Camping is the trend of this summer vacation. Stefan Dorner from ADAC explains what needs to be considered when driving and loading the motorhome.
The summer holidays have already started in most of the federal states. Many families are going on a camping holiday this year. Stefan Dorner, spokesman for ADAC Südbayern, advises those who have never been in a motorhome before traveling, in an interview with the news agency spot on news. "If you familiarize yourself with the vehicle in advance, behave carefully and give the lessor an intensive briefing, you are safe and relaxed on the road."
When it comes to renting a motorhome, age also matters. "The driver must be at least 21 years old to rent," says Dorner. "The easiest way is to rent a small motorhome up to 3.5 tons." These are not difficult to drive and "you can drive with a 'normal' driving license (class B)." For versions with a higher weight, the driver must have a C1 or C license. Caravans are getting used to, which is why Dorner advises novice drivers of them. "Here you should have practice in driving trailers."
Traffic rules and maximum weight
To avoid mistakes that end in fines, Dorner advises: "Be sure to provide information about traffic regulations in the holiday countries, such as maximum speed or driving bans." The weight of the vehicle must also be taken into account, the maximum load is in the vehicle registration document. "For normal motorhomes that is 3,500 kilograms. For caravans it is also important how much weight you can pull.
Anyone who disregards the stipulated weight will face fines. For vehicles up to 7.5 tons, the fines are between 10 and 235 euros, the German catalog of fines is decisive. If the overload is 20 percent or more, a point is due in Flensburg. The penalties can be even higher in other European countries. According to ADAC, holidaymakers in Italy have to leaf over at least 60 euros for a violation – the maximum penalty is 1,682 euros.
Camping in Corona times
In most European countries, access restrictions to campsites have been lifted completely since the end of May, at least for German vacationers. However, national entry regulations may still apply due to Corona. If you want to cross the Danish border with your motorhome, for example, you have to submit a booking confirmation for six consecutive nights. However, transit to Norway or Sweden is permitted without restriction.
Detailed information on the respective travel regulations is listed on the country pages of the Federal Foreign Office. The ADAC also recommends getting information about the current situation there and points out that "if the trend reverses due to increasing numbers of infections, short-term (regional) changes and restrictions can occur at any time."