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Motorhome or passenger car: big difference in taxes

A motorhome is officially referred to as a “camper van. This is important, because a motorhome – if registered correctly – falls under a more favorable tax rate than a regular passenger car. As long as the RDW recognizes your vehicle as a camper van, you benefit from a special camper van rate, also called quarter rate. You then pay only 25% of the road tax you would normally pay for a passenger car in the same weight class.

Conditions for the quarter rate

Not every van with a mattress in the back qualifies for this favorable rate. You must meet specific requirements:

• Your vehicle must be registered with the RDW as a motorhome.
• There must be permanent facilities: including a kitchenette, water supply, permanent seating and sleeping areas.
• The layout should be such that you can actually camp.

Without this registration, you will pay the full road tax rate. So always have a check that your vehicle is properly registered.

Road tax motorhome 3,500 kg: this is how it is calculated

RVs up to and including 3,500 kilograms are calculated based on weight classes, just like passenger cars. But thanks to the quarter rate, the amount you pay is significantly lower. The exact cost varies by province, because provinces are allowed to levy surcharges on top of the state portion of the tax. On average, you will pay between 30 and 80 euros per quarter for a motorhome weighing between 3,000 and 3,500 kg. Want to know exactly what you will pay? Then you can use the Tax Office’s calculation tool.

Beware of motorhomes with diesel engines

Do you have a diesel motorhome? If so, an additional surcharge applies unless your vehicle is equipped with a factory particulate filter. Without a particulate filter, there is a hefty surcharge on top of the tax. With filter, this surcharge is limited. In some cases, you can get a subsidy to install a particulate filter to avoid this surcharge.

Is it a vintage motorhome?

Is your RV 40 years old or older? Then you may fall into the old-timer scheme. You then pay no road tax at all. Is your camper between 30 and 40 years old? Then the old-timer regulation does not apply and you pay tax according to the quarter rate. There is also a special transitional arrangement for vehicles running on petrol or LPG, but this does not apply to motor homes with diesel engines without a particulate filter.

Temporary no use? Apply for suspension

Do you use your RV primarily during the summer months? Then you can choose to suspend the camper for a certain period of time. You then temporarily do not have to pay road tax. Please note that during the suspension period you are not allowed to drive the camper or park it on public roads. Also, insurance often needs to be adjusted or paused.

Discounts on toll roads and ferries

Did you know that with a vehicle officially registered as an RV, you often get discounts on European toll roads and ferries? Many countries have favorable rates for motorhomes instead of heavier commercial vehicles or trucks. That can make a big difference, especially if you’re traveling through countries like France, Italy or Norway.

Considerations when buying a motorhome

Are you going to buy an RV and want to take advantage of the quarter rate? Then pay attention to the following:

• Check the registration certificate: is the motorhome registered there as a “camper”?
• When in doubt, weigh the camper to know if it stays under 3,500 kg (including load).
• Note for imports: for foreign motorhomes, you must apply to the RDW for the proper registration yourself.
• Ask about the existence of a particulate filter on diesel motorhomes.

What if your motorhome is heavier than 3,500 kilograms?

For motorhomes over 3,500 kilograms, different rules apply. Then you pay taxes according to the rate for heavy motor vehicles, which can be considerably higher. Also, in many countries with a heavy motorhome you have to deal with additional tolls or environmental zones for which you have to pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When do I pay quarter rate for my RV?
Once the motorhome is registered as a camper with the RDW and meets the equipment requirements.

2. How do I know if my motorhome stays under 3,500 kilograms?
Check the license plate or have your vehicle weighed at a weighbridge.

3. Do I always have to pay road tax, even in winter?
Yes, unless you have your RV suspended. In that case, you pay no tax temporarily.

4. What if I want to rent out my motorhome?
Different rules may apply to commercial rentals. If so, check with the Internal Revenue Service to see if your RV still falls under the quarter rate.

5. Is the quarter rate automatically arranged at the time of purchase?
Not always. When importing or converting, you have to take care of (re)registration as a camper at the RDW yourself.

In summary, if your camper stays under 3,500 kg and is registered as a motorhome, you pay only a quarter of the normal road tax. So make sure everything is written down correctly, and take into account fuel type, weight and the season in which you drive.