhomes that have lower CO2 emissions fall into cheaper tax brands. When considering what motorhome to buy, look for vehicles that meet Euro 5 or RDE2 compliance standards.
- Opt for lightweight motorhomes – Vehicles that weigh under 3,500kg are taxed at lower rates compared to heavier motorhomes, so keep an eye on weight before purchasing. Heavier motorhomes also often have larger engines, which can increase fuel consumption.
- Consider alternative fuels – Hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles often qualify for reduced tax rates, and electric options are also emerging in the motorhome market.
- Maintain your motorhome – Maintaining your motorhome properly will help to reduce emissions and improve efficiency, keeping tax costs manageable over time.
Find Your Dream Motorhome with an Auto Finance Loan
Hopefully, this guide has answered your question: ‘How much is motorhome road tax?’ Remember, staying informed about these costs is crucial for effective budgeting and stress-free adventures. Your motorhome isn’t just a way to travel, it’s a gateway to freedom, discovery, and making memories along the way.
If you’re considering financing your dream motorhome, you can use our handy budget calculator for vehicle finance. This simple tool gives you an accurate estimate of your monthly repayments for as long as you require, meaning that you can start your new adventure as soon as today. Or, get in touch with a member of our expert team instead.
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payments of
Cash price £15,000, deposit £0, total amount of credit £15,000, term 7 years, 84 monthly payments of £244.99, on a hire purchase agreement, option to purchase fee £1, total amount payable £20,578.77, representative APR 9.9%, rate of interest 9.9% fixed.
Rates may differ as they are dependent on individual circumstances. Subject to status.
