First of all, the special features of these types of vehicles must be taken into account in order to be able to circulate safely, avoid fines and other types of accidents.
This summer vacation, a motorhome or motorhome is your best ally. Goodbye stress, crowds, schedules… you just need to know where you’re going. Although you must first
choose the vehicle that suits you best the type of trip to be made and with whom. Specifically, the motorhome is a vehicle derived from a chassis-cab type van with home bodywork, and the motorhome is a van that contains all the necessary elements inside and out to be able to use it as a home. The first option allows 4 to 7 passengers to travel, depending on the model; while a motorhome is normally approved for 2 or a maximum of 4.
As in any other vehicle, before you travel
you need to check the status and tire pressure, as well as oil, coolant and washer fluid levels, and once on the road avoid acceleration, sudden changes in speed, sudden braking, and overtaking more than one vehicle.
But you should also consider its special features to travel safely, avoid fines and other types of accidents. It is essential to be aware of the existence of blind spots, which are much larger in vehicles of this size, an important aspect that can help prevent accidents with cyclists and motorcyclists, especially on the road, as well as pedestrians. and users of electric scooters, especially in the city..
Also that motorhomes are particularly sensitive to crosswinds, so special attention should be paid to this circumstance, especially when exiting tunnels, crossing an overpass and at the end of overtaking trucks.
In addition, if this is your first time driving this type of vehicle or if you are inexperienced, you should also practice some maneuvers before starting a drive, such as parking, reversing and turning sharply, as they are more complicated than in a car.
Current regulations warn that it is prohibited for passengers to occupy the passenger compartment of a motorhome (space intended for housing) unless the vehicle has approved seats, ie with the corresponding seat belt. Just like in a car, the belt should be used on all seats and on all journeys. Children under 1.35m tall are required by traffic regulations to use a child restraint system (seat or booster), although experts recommend that minors do so until they are 1.50m tall, in the same way as in a tourist. Pets must always travel in a carrier (immobilized) or with a suitable harness.
Food and hygiene products, as well as clothing, toys and beach chairs and tables, among other things with which you travel, must be transported safely in the available cupboards and compartments, which must be locked to prevent anyone from entering these items in the event of a collision or sudden maneuver and cause injury.
RVs and RVs can be parked anywhere that parking is allowed, unless there is a city ordinance prohibiting it or the dimensions make it difficult for other vehicles to drive normally. It is advisable to carry blocks especially if you are parking on a slope and as in any private vehicle you can eat and sleep inside as long as it is parked.
Free camping is prohibited in Spain, as the camping areas are reserved for that purpose. The motorhome is considered camping if some elements protrude from the vehicle, such as the awning and tilt and turn windows, among others, or if we use tables and chairs outside. Also when performing actions that may cause discomfort, such as cooking. Likewise, it is not recommended to spend the night in highway or highway service areas to avoid noise and theft.
As in tourism, motorhome drivers are not allowed to drive faster than 120 km/h and not less than 60 km/h on highways and highways. If the maximum authorized mass (MMA) is greater than 3,500 kg, the maximum speed on this type of road is 90 km/h. On secondary roads, the speed limit at which they are allowed to drive is 90 km/h (80 km/h if they exceed 3,500 kg) and on urban roads with only one lane in each direction of travel, the maximum speed allowed is 30 km/h 50 km /u when there is more than one lane in each direction. In the case of single-platform streets, where the sidewalk is level with the road, the maximum traffic speed will be 20 km/h. If you are planning to travel abroad, it is advisable to consult the specific regulations of each country beforehand.
We have also collected the most common doubts when traveling by motorhome. Keeping them in mind will make your journey much more comfortable:
-How is electricity managed? The motorhomes have two batteries, one for the house and one for the engine. The sockets are 12 volts – enough to charge the phone with USB outlets – but if a conventional plug is needed, it is necessary to connect it to the network or start the engine.
-Where can I stay overnight in a motorhome? Camping outside designated areas, such as campsites, can lead to a heavy fine – on the beach, for example, it amounts to 1,500 euros. However, to meet the legal definition of camping, the van must be immobilized, the awning extended, or tables outside. Without these items you can spend the night in parking lots. More and more rural houses are aware of the camping public and are setting up camping spots on their farms, with electrical outlets and access to bathrooms. You should contact them as this is a recommended option.
-What should I do with the waste? The authorities tolerate little waste, both solid and liquid, and may only be dumped in designated areas. The fine for deliberately dumping it can be up to 3,000 euros.
– What other sanctions should I take into account? While it is always necessary to use common sense, it should be known that removing chairs or awnings in unauthorized areas can lead to a small fine (up to 750 euros), while damaging city furniture or hindering the traffic can be as high as 3,000.
-What do I need to know to travel abroad? The required document to travel outside of Spain is the European Health Card, which is obtained through social security. You also need the Covid Passport. Some countries, such as Italy, require the last vaccination to be less than six months ago, so it is advisable to find out before traveling. Also save the contact number from abroad for your insurance.
-Do I need a special card to travel? No. Most motorhomes and motorhomes weigh less than 3,500 kilograms and can therefore be driven for tourism with a B driving license. If they exceed this category, you need the C1.
Source: La Verdad
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
