Motorhome registration

Under the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO), TÜV Information Sheet 740 and the current vehicle class M (special-purpose vehicles), a vehicle is officially classified as a motorhome if it meets at least the following criteria:

• Seating area with a table: The table may be removable, foldable or stowable.
• Sleeping area: A fixed sleeping surface or a fold-down seating area is sufficient.
• Cooking facilities: Permanently fitted, suitable for the interior and with heat protection. May be fold-out or pull-out.
• Storage space: Cupboards or shelves that securely store clothing, provisions or luggage – exceeding the standard of a car.

• The interior must be primarily designed for living purposes and create a homely environment – including at least two side windows and ventilation in accordance with DIN EN 721.
• Furniture edges must be rounded or rubber-coated to prevent the risk of injury. The floor covering must be non-slip and the materials used must be flame-retardant.

• Seats in the living area must comply with the requirements of Section 35a of the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO), including approved seatbelt mountings and test certificates (e.g. ABE, component certificates).
• Two independent escape routes are required for each bench seat (e.g. doors, windows or hatches on different sides of the vehicle). Doors must be wider than 50 cm, at least 1 m high and open outwards from the inside.

• Gas solutions: fixed installations with certified E-marking, where gas cylinders are safely housed and ventilated.
• Electrical installation: 12/24 V or 230 V in accordance with VDE standards (e.g. DIN VDE 0100-721), approved components.

• Following the conversion (involving permanently installed fittings), the existing type approval will lapse.
• An officially recognised expert from TÜV NORD will issue you with a report in accordance with Section 19.2 of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) and Information Sheet 740, on the basis of which the vehicle registration authority will make the new entry as a ‘Miscellaneous Motor Vehicle – Motorhome’.

Does your motorhome have sufficient structural integrity? All vehicle manufacturers have strict bodywork guidelines that are crucial for the stability of the bodywork and its attachment to the vehicle. If you remove or modify load-bearing body parts, the vehicle manufacturer may need to approve these changes separately.

Use materials that are flame-retardant for the interior fittings. They should also be shatter-resistant wherever possible. The assessment criteria are the guidelines for safety glass or comparable standards.

• Your seats must be fitted with type-approved seat belts and be permanently fixed in place – loose seats or those that can be removed without tools will not be accepted.
• The maximum permitted number depends on the total weight and the permissible payload (Section 35a of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations); we recommend seeking advice from our TÜV NORD experts at an early stage.

• The lowest step height must not exceed 500 mm and must be non-slip.
• Ideally, there should be a separate door to the living area on the right-hand side of the vehicle; in the case of double doors, the front door leaf must overlap.
• Each seat must have two independent escape routes – e.g. via doors and windows on different sides of the vehicle; emergency exits must be at least 50 cm wide and 1 m high.

• Your auxiliary heating system must be type-approved and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions; the inspection sticker must remain legible at all times.
• Experience shows that professional installation increases the likelihood of successful motorhome registration.

• The installation must comply with VDE/DIN standards – particularly in the case of 230 V systems.
• Professional installation prevents fire risks caused by short circuits or overloading.

• Furniture such as cupboards and tables must be permanently fixed in place – the table may be fold-out.
• Materials should be flame-retardant, edges should be rounded and cupboards should be lockable to prevent items from flying out in the event of an emergency braking manoeuvre.

• The living area and driver’s cab require an independent fresh air and exhaust air system – with no connection to the auxiliary heating, exhaust system or gas system.
• Safety ventilation in accordance with DIN EN 721, with separate supply and exhaust air openings, is mandatory.

• Spare wheels or accessories fitted to the outside must be secured with at least two independent fastenings.
• Exposed sharp edges must be avoided – here too, protection against injury is paramount.