Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec
Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec
Heavy Vehicles Converted Into Motor Homes

Heavy Vehicles Converted Into Motor Homes for Personal Use

If you convert a Vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 4,500 kg or more, as indicated on the compliance label. into a motor home for personal use, you must comply with several requirements before obtaining a licence plate for that type of vehicle. These requirements involve installing permanent equipment. Some of this equipment must be certified according to the standards applicable to recreational vehicles. Any equipment that is not usually installed in a recreational vehicle may be refused.

What Is a Motor Home?

A motor home is a motor vehicle permanently converted into a temporary dwelling. It must:

  • feature elements that are usually found in a dwelling (toilet, kitchen appliances, bed, etc.)
  • be outfitted with commodities (excluding the generator and external connector) permitting autonomous living for at least three days

It can be driven by an individual holding a Class 5 driver’s licence and does not require periodical mechanical inspection.

Access to Camp Grounds

Some camp grounds refuse access to hand-crafted motor homes or refuse to let them be hooked up to their power grids and sanitation systems.

How can I have my heavy vehicle converted into a motor home recognized?

To find out how to have your vehicle recognized, visit the Modified Vehicle web page.

Immatriculer un véhicule modifié - SAAQ (gouv.qc.ca)⁠ ⁠

As long as the heavy vehicle has not been recognized as a motor home, you must hold the appropriate class of licence to drive the vehicle. See the Vehicle Partially Converted into a Motor Home - Registration Categories section for more information.

Characteristics of a Heavy Vehicle Converted Into a Motor Home

Maximum Length

The maximum length is generally determined on the basis of the rear overhang, namely :

  • 12.5 metres for all motor vehicles with a rear overhang of 4 metres or less
  • 14 metres for all buses with a rear overhang of 4 metres or less
  • 11 metres in all other cases

The rear overhang is measured from the centre of the axle or axle group to the rear end of the vehicle (including the bumper and load).

Maximum Width

The maximum width, load included, of a road vehicle is 2.6 metres. For more information on this subject, visit the website of the Ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable.

A road vehicle over 2 metres wide must carry portable lamps, reflectors and flares. 

Any added equipment must not reduce visibility in the rearview mirrors. 

If you plan to hitch a trailers to the vehicle, its total length is also limited. See the Vehicle Load and Size Limits Regulation.

Fifth Wheel

A Part of the coupling device, secured to the tractor vehicle by a pivot axe that is perpendicular to the tractor vehicle’s median longitudinal plane, intended to bear the load exerted by the semi-trailer on the tractor vehicle by engaging the kingpin and allowing the transmission of braking and traction efforts., gooseneck coupling device or a place to attach one, is not accepted on a hand-crafted motor home. A motor home may not be configured to transport merchandise, for example, with a semi-trailer.

Cargo Space

If the motor home has cargo space, it must not exceed 30% of the length of the vehicle or 3.65 metres.

Before converting a heavy vehicle into a motor home, read the steps to follow on this page.

To verify the compliance of a vehicle converted into a motor home, the SAAQ refers to the Canadian Standards Association(CSA Z240 VC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 1192). We recommend you read these standards before converting your vehicle.

General Requirements

Transforming the vehicle involves the following modifications:

  • modifying the wheelbase
  • adding, removing or replacing axles
  • lengthening the frame
  • modifying the structure (raising the roof, adding a door, etc.)

An engineer’s report must be presented to:

  • certify that the original manufacturer’s instructions were followed
  • establish new capacity values (Gross axle weight rating. and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.)
  • verify the compliance of the application and release time (timing test) of the air brake system, if the system was modified.
  • verify the safety of the structural modifications

Some requirements may vary for an expedition vehicle

If the vehicle you are planning to modify is similar to an Straight-body truck, all of whose wheels are driving wheels. It contains an independent living unit on a permanent basis. In addition, it has a high ride height as well as high approach, departure and ramp-over angles, giving it a high ground clearance capability., contact the SAAQ’s Direction générale de l’expertise légale et de la sécurité des véhicules (see the contact information at the bottom of the page) to check whether it belongs to this category.

Driver’s Compartment

The driver's compartment must be readily accessible from the vehicle’s living space through an opening that is as large as possible without being, smaller than 1.2 m (47.2 inches) high by 0.610 m (24 inches) wide.

If an opening must be made at the back of the cabin of the modified vehicle, the opening must comply with the dimensions authorized by the manufacturer and the seat belt anchors around it must be checked.

Driver’s compartment for expedition vehicles.

If the vehicle’s structure does not allow for an opening of this size (1.2 m by 0.610 m),  it must be as large as possible without being any smaller than 0.432 m (17 inches) high by 0.610 m (24 inches) wide. If a system allows the opening to close, you must be able to open it on each side without using any tools or keys.

Interior Finish and Insulation

The materials used for the interior finish must have a flame spread index of 200 or less and a smoke-developed index of 300 or less. These indexes are indicated on the materials’ data sheets.

With regard to the insulation, it is recommended that you use non-combustible materials, such as mineral insulating materials (rock wool, glass wool, etc.).

If the insulation is combustible (urethane foam, expanded polystyrene foam, etc.), it must be completely covered throughout the vehicle in order to reduce the risk of fire. For safety reasons, the SAAQ does not recommend using this type of insulation.

Emergency Exits

All motor homes must have at least:

  • a main emergency exit on a wall, which must be a door
  • a secondary emergency exit on another wall or on the roof, which may be a door, window or hatch, if it is located on the roof

Each exit must be clearly identified. It must be possible to exit the vehicle without a tool or key through an opening of at least 0.610 m (24 inches) by 0.432 m (17 inches).

In addition, each space designed for sleeping must allow access to two emergency exits situated in opposite directions.

General

All mandatory equipment must be permanent and must be comparable to what is used in a manufactured motor home. Portable equipment (toilets, cooking appliances, refrigerators, etc.) that is not part of the vehicle are permitted, but do not count as basic components.

Certification is usually identified by a label or marking on the equipment. If the equipment is not certified, the SAAQ may require you to replace it with certified equipment. Equipment that was originally installed in a recreational vehicle by a recognized manufacturer may be accepted without a certification sticker or marking if it is possible to determine its origin.

Electric appliances 

All mandatory equipment running on electricity must be plugged into a wall outlet, without an extension cord or be properly connected to a distribution panel. Switches may be installed to partially shed electrical load when the system is unable to simultaneously power all the appliances and wall outlets.

Equipment and storage cupboards

All equipment and cabinetry must have a load-bearing capacity of 5 times their weight to ensure they stay in place in the event of a collision.

Cupboards and drawers must be fitted with special RV latches to ensure they stay closed while the vehicle is in motion.

All loose objects that could strike passengers in an accident must be securely stored while the vehicle is in motion.

Rooftop structure

Any structure added to the roof of the vehicle must be made of metal and able to withstand equipment load and wind resistance at highway speeds.  

Any rooftop deck added to the vehicle must be equipped with a secure access ladder and a collapsible guard-rail measuring at least 1,067 mm (42 inches) high. The material used for the deck, preferably metal, must be durable and provide adequate resistance. Wood is not accepted. 

Mandatory equipment and standards bedroom 

  • Sleeping quarters that include a hide-a-bed or bed

Galley

  • Cooking facilities that at a minimum include a refrigerator, two cooking appliances or a cooking appliance with at least 2 burners, a counter, a table and a sink connected to drinking water supply and wastewater systems.

Cooking appliances

    • CSA CAN1-1.1/CSA CAN1-1.16/ANSI Z21.57 – Propane cooking appliances
    • CSA-C22.2 (Canadian Electrical Code) – Electric appliances
  • Installation
    • Appliances must be permanently attached and installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
    • The manufacturer’s clearance requirements must be met. Appliances must not be installed in proximity to combustible materials (curtains, fabric, bed, etc.).

Refrigerator

    • CSA 1.4/ANSI Z21.19 – Propane refrigerator 
    • CSA-C22.2 (Canadian Electrical Code) – Electric appliances
  • Installation
    • The appliance must be installed with a flange around the front.
    • The appliance must be designed for vehicle installation.
    • The appliance must be fitted with latches that keep the doors closed while the vehicle is in motion.
    • The manufacturer’s installation guidelines, clearance specifications, and air vent size and location must be respected.

Refrigerator with a front-facing mounting flange

Drinking water tank

  • The drinking water tank must have minimum capacity of 20 L per occupant
  • It must be made of material that will not contaminate the drinking water.

   ​​​​​​Installation

  • The tank must be permanently attached and securely restrained using metal restraints for protection in the event of a collision. Fabric tie-down straps or pipe flanges are not accepted.

Wastewater tanks (at least one)

  • The wastewater tanks for wastewater must have an equal or greater capacity than the drinking water tank.

​​​​​​   Installation

  • Drain valves and an end cap are mandatory.
  • The tank must be supported from end to end and securely installed to prevent shifting while the vehicle is in motion.
  • Each tank must be adequately vented for proper draining. 

Bathroom

Permanent toilet 

  • The toilet must be designed for permanent installation in an RV and connected to the vehicle’s wastewater tank.
  • A certified Cassette toilet may be used, but a compost toilet may not.

Permanent toilet  

Portable toilet

   Standards

  • CAN/CSA-B45 – Sanitary appliances (toilet, shower, bathtub, sink and water tanks)

   ​​​​​​Installation

  • The toilet and the wastewater ventilation system must be installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Additional requirements for vehicles measuring 7 m (23’) or more

  • The bathroom must include a shower with a curtain or door and a pan measuring at least 5 cm (2 inches) deep.
  • The shower walls must be made of waterproof material and  extend from the floor to at least 15 cm (6 inches) below the shower head. 

Standard

  • If a glass door is installed in the bathroom or shower, it must meet standard ANSI Z97.1 (certified safety glass). The glass in the door must be tempered.

A water heater is required.

Standard

  • CSA 4.1/ANSI Z21.10  – Propane water heater

Installation

  • The installation must comply with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

If you install an electric water heater, make sure that you have enough power for adequate operation.

General

The vehicle must be equipped with a power supply system with the capacity to run the installed equipment. One or more power sources can be used to ensure autonomous operation of the on-board appliances (3-day autonomy). 

Electrical system:

  • An electrical system that is independent of the vehicle's motor:
    • However, this system may be hooked up to the vehicle’s alternator for recharging when the vehicle is in operation.

All batteries must be secured to the vehicle with metal components to prevent shifting while the vehicle is in motion. Pipe flanges are not accepted. The battery terminals must be protected with an insulating material.

Liquefied propane gas system:

  • Liquefied petroleum gas (propane) can be used for the cooking and heating appliances and the refrigerator. Propane lighting fixtures are not accepted.
  • Whatever system you choose, it must be inspected by a qualified individual who holds a qualification card allowing them to work on this kind of system. It must be powered by an energy source with the capacity for autonomous operation of the basic components that are connected an used on a daily basis: heating, water heater, cooking appliances, pumps, lighting, etc.

A heating system that is independent of the vehicle's motor:

  • It may be an electric or propane heating system, or powered by diesel fuel or gasoline.  
  • Wood heaters are not accepted.
  • Propane heaters are accepted if installed according to the manufacturer’s directions.
  • Heaters that run on fuel (diesel, gasoline, etc.) must be certified according to the standards applicable to recreational vehicles.

Standard

  • CSA 2.3/ANSI Z21.47 –Propane heater
  • ECE R122 – Vehicle heating systems (diesel or gasoline powered hot air system)

Smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector :

  • Propane detector if the vehicle is equipped with a propane system:
    • Each detector must be installed according to the manufacturer’s directions. Unless otherwise indicated, they must be installed in the living area or dining area.
  • Extinguisher with a minimum fire rating of 5 B:C, if the vehicle has a combustion device (it must be portable and easy to access)
  • Number of seats and seat belts greater than or equal to the number of places to sleep (maximum 9):
    • Convertible benches and sofas are not included in the calculation of the number of places to sleep.

Seats that may be used when the vehicle is in motion must be the original seats. Otherwise, they must certified by a company that has been granted a National Safety Mark (NSM) from Canada or approved by an engineer in accordance with applicable federal standards. 

Each seat must also be equipped with a seat belt. If a seat is not equipped with a seat belt (armchair or bench, for example), passengers may not use it when the vehicle is in motion.

During the inspection, the SAAQ will require information regarding the purchase, source, and installation of the vehicle’s seats and seat belts.

You may not install a seat belt on a seat that is not designed for it.

General Requirements Regarding the Installation of Passenger Seats

Adding seats is allowed only when the heavy vehicle is converted into a motor home. The total number of seats must not exceed 9, including the driver’s seat.

  Three-Point Seat Belt Two-Point Seat Belt   Headrest  Specifics  Installation Recognition
Seats added facing the front or the back in a used vehicle ✓

X

 ✓ Other types of seat belts will only be accepted if they were originally installed by the manufacturer.  A compliance label is affixed to the vehicle. This label is from a National Safety Mark holder or a signed engineer’s report is presented through the process to recognize the vehicle as a motor home
Side-facing seats (installed lengthwise)  ✓ ✓

X

 Seats installed lengthwise may be added only if the vehicle already has 4 forward- or rear-facing seats. 

Installer who holds a National Safety Mark from Transport Canada (compliance label) or installation certified by an engineer (signed engineer’s report) 
Seats without seat belts  

X

X

X

 Seats without seat belts, even if they are the original seats (e.g. bus seats), must be removed. Two bus seats, if they are facing a table, may be kept, even without seat belts. However, no passengers may use these seats when the vehicle is in motion. 

X

General rules 

  • You may not install a seat belt on a seat that is not designed for it.
  • Seats and seat belts must be new, or in a condition that is as good as new if they are used. Seat belts with pretensioners must be new. The receipt and where the equipment was sourced must be provided.
  • No seats may be installed in a place that may obstruct a staircase or in a place that was originally used for the transportation of merchandise (e.g. cargo space, cube truck space, shipping container, etc.).
  • Seats with seat belts must not be installed facing a rigid component, unless the component is at least 1.1 m away from the seat backrest.
  • All installations must comply with the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act.  

 

Child safety seats

Under the Highway Safety Code (the Code), children who are less than 145 cm tall or who are under 9 years of age must be seated in a restraint system or booster seat. Any added seats that will be used by a child to whom the Code applies must be equipped with the original universal anchorage system (UAS) so that a restraint system or booster seat can be correctly installed.

If children will be travelling in your motor home, make sure that each seat of the vehicle that will be used by a child is equipped with the anchorage required by the child safety seat manufacturer. For more information, visit the SAAQ’s Travelling With Children in Alternative Vehicles web page.

Certification Based on Vehicle Type

In a New Vehicle

Seats meant to be used while the vehicle is in motion must be equipped with a seat belt and certified by a business that holds a National Safety Mark issued by Transport Canada. Businesses that add an aftermarket seat must affix their National Safety Mark in the door frame on the driver’s side.

A vehicle is considered new until it is sold to its first user. If the vehicle was purchased new in order to be modified, it will be considered new until the certification of the added seats.

In a Used Vehicle Recognized as a Motor Home

  1. Fulfill the same criteria applicable to new vehicles.

  2. Obtain a report from an engineer belonging to the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec attesting that the additional seats equipped with seat belts comply with the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. 
    The engineer’s report must be submitted along with the approval documents of the modified vehicle and contain the following information:

  • the name of the engineer or business that verified the installation
  • the nature of the modification (anchorage system, reinforcements, etc.)
  • the make and model of the seats and seat belts
  • the month and year the modification was done
  • the new number of seats

The original emergency exit, at the rear, must not be obstructed and should open from the inside without the use of tools or keys, if the back of the living space is used as sleeping quarters and no other exits are in the area.

In addition, the following labels and equipment must be removed :

  • labels indicating “Écoliers”, “school bus”, etc.
  • labels indicating that drivers of other vehicles must stop when the flashing red lights are activated
  • labels indicating that the vehicle stops at level crossings
  • any other labels pertaining to school buses
  • labels indicating emergency exits, on each exit that is no longer usable
  • alternately flashing yellow lights and flashing red lights, a the front and back
  • retractable stop sign and the deployment mechanism
  • crossing control arm

To avoid any confusion, it is suggested that a converted school bus that is no longer used to transport schoolchildren, be painted a different colour than “ chrome yellow .”. As this colour is reserved for vehicles used to transport schoolchildren in certain Canadian provinces and American states, it may be necessary to paint the vehicle another colour if you plan to visit these places.

School buses are generally equipped with 3 or 4 metallic reinforcements on each exterior side. These reinforcements contribute to the structural rigidity and must remain intact further to the conversion of the vehicle. Some alterations may be accepted, for example, if it is necessary to make an opening for an appliance such as a propane water heater.

Registration Categories

Generally, a vehicle designed to transport 9 or fewer people and having a net weight of 3,000 kg or less is registered as a passenger vehicle or a commercial vehicle (F licence plate). If the vehicle has a net weight of more than 3,000 kg, it must be registered as a truck.

The Class 5 driver’s licence authorizes its holder to drive a vehicle with a net weight of under 4,500 kg. If the vehicle weighs 4,500 kg or more or if it has three or more axles, a Class 3 (or even Class 1) driver’s licence is necessary.

A vehicle that does not meet all the requirements of a motor home may still be converted for leisure purposes. If the vehicle is no longer recognized as a bus, all passenger seats must be equipped with a seat belt installed by the manufacturer. The only seat that can be remain in place in a school bus is the driver’s seat. 

It is recommended that you meet the requirements of a fully converted vehicle to ensure that the modifications made to the vehicle are safe. 

If the vehicle is used for commercial purposes or owned by a business, it must also be registered with the Commission des transports du Québec if its GVWR is 4,500 kg or more.

In addition, the requirements for each category of registration must be met.  

Examples:

  • If a modified bus or minibus still has at least 10 seats (including the driver’s seat) or wheelchair tie-down devices:
    • it remains registered as a bus or minibus 
    • the driver must hold the appropriate class of licence to drive the vehicle (Class 2 or 4B) 
    • it must undergo a mechanical inspection every 6 months
  • If a bus or minibus has been modified and now has 9 or fewer seats:
    • it must be registered under a different category of vehicle and meet the requirements of the new category before being put into operation 
    • each seat that may be used while the vehicle is in motion must be equipped with the seat belt originally provided by the manufacturer
    • it must be registered as a heavy vehicle
    • the driver must hold the appropriate class of licence to drive the vehicle (Class 1 or 3 depending on the vehicle) 
    • it must undergo an annual mechanical inspection if its GVWR is 4,500 kg or more

Mechanical Inspection

Regardless of the net weight of the vehicle, if its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. is 4,500 kg or more, the vehicle must undergo a mechanical inspection every year so long as it is not recognized by the SAAQ as a motor home.

Buses and minibuses must undergo mechanical inspections every 6 months.

We recommend you contact your road vehicle inspection agent to confirm that they will inspect your modified vehicle.

If the modifications made to the vehicle meet the requirements, the mechanical inspection, which is necessary to finalize the process, will be authorized and may be carried out by a road vehicle inspection agent. If the mechanical inspection does not reveal any mechanical defects, a certificate of inspection will be issued to confirm :

  • the presence of the mandatory equipment
  • the compliance of the installations and modifications

The certificate of inspection must remain in the vehicle and be presented during a mechanical inspection carried out by a road vehicle inspection agent authorized by the SAAQ, or to a peace officer upon request.

Registration

Once the inspection process is complete, the vehicle can be registered as a motor home. To proceed with the change of licence plate, you must go to an SAAQ service outlet with the following documents on hand :

  • the valid mechanical inspection certificate
  • the certificate of inspection
  • the registration certificate
  • your driver’s licence or other official document with photo
  • the vehicle’s weight certificate

The SAAQ may require an axle weight (load per axle) to verify the load allowance on each of the axles.

Class 5 Driver’s Licence

A Class 5 driver's licence is required to drive a motor home.

As long as the heavy vehicle has not been recognized as a motor home, you must hold the appropriate class of licence to drive the vehicle.

Consult the Checklist for Converting a Heavy Vehicle into a Motor Home (PDF, 104.5 KB)⁠ to make sure the converted vehicle has all the required equipment.

If you have any technical questions regarding mandatory equipment or the conversion of the vehicle, contact the Direction générale de l’expertise légale et de la sécurité des véhicules.

Direction générale de l’expertise légale et de la sécurité des véhicules
Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec
Case postale 19600, succursale Terminus
Québec (Québec)  G1K 8J6
dgelsv@saaq.gouv.qc.ca This link opens your default email software.
418-528-3214

For any questions regarding vehicle registration or drivers’ licences, contact us.

Last update: April 10, 2024