From July 2026, stricter EU safety requirements for new motorhomes come into force. All new vehicles must be equipped with a range of driver assistance systems as standard. Models up to 3.5 tonnes require eight systems, including automatic braking and lane keeping; heavier models require four, with blind spot monitoring and pull-away information. Estimates suggest this could increase the cost of a motorhome by 1000–3000 euros. Owners of already registered vehicles are not affected, but self-converted vans first registered after 7 July may be classified as new vehicles.
In parallel, the European Parliament approved the fourth driving licence directive. Drivers with category B licences, after special training or an exam, will be able to drive vehicles up to 4.25 tonnes (previously 3.5 tonnes). The decision on training remains with each EU member state. Implementation into national law may take up to three years, with full rollout possibly delayed until 2028.