Frequently asked questions on how to pass the MOT of your motorhome or camper
How often do I have to pass the MOT of my motorhome? This is the most frequently asked question by new owners of a motorhome, whether it is a a low profile, A-class, luton or camper van style. That is why we are here today, to resolve this and many other queries on the subject. Here we go!
Stay and read this guide on how to pass the MOT for your motorhome: how often? what is usually checked? what is the most common price? what documents are needed?..
Let’s begin:
When is the first MOT for a motorhome due?
I have just bought a motorhome, when do I have to pass my first MOT?
And, after the first one, when do I have to pass it again? That is to say, what is the frequency of passing the MOT for a motorhome?
In Spain, a motorhome, whatever type it is (A-class, luton, low profile or camper van style) is considered a passenger car, so they are subject to the MOT regulations for this type of vehicle.
It should be noted that no vehicle is exempt from passing the MOT (whether it is in regular use or not), except those that have already been deregistered.
So, what is the frequency for an MOT on a motorhome?
- The first one is passed 4 years after registration.
- After the first one, it must be passed every 2 years until the motorhome is 10 years old.
- From 10 years after the first registration, the MOT must be passed annually.
What is checked for the MOT of motorhomes?
For your motorhome to pass the MOT, it must meet a series of technical requirements: it must be in perfect condition, both internally, as well as regarding bodywork, operation and gas emissions. We recommend that you check your vehicle in advance to make sure everything is OK and avoid having to come back a second time.
You can check them yourself if you have knowledge about them, or go to a garage to have a pre-MOT check carried out
Common technical checks.
The entry into force last year of the new MOT regulations has led to a more exhaustive control.
What technical issues do they check in the MOT for a motorhome? These are the main ones:
- Gas installation
- Towing hitch or tow ball
- Condition of tyres and lighting system
- Condition of the brakes.
- Condition of the suspension system
Gas installation and water tanks.
Checking that the gas installation is working properly is a special specific check for motorhomes, as it is a vehicle that has a kitchen. In the same way, the vehicle's clean, grey and black water tanks are also checked. What should the MOT technicians check in our vehicle regarding the gas installation?
- That there are no leaks.
- That the components are securely fastened and in good condition.
- That the ventilation is not obstructed.
- That the rubber is in optimum condition.
We remind you that the rubber must be changed every 4 years, so to guarantee its integrity we recommend you to change it before the first MOT.
Towing hitch or tow ball
Checking that the hitch or ball is in good condition, in the case it tows a trailer, is another of the checks carried out in the MOT for motorhomes.
Condition of tires and lighting system
Like passenger cars, the roadworthiness test for motorhomes also checks the condition of the tyres and lights. Check that everything is in optimal condition before you go, and if not, make the appropriate changes.
Documents
In addition to the technical aspects, the MOT also checks that all documents are in order.
- The technical data sheet, also called MOT card if it has already been passed previously.
- Driving licence. You need a B driving licence to drive a motorhome (not exceeding 3,500 kilos in weight and nine seats). In case you do not have it, you can access it telematically from the MOT station itself.
- Insurance It is not necessary to carry it physically, but it is necessary to have taken it out.
How much does it cost to pass the MOT on a motorhome?
The price of the MOT for motorhomes may vary depending on the autonomous community where you are, and are usually priced similar to that of a car.
We can say that the average price for diesel vehicles is around €38.81 and for petrol vehicles it is €47.01.
Are all centres suitable for passing the MOT?
Can I pass the MOT of my motorhome at any MOT centre? This is another frequently asked question, and the answer is NO.
Not all MOT stations have the necessary personnel, tools and facilities to carry out MOT inspections for motorhomes, so we recommend that you check and confirm with the MOT centre you plan to go to before making an appointment.
Until when can I circulate with an expired MOT?
Watch out for this! Many people think they have leeway to pass the MOT when it has expired, and this is not so. In fact, your motorhome must pass the MOT inspection before the exact date set, since you may be fined for carrying it out just one day later.
It is also not true that you can continue to circulate if you have an appointment. If a traffic officer checks a vehicle’s documentation and it has an expired MOT, they can apply a fine, even if the driver proves the appointment arranged with an official centre.
So, take note! Write down when you must pass your motorhome’s MOT on the calendar and do not miss it. Remember that you can pass it up to 30 days before its expiry date.
MOT-related fines
Driving a motorhome with an expired MOT.
The penalty is a fine of €200, with a 50% reduction for prompt payment. There is no loss of points. Having a fine issued for this also makes it mandatory to pass the MOT immediately.
Driving a motorhome that has been found to have serious defects.
The penalty is a fine of €200, with a 50% reduction for prompt payment. There is no loss of points.
Driving a motorhome that has been found to have serious defects in the MOT, as the inspection has not been passed.
The penalty is a financial fine of €500 with no possibility of discount. There is no loss of points.
Other.
There are also other less serious MOT-related penalties such as driving without the sticker or if it is in a spot where it cannot be seen. This means a fine of €80 and no loss of points,
What are the main penalties regarding the MOT? There are several situations in which you can be fined if you do not have your motorhome's MOT up to date. Also, remember that MOT inspections are carried out to check that your vehicle is safe, so driving it without having passed it is a danger both for you and for other drivers.