 |
9 May 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Europe currently
Posts: 213
|
|
|
Weight limit on an overland rig in Europe for my licence
Hey all,
I have a Minnesota Class D driver's licence. It is good for up to 26000 lbs GVWR.
My plan is to find an overland vehicle in November or December and take it into central Asia/Siberia this winter chase snow do some good back country snowboarding.
So if I buy an Iveco or something like this.
Its 11,000 kg which is less than 26000 lbs. I would be legal to drive it in USA. Am I legal to drive it in Europe on my US dl licence? Or would I need to get another endorsement?
Also.. if someone has a sweet 4x4 camper van or expedition vehicle they are selling, lets talk.
|
9 May 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
|
|
It looks like there is no one rule for all European countries, they vary from one to another for US licence holders so a IDP would be a good idea. I would also look into where you can get insurance and register the vehicle in your name before buying anything, for non-EU citizens buying motorcycles Ireland and Germany seem to get regular mentions although vans in Ireland will mostly be right hand drive so not so useful for your planned trip. I know this doesn't answer your question fully but food for thought.
How to Drive in Europe | Fodor's
|
10 May 2015
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 639
|
|
|
In the Netherlands, if you want to drive a vehicle over 3500 kg, you must have a truck driving license.
__________________
Jan Krijtenburg
My bikes are a Honda GoldWing GL1200 and a Harley-Davidson FXD Dyna Super Glide
My personal homepage with trip reports: https://www.krijtenburg.nl/
YouTube channel (that I do together with one of my sons): motormobilist.nl
|
11 May 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Europe currently
Posts: 213
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by jkrijt
In the Netherlands, if you want to drive a vehicle over 3500 kg, you must have a truck driving license.
|
So someone who drives a vehicle over 3500 kg into Netherlands must get a truck licence? Or he is covered on his licence from his country?
|
11 May 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 834
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by jkrijt
In the Netherlands, if you want to drive a vehicle over 3500 kg, you must have a truck driving license.
|
True for an european driving licence who allows just 3.5to.
False in you have a foreign licence who allows more 
Just optain an international licence, where the weight you are allowed to drive- is listend.
Surfy
|
11 May 2015
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 639
|
|
|
Before you go to Europe with a 11000 kg vehicle, you have to take into account that many roads in Europe are not as wide as in the US. Especially in old cities, the roads can be narrow and it could be difficult to find a good parking spot with such a big vehicle.
If you stay on the highways and freeways and avoid old city centers, you should have no problem.
__________________
Jan Krijtenburg
My bikes are a Honda GoldWing GL1200 and a Harley-Davidson FXD Dyna Super Glide
My personal homepage with trip reports: https://www.krijtenburg.nl/
YouTube channel (that I do together with one of my sons): motormobilist.nl
|
11 May 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 135
|
|
AFAIK you can drive anywhere using a valid US drivers license. Also in vehicles not registered in the US. How else could you rent a car abroad?
However, if you own the vehicle, you must have a drivers license from the same country in which the vehicle is registered. For the Netherlands, for example, that means you need a commercial drivers license (a C-class license) for any vehicle with more than 3,500kgs GVW. This goes for most European countries. Some have an exception by which you can drive up to 7,500kgs on a regular license (Germany), but most don't.
It took me 5 lessons to get a class C license which allows me to drive up to 50,000kgs or thereabouts. The lessons did take 4 hours each, though :-)
Our truck is for sale, so if it's within budget lemme know...
CLICK HERE: TRUCK FOR SALE
__________________
Our website: tenhoope.net
Not all those who wander are lost. Usually, however, I am...
|
15 May 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Surfy
True for an european driving licence who allows just 3.5to.
False in you have a foreign licence who allows more
Just optain an international licence, where the weight you are allowed to drive- is listend.
Surfy |
for UK license holders it depends when you passed your test. because I'm an old fart I can drive upto 7.5tons on my car licence
__________________
1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014
|
16 May 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Europe currently
Posts: 213
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by jkrijt
Before you go to Europe with a 11000 kg vehicle, you have to take into account that many roads in Europe are not as wide as in the US. Especially in old cities, the roads can be narrow and it could be difficult to find a good parking spot with such a big vehicle.
If you stay on the highways and freeways and avoid old city centers, you should have no problem.
|
My plan is to head east as quickly as possible. Ski resorts usually have huge parking lots 
Quote:
Originally Posted by reallybigtruck
AFAIK you can drive anywhere using a valid US drivers license. Also in vehicles not registered in the US. How else could you rent a car abroad?
However, if you own the vehicle, you must have a drivers license from the same country in which the vehicle is registered. For the Netherlands, for example, that means you need a commercial drivers license (a C-class license) for any vehicle with more than 3,500kgs GVW. This goes for most European countries. Some have an exception by which you can drive up to 7,500kgs on a regular license (Germany), but most don't.
It took me 5 lessons to get a class C license which allows me to drive up to 50,000kgs or thereabouts. The lessons did take 4 hours each, though :-)
Our truck is for sale, so if it's within budget lemme know...
CLICK HERE: TRUCK FOR SALE |
I won't be registering this van or truck in USA. I am assuming It will be registered in Germany or UK or wherever I buy it.
I'm not finding information that says I need a german drivers licence to register a car in germany. Just proof of ownership, insurance and a few other documents with the car.
I think I am not even going to try to deal with the over 3500 kg rules and find a van that is registered at 3500 kg something like a VW LT40 or Iveco Daily 4x4.
Sorry ReallyBigTruck, I don't think I can muster up enough green backs for your truck.. unless you will take $20k for it 
Ideally my budget is around 10k but up to 20k for the right truck/van. 4x4 and the ability to stand up inside are a must. I want good insulation and a good heater also, but I can work on that myself if I find a good rig.
|
16 May 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Europe currently
Posts: 213
|
|
This is my current winter camping rig in the states. Ford E350 bus with a 4x4 axle and a 7.3 diesel. It took me about 2.5 months to build. I don't want to ship her to Europe though.
I don't need anything super nice.. just warm 
|
16 May 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
|
|
|
Another thing to consider is width if there is any chance you might want to ship it anywhere it must fit in a container. I met some people in India a couple of years ago who had driven there with a wide bodied van but were struggling to get visas to drive it back to Europe and couldn't get it in a container.
|
24 May 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 135
|
|
|
Width need not be a problem. You can ship roro (roll-on, roll-off) almost anywhere. We've shipped our behemoth from the Netherlands to South Africa.
The one limiting factor is the depth of your wallet...
__________________
Our website: tenhoope.net
Not all those who wander are lost. Usually, however, I am...
|
28 May 2015
|
 |
R.I.P. - 2020
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Cotes d'Armor, France.
Posts: 377
|
|
FYI The general law across all EU countries ( EU regulation)is that you must have a residential address in order to register a vehicle in your name. There are some organisations who sell vehicles who might be able to help with this, by providing an accomodation address, but you can`t just buy a vehicle and register it. You may also come up against insurance diffficulties with a US licence. It`s important to get an IDP which details the weight capacity of your entitlement, othrwise the authorities and insurance companies may assume it`s the same as Europe. When Insuring a vehicle you will have to provide the registration document (title) in your name, your driving licence and an in date roadworthiness certificate. Depending on where you buy the vehicle, taxes for road use will either be included in the cost of registration, or paid seperately.
Addit info:-
The EU recommendation as to whether your licence is valid, is given here:- the suggestion is that you contact your consulate or embassy in the country you are visiting to ask. The EU directives on licence entitlements vary.
http://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens...y/index_en.htm
__________________
-''It is better to walk alone than with a crowd going in the wrong direction''. ( Herman Siu)
-'' Live life then give life '' ( www.lltgl.org.uk)
Last edited by Pongo; 28 May 2015 at 09:00.
Reason: addit info.
|
28 May 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
|
|
As I found out after being pulled by the rozzers one night on the autobahn (don't ask it's a long story) you can register, tax and insure a vehicle temporarily in Germany even if you are not a resident. Then you would just need new number plates making up. Not too sure how long the max duration is though as mine was just to get me home after a little 'issue' with my paperwork on a roadside stop (moral is, carry your V5, not the new keepers supplement!!  )
Lots of people do it when they buy a vehicle in Germany and need to drive it home.
__________________
1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014
|
29 May 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2014
Location: East Yorkshireman...in the Chum Phae area, Thailand
Posts: 1,346
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by moggy 1968
for UK license holders it depends when you passed your test. because I'm an old fart I can drive upto 7.5tons on my car licence
|
and pull a 3.5ton trailer, C1+E 
Wayne
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
