4250kg imminent?

[Jofang]

I picked up the text below today from www.camping-car.org, which is dated 21st December 2024. The original text is in French.

The format of the three-part pink driving license was inconvenient and specific to France and some European countries. The new format called credit card is therefore closer to the format of the national identity card and other useful cards (health card, blue card, etc.). The new format is supplemented with various security features including watermark photography and page background. Its falsification therefore becomes much more difficult.

The new credit card format is also much less sensitive to handling accidents: rain, tearing, creasing, etc.

Finally, this format and its content are now officially recognized in all countries of the European Union and many EU partner countries (Norway for example).

But it is above all the fact of finally being able to officially drive vehicles with a GVW of 4250 kg with a B license that interests motorhome drivers. We are still far from the 7 to 8 tons authorized in most states in the United States and Canada. But it is a significant step towards the generalization of new vehicles with greater usability.

 

[rod_vw]

I would prefer the limit to stay at 3500kg. My Autosleeper is 4005kg and I enjoy the £165 PHGV tax rate. I don't want to lose that if they increase PHGV to 4250kg.

They have already done it to those of us who have N1 Category vehicles converted to motorhomes!

 

[Widge]

I've typed camping-car.org and went directly to the site. Suggest you try again.

This is what I got.

But on scrolling down, I still dont see any article on licenses, maybe i need to look at on a computer rather than a mobike device.

 

[Widge]

Mine from 2014 has a chip. Presumably they update the details centrally. By the time you add together the combined information on your driving licence, on your residency card and on your medical "Carte Vitale" there is not much missing.

I am not sure they ever used it, certainly the last two licences i have had, haven't had a chip.

 

[Jofang]

This is what I got.
View attachment 991981
But on scrolling down, I still dont see any article on licenses, maybe i need to look at on a computer rather than a mobike device.

I think your device has a nind of its own. Try your computer instead.

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[Tony50]

Never said there was.. Coventry

Coventry never been the same since IKEA closed! I love this old country for all it's bits that are tired, but, if I didn't like it I'd move .

 

[Lynne Roy]

This is what I got.
View attachment 991981
But on scrolling down, I still dont see any article on licenses, maybe i need to look at on a computer rather than a mobike device.

We are French residents and are desperate to find out if they are going to up the weight limit for b licence, we have bought a smaller motorhome but we are struggling with it and want to buy another 4250, so if you find any concrete information could you let me know please x

 

[Madcaravanner]

I would prefer the limit to stay at 3500kg. My Autosleeper is 4005kg and I enjoy the £165 PHGV tax rate. I don't want to lose that if they increase PHGV to 4250kg.

Err our VED is £165 for our 4.25t motorhome, although as a disabled person with my vehicle registered with DVLA it's actually £0

 

[jp11]

Texts adopted - Driving licences - Wednesday, 28 February 2024

www.europarl.europa.eu

Article 9HA seems relevant.

Motor caravans appear to be in scope of the 4,250kg limit for B licences.

What if you're one of the unfortunate self built campervan owners the DVLA won't reclassify as motor caravans? I guess the 4250kg rule (if changed) won't apply to to their "van with windows"?

 

[Stubbyy]

I picked up the text below today from www.camping-car.org, which is dated 21st December 2024. The original text is in French.

The format of the three-part pink driving license was inconvenient and specific to France and some European countries. The new format called credit card is therefore closer to the format of the national identity card and other useful cards (health card, blue card, etc.). The new format is supplemented with various security features including watermark photography and page background. Its falsification therefore becomes much more difficult.

The new credit card format is also much less sensitive to handling accidents: rain, tearing, creasing, etc.

Finally, this format and its content are now officially recognized in all countries of the European Union and many EU partner countries (Norway for example).

But it is above all the fact of finally being able to officially drive vehicles with a GVW of 4250 kg with a B license that interests motorhome drivers. We are still far from the 7 to 8 tons authorized in most states in the United States and Canada. But it is a significant step towards the generalization of new vehicles with greater usability.

Hi, just as important but has anyone fallen foul of the relatively new recommendations from the Department of Transport. The committee which meets each month was asked by the DVLA for advice on straightening out its Medical requirements to hold various licences. It came up with new requirements to hold a C1/E1 should you have a Pacemaker inserted which I am sure will affect. Some Motorhome owners. If you have a Pacemaker then nothing has changed, however if you have an ICD (Internal Cardiac Defibrillator) sometimes called a ‘Super Pacemaker’ then you CANNOT hold a Lorry or Bus licence!! The reason being that a ICD can administer a ‘Shock’. I have an ICD which in 15 years or more has never shocked me and I have never been hospitalised because of it apart from 6 year battery changes but have still been refused a C1/E1. How many Motorhome owners are affected I do not know but For me I can still hold a Standard licence but obviously restricted to 3.5 Tons At this time I do not think any organisation’s are aware of this restriction. Has anyone else been refused?
Stubby

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[Roby2008]

If you go back to beginning of the thread, I think you will notice this would benefit the op who already has a ‘van over 3500kgs. and would prefer not to downsize.
That is the group who benefit from this change.
I already downsized due to the ball ache of renewing my C1 again. So too late for me.

I agree, I also thought it was valid for those of us on 3500 who would like a few extra Kilos, but for me its not viable ...

 

[Roby2008]

Hi Roby
We live in France where the vehicle regulations are far less onerous than those in Germany. We need a vehicle test certificate every 2 years on our 5 ton Hymer and every 5 years on my bikes. I have spoken with bikers in Germany and they're unable to change ANYTHING on their bikes or add accessories without getting approval. Very strict, France is far more tolerant.

I chose to marry a German, I have to live with the rules ..... even my Trailer has to have a registration, insurance and its own test....

 

[Roby2008]

My friend in the UK has grandfather C1 rights and wants to retire to France but France will only accept a C1 driving test certificate. He was quoted £1,650 spread over 4 months training to get the licence.

Same in Germany, I had my licence cancelled after the big B, No Grandfather C1 on my German licence because I never took a test for it, their rules....also 4000€ + for me to get a C1 here.....at 67 its not worth it

 

[Jofang]

What if you're one of the unfortunate self built campervan owners the DVLA won't reclassify as motor caravans? I guess the 4250kg rule (if changed) won't apply to to their "van with windows"?

On the contrary, I would expect the 4250 limit to apply to any vehicle on a B licence.

 

[WESTY66]

Why can’t the EU just roll out the changes harmoniously for all countries within it??
Tbh they’ve had more than enough time to harmonise speed limits, road signs and markings, it’s beyond me why they wouldn’t do it, gets rid of the stupid idea of giving way on a roundabout!
Of course it’s just my selfish opinion of making it easier to cross all member states with just one set of road rules to get used to

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[Lenny HB]

On the contrary, I would expect the 4250 limit to apply to any vehicle on a B licence.

The EU directive is only for EV's, Ambulances & Motorhomes.

 

[Jofang]

We are French residents and are desperate to find out if they are going to up the weight limit for b licence, we have bought a smaller motorhome but we are struggling with it and want to buy another 4250, so if you find any concrete information could you let me know please x

We have a 5 ton Hymer, which we love, but the annual upkeep of the C1 at my age, 75, is a pain. I'd also change for 4250 when it becomes law in France.

 

[Widge]

We are French residents and are desperate to find out if they are going to up the weight limit for b licence, we have bought a smaller motorhome but we are struggling with it and want to buy another 4250, so if you find any concrete information could you let me know please x

Certainly if I hear anything I will post it, but, personally I am only following this thread out of interest, so it is unlikely I will discover anything before somebody else posts. As I made a decision last time I renewed my licence to drop the C1, I kept it up from the point that I exchanged my licence in 2007, but never used it, after 65 you have to have a medical every 2 years, after 70 every year, I decided that it was just too much hassle for something I will probably never use.

Personally I wouldn't even bother worrying about it at the moment until you hear something more definite, which could be next year, or five years time.

 

[Lenny HB]

We have a 5 ton Hymer, which we love, but the annual upkeep of the C1 at my age, 75, is a pain. I'd also change for 4250 when it becomes law in France.

A friend of mine let his C1 go at 70, he is 78 now (79 next month) he got it reinstated a month ago and has uprated his van.

 

[jongood]

My friend in the UK has grandfather C1 rights and wants to retire to France but France will only accept a C1 driving test certificate. He was quoted £1,650 spread over 4 months training to get the licence.

He should cast his net a bit wider, there are firms offering course and test for just over £1000 2/3 days.

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[jongood]

Certainly if I hear anything I will post it, but, personally I am only following this thread out of interest, so it is unlikely I will discover anything before somebody else posts. As I made a decision last time I renewed my licence to drop the C1, I kept it up from the point that I exchanged my licence in 2007, but never used it, after 65 you have to have a medical every 2 years, after 70 every year, I decided that it was just too much hassle for something I will probably never use.

Personally I wouldn't even bother worrying about it at the moment until you hear something more definite, which could be next year, or five years time.

Are these French rules?

Uk rules are medical every 3 years after 70 for C1.

 

[Teetime]

Is that not purely for electic powered commercial vehicles?

It is because of the electric vehicles, but will cover all vehicles.

 

[Widge]

Are these French rules?

Uk rules are medical every 3 years after 70 for C1.

Sorry I was not correct. In France

The period of validity of category C1 of the license depends on your age:
Tableau - Period of validity of the license according to age


Period of validity

Under 55 5 years

55 to 60 years 5 years or until the anniversary date of 60 years

60 to 76 years 2 years or until the 76 year anniversary date

Over 76 years 1 year

 

[gus-lopez]

Certainly if I hear anything I will post it, but, personally I am only following this thread out of interest, so it is unlikely I will discover anything before somebody else posts. As I made a decision last time I renewed my licence to drop the C1, I kept it up from the point that I exchanged my licence in 2007, but never used it, after 65 you have to have a medical every 2 years, after 70 every year, I decided that it was just too much hassle for something I will probably never use.

Personally I wouldn't even bother worrying about it at the moment until you hear something more definite, which could be next year, or five years time.

Sorry I was not correct. In France

The period of validity of category C1 of the license depends on your age:
Tableau - Period of validity of the license according to age


Period of validity

Under 55 5 years

55 to 60 years 5 years or until the anniversary date of 60 years

60 to 76 years 2 years or until the 76 year anniversary date

Over 76 years 1 year

Just remembered the other new addition theEU wants on driving licences. B to have a validity of 15 years with C1 5 years. BUT the rule will still apply that " if your national rules offer more safety ,security ,greater benefits.etc, "then you will still be stuck with the 2 or 1 year.