Rally Estonia 2026: Rally emotions straight from the motorhome

In Estonia, car dealer Upcar listed a BMW X7 registered with the Transport Department as a 'motorhome' (camper). This classification allows bypassing the higher car tax that took effect in 2025. The dealer claims the loophole was created by the state.

SUV owners in Estonia are re-registering their vehicles as motorhomes to avoid high registration fees under the Motor Vehicle Tax Act effective January 2025. The law exempts motorhomes from weight-based fee calculations. For instance, registering a BMW X7 as a motorhome reduces the fee from €6,000 to €2,400. The Transport Administration says it cannot intervene if EU requirements are met, while former Finance Minister Mart Võrklaev calls for regulatory changes.

Private individuals and car dealers in Estonia are exploiting a legal loophole by registering expensive SUVs as motorhomes, cutting the initial registration tax by 2-3 times. The Transport Department confirms the scheme is legal if the required equipment is installed.

According to Citadele Leasing, the volume of financing for motorhome purchases in Estonia increased by 85% in the first five months of 2026 compared to the same period last year. The market has already surpassed the figures of the record year 2024. Growth is attributed to the pandemic, geopolitical instability, and flight disruptions. Many buyers are young families and entrepreneurs, with prices for new models starting at €75,000.

Narva Museum expanded accommodation options on the castle grounds, adding a caravan park and a tent camping site. Revenue from guest accommodation increased by over 25% compared to the previous year.

From June 12 to 14, 2026, the Karksi-Nuia Motokeskus in Estonia will host a round of the FIM Sidecarcross and Quad World Championships. Organizers offer parking for motorhomes and caravans at €50 for Friday to Sunday, with electricity not included. Tickets are non-exchangeable and non-refundable, with refunds only possible at the organizer's discretion in case of cancellation or postponement.