Camping season 2025: New inspection requirements for motorhomes in focus!

Camping season 2025: New inspection requirements for motorhomes in focus!

Camping remains a popular holiday destination in Germany, like neumarktaktuell.de reported. A survey by the ADAC shows that 55% of camping holidaymakers travel within their own country. Another trend shows that 41% of respondents travel to European countries such as Italy, France and Croatia, with popular destinations often requiring advance parking space reservations.

For first-time campers, realistic route planning with short distances is crucial. Around a third of camping holidaymakers use their own vehicle, while 27% rent a motorhome. The size of the motorhome you rent depends on the type of driving license you have. Users with a class 3 driving license obtained before 1999 are allowed to drive vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes. For driving licenses after 1999, an upper limit of 3.5 tonnes applies, unless class C1 was also acquired. For vehicles over 7.5 tonnes, either Class C or the old Class 2 is required.

Weight management and checking of gas systems

An important issue for campers is the total weight of the vehicle, which consists of the vehicle weight, luggage and passengers. Exceeding the weight mark can lead not only to fines, but also to points in Flensburg. Therefore, experts recommend choosing lightweight camping accessories, buying supplies locally and not filling the water tank before departure.

In addition to the weight of the vehicle and luggage, there has been an additional obligation since June 19, 2025 that is important for all campers. From this date, liquid gas systems in mobile homes and caravans must be inspected by experts every two years. This regulation aims to increase safety when cooking, cooling and heating in the camper and to avoid potential accidents, such as gas leaks. The gas test is independent of the main inspection and must be repeated after the first test date.

Fines for non-compliance

The costs for these gas tests are between 40 and 80 euros and take around 20 to 45 minutes. Nevertheless, owners who do not comply with the inspection requirement must expect fines, which can be between 15 and 60 euros, depending on how long the deadline is exceeded. Reports of accidents caused by defective valves, hoses or devices illustrate the urgency of this regulation.

To ensure comprehensive safety when camping, the ADAC testing center in Nuremberg-Fürth offers not only gas testing but also seasonal checks such as the CamperCheck. Those interested can find out more about the required tests and their providers on the relevant websites.