How to plan your first European motorhome trip: part 2 - Spain, Germany and Switzerland

Welcome back, you lovely lot! If you caught part one of this series, you'll already be feeling pretty smug about your knowledge of driving a motorhome through France, Italy, and Belgium. If you missed it, go back and have a read because we covered the basics of getting across the Channel, the paperwork you need, and the specific rules for those three countries. Now, as promised, we're cracking on with the next three destinations in our 20 country European motorhome guide. This time, we're heading to the sunbaked highways of Spain, the legendary autobahns of Germany, and the vertigo-inducing mountain passes of Switzerland.

Same deal as last time. I'm going to walk you through the driving laws, toll systems, speed limits, required kit, and all the little quirks that could catch you out if you're not prepared. Because nothing ruins a holiday faster than an unexpected fine or a run-in with the local police because you didn't have the right sticker on your windscreen. So, let's get stuck in.

Spain: where the sun shines and the fines sting

Spain. Just the word conjures images of golden beaches, whitewashed villages, and plates of patatas bravas the size of your head. It's one of the most popular motorhome destinations in Europe, and for good reason. The climate is gorgeous, the food is incredible, and the cost of living is generally lower than the UK. But before you start dreaming about parking up on the Costa del Sol with a cold cerveza, let's talk about the rules of the road.

Driving in Spain is on the right, obviously, and the roads are generally in very good condition. The motorway network is extensive, with a mix of free autovias and tolled autopistas de peaje. For motorhomes under 3.5 tonnes, you'll be classified the same as a car at the toll booths, which is a nice bonus. You can pay with cash or card, or if you're planning to do a lot of motorway driving, look into getting a Via T electronic tag for automatic payment. It'll save you the faff of fumbling for change at every booth.

Spanish speed limits and the rules that matter

Right, speed limits. For motorhomes under 3.5 tonnes, you're looking at 120km/h (75mph) on motorways and dual carriageways, 90km/h (56mph) on conventional roads, and 50km/h (31mph) in built-up areas. If your motorhome tips the scales at over 3.5 tonnes, those limits drop to 90km/h (56mph) on motorways, 80km/h (50mph) on conventional roads, and 50km/h (31mph) in towns. The Spanish police don't mess about with speeding fines, but here's a handy tip: if you pay within 20 days, you get a 50% discount. Not that I'm encouraging you to speed, mind you.

Seatbelts are compulsory for everyone, front and rear. Children under 135cm must use an appropriate child restraint, and kids under 12 aren't allowed in the front seat unless the rear seats are already occupied or the vehicle doesn't have rear seats. One thing that catches a lot of people out is the reflective jacket rule. You must carry at least one hi-vis vest in the cabin of the vehicle, not in the boot. If you break down and step out onto the road or hard shoulder without wearing one, you can be fined. You'll also need a warning triangle. UK visitors only need one, but Spanish residents need two.

Spanish paperwork and low emission zones

You'll need your full UK driving licence, passport, V5C registration document, and motor insurance certificate. A UK sticker must be displayed on your motorhome, and this applies even if your number plate has the UK identifier built in. The good news is you no longer need a Green Card for Spain.

Now, here's something that's been causing a bit of confusion. You might have heard about the V16 emergency beacon that Spain is introducing. As of January 2026, these are mandatory for Spanish registered vehicles. However, if you're visiting from the UK, you do not need one. Your warning triangle is perfectly fine. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise or try to sell you one at the border!

Spain's major cities, including Madrid and Barcelona, have low emission zones called Zonas de Bajas Emisiones (ZBE). While an environmental sticker isn't currently mandatory for foreign registered vehicles, you may need to register your vehicle online before entering certain zones. My advice? Check the specific rules for any cities you plan to visit and register if required. It's free and takes five minutes, which is a lot less painful than a fine landing on your doormat weeks later.

Wild camping and aires in Spain

Wild camping in Spain is a bit of a grey area, and the rules vary by region. In some areas it's tolerated, in others it's strictly prohibited. The safest bet is to use designated motorhome areas, known as areas de autocaravanas or areas de pernocta. Many are free or very cheap, and they often have basic facilities like water and waste disposal. Spain also has a brilliant network of campsites if you prefer something with a few more creature comforts. The drink-drive limit is 0.5g/l (0.3g/l for new drivers with less than two years' experience), so as always, the best policy is to enjoy the local wine when you're safely parked up for the night.

Germany: toll free, stress free (mostly)

Germany. Land of the autobahn, the bratwurst, and some of the most efficient road infrastructure in Europe. If you're a motorhome owner, Germany has one absolutely massive thing going for it: there are no tolls for vehicles under 7.5 tonnes. That's right, you can cruise the entire German motorway network without paying a single cent in tolls. The toll system (called Maut) only applies to heavy goods vehicles and vehicle combinations over 7.5 tonnes, so unless you're driving something the size of a small apartment block, you're in the clear.

The roads in Germany are superb. The autobahn network is extensive and well maintained, and the country roads through the Black Forest, Bavaria, and the Rhine Valley are absolutely stunning. Driving is on the right, and the Germans are generally very disciplined drivers. They expect you to follow the rules, and honestly, it makes the whole experience a lot smoother.

German speed limits: the autobahn myth

Now, let's address the elephant in the room. The autobahn. Yes, there are sections with no speed limit, but before you start channelling your inner Lewis Hamilton, there are a few things to consider. For motorhomes under 3.5 tonnes, you can technically use the unrestricted sections at whatever speed you feel comfortable with, but the recommended speed is 130km/h (81mph). On other roads outside built-up areas, the limit is 100km/h (62mph), and in towns it's 50km/h (31mph) with many zones at 30km/h (19mph).

For motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes, the autobahn dream is a bit more restrained. You're limited to 100km/h (62mph) on motorways and 80km/h (50mph) on other roads. And trust me, even if you're in a lighter motorhome, doing 130km/h in a vehicle with the aerodynamics of a garden shed is quite enough excitement for most people. The speeding fines in Germany are no joke either. They range from €20 for a minor infraction to €800 for serious offences, and they can also hand out driving bans.

The Umweltplakette: Germany's green sticker

Here's the one that catches almost everyone out on their first trip to Germany. If you want to drive into any of the 60 plus cities that have an Umweltzone (environmental zone), you need an Umweltplakette, which is a green emissions sticker for your windscreen. Without it, you'll be slapped with an €80 fine, and ignorance is not an excuse. The good news is that most modern motorhomes will qualify for the green sticker, and you can order one online from TUV SUD or several other providers before you leave. It costs around €6 to €15 and is valid for the life of the vehicle. Stick it on your windscreen and forget about it.

Radar detectors are completely illegal in Germany. If you have a sat nav with a speed camera alert function, you must deactivate it. The police can and will confiscate the device and fine you if they catch you using one.

German kit list and essential rules

You'll need to carry a warning triangle, which is compulsory for all vehicles. A first-aid kit is mandatory for German registered vehicles, but it's strongly recommended for visitors too, and honestly, you should have one anyway. Reflective jackets are the same story: mandatory for German plates, recommended for everyone else. Headlamp beam deflectors are required to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic.

Winter tyres are a big deal in Germany. Since 2010, it's been mandatory to have winter or all-season tyres fitted in wintry conditions. This isn't just about snow. If there's ice, slush, or even heavy frost, you need the right rubber on your wheels. If you're caught without them in wintry conditions, you're looking at a fine and potentially being held responsible if you're involved in an accident. If you're travelling between October and March, make sure your tyres are up to scratch.

The drink-drive limit is 0.5g/l, the same as Spain and France. But for newly qualified drivers with less than two years' experience and anyone under 21, it's an absolute zero. Not 0.01, not a sip. Zero. The Germans don't mess about with this one.

Parking and overnight stays in Germany

Germany is actually quite friendly when it comes to motorhome parking. Under the StVO (road traffic regulations), motorhomes can park anywhere that cars can park, provided there are no specific restrictions. This means you can legally park overnight on public roads and in car parks, as long as it's for a single night and you're not setting up camp with your awning and barbecue. For longer stays, there's a fantastic network of Stellplatz (motorhome parking areas) across the country, many of which are free or very affordable.

Switzerland: stunning views, serious rules

Switzerland. The country that makes you feel like you've driven into a postcard. The Alps, the lakes, the immaculate villages with their flower-bedecked chalets. It's absolutely gorgeous, and driving a motorhome through it is one of those bucket-list experiences. But Switzerland is also a country that takes its rules very seriously, and the fines for breaking them are eye-wateringly expensive. So pay attention, because this bit is important.

First things first: Switzerland is not in the EU. It's not even in the EEA. It's in the Schengen Area for travel purposes, but it has its own currency (the Swiss Franc, CHF), its own rules, and its own way of doing things. Your UK driving licence is accepted, and you don't need a Green Card, but you will need all the usual documents: passport, V5C, and insurance certificate. A UK sticker is required on your motorhome.

The Swiss vignette and heavy vehicle charge

This is where it gets a bit complicated, so bear with me. For motorhomes up to 3.5 tonnes, you need a motorway vignette to use the motorways and semi-motorways. This costs 40 CHF (roughly £36) and is valid for 14 months, from 1 December to 31 January of the year after next. You can buy a physical sticker at the border, petrol stations, or post offices, or you can now get an e-vignette online that's linked to your number plate. If you get caught on a motorway without one, you'll be fined 200 CHF plus the cost of the vignette. Not a cheap mistake.

For motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes, the vignette doesn't apply. Instead, you need to pay the PSVA (lump-sum heavy vehicle charge). This is a flat-rate fee that applies to all roads in Switzerland, not just motorways, and it's charged per day that your vehicle is in the country, even if it's parked up. You can pay this via the Via app or at the border. Costs start at around 26 euros for up to 6 days and go up to about 62 euros for a 30 day stay. Make sure you sort this out before you enter the country, because the Swiss border guards are very thorough.

Some tunnels also have separate tolls. The Great St Bernard Tunnel, for example, charges separately. Check your route in advance so you're not caught off guard.

Swiss speed limits and driving rules

Speed limits in Switzerland are strictly enforced, and the fines are brutal. For motorhomes under 3.5 tonnes: 120km/h (75mph) on motorways, 100km/h (62mph) on expressways, 80km/h (50mph) on other roads, and 50km/h (31mph) in built-up areas. For motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes: 100km/h (62mph) on motorways, 80km/h (50mph) on other roads, and 50km/h (31mph) in towns.

Speeding fines start at 20 CHF for minor offences but can rocket up to 3,000 CHF or more for serious ones. And if you're caught doing more than 40km/h over the limit on a motorway, you could be looking at a criminal prosecution. The Swiss don't just fine you; they can confiscate your vehicle. I'm not trying to scare you, but I am trying to make sure you take this seriously.

Radar detectors are illegal, just like in Germany. If your sat nav has a speed camera alert function, deactivate it before you cross the border. There's also a quirky rule about using your horn. During the day, outside built-up areas, you must sound your horn before a sharp bend with limited visibility. At night, you flash your headlights instead.

Swiss kit and other essentials

You must carry a warning triangle, and here's the important bit: it must be kept inside the passenger compartment, not in the boot. If you break down and can't get to it quickly, that's a problem. Headlamp beam deflectors are required. Snow chains are mandatory when road signs indicate they're needed, which is common on mountain passes. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you're supposed to carry a spare pair in the vehicle.

The drink-drive limit is 0.5g/l for most drivers, but for newly qualified drivers with less than three years' experience, it drops to a near-zero 0.1g/l. The Swiss customs authorities at the border can and do test drivers for alcohol and drugs, so don't even think about having a cheeky beer before crossing.

One more thing: Switzerland has its own low emission zones in some cities, and you may need a Stick'AIR sticker for your vehicle. Check the specific requirements for any Swiss cities you plan to visit.

The at a glance table

To make life easier, here's a quick reference table covering the key rules for all three countries. Print it out, stick it on the fridge in your motorhome, and you'll never be caught out.

What's next?

That's Spain, Germany, and Switzerland ticked off the list! We're six countries down and fourteen to go in our 20 country European motorhome guide. Next up in Part 3, we'll be tackling Portugal, the Netherlands, and Austria, so we'll be exploring the Atlantic coast, the land of windmills, and the heart of the Alps. Make sure you don't miss it. In the meantime, if you've got any questions or tips of your own, drop them in the comments. Safe travels, and I'll see you on the road!

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