wildcamping legalities

[ips]

Yes I know its probably been done before and yes I know I could do a google thing and read through loads of stuff on the subject however I want a succinct answer to the question of.....

 

When (if at all) is it legal to wildcamp ?

When is it not ?

 

ie.

Is it legal to sleep in MH overnight on a public highway such as in a lay by ?

or do you have to be on private land and have permission ?

 

 

[Porky]

ips - 2011-06-27 11:51 AM

 

Yes I know its probably been done before and yes I know I could do a google thing and read through loads of stuff on the subject however I want a succinct answer to the question of.....

 

When (if at all) is it legal to wildcamp ?

When is it not ?

 

ie.

Is it legal to sleep in MH overnight on a public highway such as in a lay by ?

or do you have to be on private land and have permission ?

 

 

You could do a search on here and not google.

You have to differtiate between parking and camping.

Sleeping in a vehicle is not illegal providing the vehicle is parked legally and you are not over the limit as far as alcohol is concerned.

 

[Guest pelmetman]

I don't see how it can be illegal to park up in a layby and sleep :-S ....................lorry drivers have to do it to keep within the tachograph rules.

[hallii]

I do it, and I am a law abiding citizen, just be sensitive as regards where, not on someones front or private land and you will be OK. I park on seafronts often without any problems.

 

H

[BGD]

Here in Spain there is a clear distinction between "parking" and "camping".....I had assumed the same was true in the UK, but it was ONLY an assumption.

Anyway - this may help any of you guys who venture down this way...........

 

 

 

Here in Spain it is LEGAL to PARK your MH anywhere that other vehicles are legally allowed to park - eg side of the road, in municipal parking areas, beachfront promenades etc.

Unless signage says to the contrary, this is completely legal, anywhere in Spain: cities, towns, countryside.

But by PARK they mean no change to the dimensions of the vehicle compared to when driving ( ie no awning out, no table and chairs out etc...technically no windows open either, if opening them would increase the footprint of the vehicle).

Also no "giving off" of any substances - so no running the engine, and no dumping of water.

Whilst your MH is so "parked", it is perfectly legal to then stay in it and indeed to sleep in it.

 

It is NOT legal in Spain to "CAMP" except in areas designated for camping.

By "camp" they mean getting all your kit out, putting your stabilisers down, using levellers, firing up the BBQ, and lounging in your chairs outside of the vehicle.

 

 

 

That's the national law in Spain. But now to the reality....

 

On the one hand, in almost any countryside area or even town/village outskirts, as long as you have parked up out out sight of the road, keep your noise down, and don't litter the place, there's almost always no problem at all with full "camping" rather than just "parking" overnight.

It's a VERY big country, with lots of space between the towns/villages.

Likewise, most bars/restaurants will be more than happy to let you park and sleep in their own private-land car park overnight if you ask, and buy a couple of beers and/or a "menu del dia" cheapo 3 course meal from them...typically about 8 to 10 euros fro 3 courses, including half a bottle of wine and bread.

 

On the other hand, despite your legal rights under National law to just "park" overnight anywhere that other vehicles can park legally, it is always possible that a zealous Policia Local Officer will tell you to move you on.

It has thus far NEVER happened to us but, unless your Spanish is very good, and you have the relevant legal document to hand, and can argue the toss with him, my strong advice would be simply to smile, be polite, and move.

All the Police have guns here. Real guns. And they don't suffer from the power-castration that UK Police do. They do not stand around for hours in debate with someone who is not doing what they require them to do......especially a foreigner who can't even speak their language.

 

 

 

 

Here's the relevant law in Spanish allowing MH's to "park" overnight, that you can print off and waive at Authority if needs be, plus an English translation:

 

(As an aside, check out the section that specifically forbids the towing of any car on an A-frame here in Spain............but I see hundreds of such combinations trundling around the country all the time without any Police stop/fine problems in practice!)

 

 

Instrucción 08/V-74

 

Asunto: Autocaravanas

Instrucción 08/V-74

El constante crecimiento que ha experimentado en los últimos años el movimiento del autocaravanismo en

España y la falta de una regulación específica de algunos aspectos relacionados con esta actividad, motivaron la

aprobación en el Pleno del Senado de una Moción instando al Gobierno a tomar medidas necesarias para apoyar

el desarrollo de ésta práctica y regular el uso de las autocaravanas.

Por este motivo, la Dirección General de Tráfico ha entendido necesario recopilar e interpretar en un único

documento todos aquellos aspectos normativos que, relacionados con el autocaravanismo, se recogen en la

legislación sobre tráfico y vehículos a motor.

 

1.- CONCEPTO

El anexo II del Reglamento General de Vehículos, aprobado por Real Decreto 2822/1998, de 23 de diciembre,

define a la autocaravana como “vehículo construido con propósito especial, incluyendo alojamiento vivienda, y

conteniendo, al menos, el equipo siguiente: asientos y mesa, camas y literas que puedan ser convertidos en

asientos, cocina y armarios o similares. Este equipo estará rígidamente fijado al compartimiento vivienda. Los

asientos y la mesa pueden ser diseñados para ser desmontados fácilmente.”

Ésta y otras definiciones de vehículos son fruto de la transposición de las Directivas vigentes en la materia.

Concretamente la Directiva 2001/116/CE de la Comisión, de 20 de diciembre de 2001 por la que se adapta al

progreso técnico la Directiva 70/156/CEE del Consejo relativa a la aproximación de las legislaciones de los

Estados miembros sobre la homologación de vehículos a motor y sus remolques, en el punto 5.1 de la sección A

del anexo II se refiere a la autocaravana como “todo vehículos especial de categoría M fabricado de modo que

incluya una zona habitable con el equipo mínimo siguiente: asientos y mesa, camas que pueden formarse por

conversión de los asientos, cocina, armarios. Este equipamiento estará sujeto firmemente en la zona habitable;

aunque la mesa podrá diseñarse para quitarla con facilidad.”

Se trata de vehículos de la categoría M (“vehículos de motor con al menos cuatro ruedas, diseñados y

fabricados para el transporte de pasajeros”) y aunque la Directiva (116/2001/CEE) no lo dice expresamente

puede inferirse que al tener capacidad para ocho plazas, como máximo, (excluida la del conductor), nos

encontramos ante vehículos de la categoría M1. Sin embargo, el punto 1 de la sección C del anexo II de la

citada Directiva 2001/116/CE, al referirse a los tipos de carrocería de los vehículos de turismo (M1), menciona

los siguientes: AA Berlina, AB Berlina con portón trasero, AC Familiar (“break”), AD Cupé, AE Descapotable y AF

Multiuso, no refiriéndose a las autocaravanas en el citado punto 1, sino en el punto 5, dentro de otra categoría

de vehículos que denomina “vehículos especiales”.(1)

Así pues, admitiendo que se trata de vehículos de categoría M1, su carrocería no está incluida en los tipos

previstos para los turismos sino en los denominados “vehículos especiales”, lo cual no es de extrañar dado

están construidos sobre el chasis de vehículos comerciales utilizados comúnmente para la fabricación de

furgones y camiones ligeros, su longitud oscila habitualmente entre los 5,50 m. Y los 8,00, su altura media está

en torno a los 3,00 m. y su masa máxima autorizada es muy frecuentemente de 3.500 kg. y en algunos casos

superior, características constructivas que nada tienen que ver con un turismo medio y que inciden en su

maniobrabilidad, en la distancia de frenado, comportamiento en los giros, etc.

Por todo ello, sin perjuicio de la existencia de furgones de serie cuyo interior ha sido acondicionado como

vivienda comúnmente conocidos como “camper”, puede concluirse que las autocaravanas son normalmente

“vehículos especiales de la categoría M1”, a cuya existencia se refiere, entre otros, el artículo 2.2 de la directiva

2001/116/CE de la comisión, distintos de los turismos y acreedores por tanto de una regulación específica en

algunos aspectos puntuales como es el caso de la determinación de sus velocidades máximas en vías fuera de

poblado. Por el contrario, en otros aspectos como circulación, parada y estacionamiento, se rigen por las

normas aplicables con carácter general a todos los vehículos.

MINISTERIO DEL INTERIOR

 

2.- VELOCIDADES MAXIMAS

El artículo 48.1 a) del Reglamento General de Circulación, aprobado por Real Decreto 1428/2003, de 21 de

noviembre establece para los automóviles las velocidades máximas en vías fuera de poblado conforme al

siguiente tenor:

“a) Para automóviles:

1º En autopistas y autovías: turismos y motocicletas 120 Km/h; autobuses, vehículos derivados de turismo y

vehículos mixtos adaptables, 100 Km/h; camiones, vehículos articulados, tractocamiones, furgones y

Automoviles con remolque de hasta 750 Kg., 90 Km/h; restantes automóviles con remolque: 80 Km/h.

2º En carreteras convencionales señalizadas como vías para automóviles y en el resto de carreteras

convencionales siempre que estas últimas tengan un arcén pavimentado de 1,50 metros o más de anchura, o

más de un carril para alguno de los sentidos de circulación: Turismos y motocicletas 100 Km/h; autobuses,

vehículos derivados de turismo y vehículos mixtos adaptables, 90 Km/h; camiones, vehículos articulados,

tractocamiones, furgones y automóviles con remolque 80 Km/h.

3º En el resto de las vías fuera de poblado: turismos y motocicletas 90 Km/h; autobuses, vehículos derivados

de turismo y vehículos mixtos adaptables, 80 Km/h; camiones, vehículos articulados, tractocamiones, furgones

y automóviles con remolque, 70 Km/h.

4º En cualquier tipo de vía donde esté permitida su circulación: vehículos de tres ruedas y cuadriciclos, 70

Km/h”

Siendo las autocaravanas “vehículos especiales de categoría M1” distintos de los turismos se considera

justificado no aplicarles los mismos límites de velocidad fuera de poblado que a este tipo de vehículos, sino

aquellos correspondientes a otros vehículos de categoría M (destinados al transportes de personas), lo que

daría lugar a los siguientes límites de velocidad:

- En autopistas y autovías.......................................... .................. 100 Km/h

- En carreteras convencionales señalizadas como vías para automóviles y carreteras con arcén pavimentado de

al menos 1,50 m. De anchura o más de un carril para alguno de los sentidos de la

circulación....................................... ........................................... 90 Km/h

- En el resto de las vías fuera de poblado.................................... 80 Km/h

Estos límites de velocidad serían aplicables a las autocaravanas que circulen sin remolque, clasificadas en su

tarjeta ITV con los siguientes códigos:

- 3148 (vehículo mixto vivienda)

- 3200 (autocaravana sin especificar de MMA menor o igual a 3.500 Kg.)

- 3248 (autocaravana vivienda de MMA menor o igual a 3.500 Kg.)

Las autocaravanas clasificadas con los códigos:

- 3300 (autocaravana sin especificar de MMA mayor de 3.500 Kg.)

- 3348 (autocaravana vivienda de MMA mayor de 3.500 Kg.)

- 2448 (furgón vivienda)

Se regirían por los mismos límites de velocidad aplicables a los camiones (por razón de su masa máxima

autorizada) y al resto de los furgones: 90 Km/h en autopistas y autovías, y 80 Km/h en carreteras

convencionales.

En vías urbanas serán de aplicación a las autocaravanas, cualquiera que sea su código de clasificación, al igual

que al resto de los vehículos en general el límite de velocidad genérico de 50 Km/h, en los términos previstos

en el artículo 50 del Reglamento General de Circulación.

 

3.- PARADA Y ESTACIONAMIENTO

Bajo el título “Parada y estacionamiento”, el Reglamento General de Circulación regula en su capítulo VIII

(artículos 90 a 94), las normas aplicables a estas maniobras, relativas a lugares en que deben efectuarse, modo

y forma de ejecución, colocación del vehículo, ordenanzas municipales y lugares prohibidos, que deberán ser

observadas por todos los vehículos con carácter general.

3.1 vías urbanas

En relación con los lugares en que deben efectuarse la parada y el estacionamiento en vías urbanas, al artículo

90.2 del Reglamento General de Circulación indica en su párrafo segundo que deberá observarse al efecto lo

dispuesto en las ordenanzas que dicten las autoridades municipales, en relación con las cuales el artículos 93

dice lo siguiente:

“1. El régimen de parada y estacionamiento en vías urbanas se regulará por ordenanza municipal, y podrán

adoptarse las medidas necesarias para evitar el entorpecimiento del tráfico, entre ellas, limitaciones horarias de

duración del estacionamiento, así como las medidas correctoras precisas, incluida la retirada del vehículo o su

inmovilización cuando no se halle provisto del título que habilite el estacionamiento en zonas limitadas en

tiempo, o excedan de la autorización concedida hasta que se logre la identificación del conductor.

2. En ningún caso podrán las ordenanzas municipales oponerse, alterar, desvirtuar, o inducir a confusión con

los preceptos de este reglamento.”

Una de las quejas que con mayor frecuencia se formulan ante esta Dirección General de Tráfico por los usuarios

de autocaravanas es la prohibición de estacionamiento aplicable a estos vehículos en parte o en la totalidad de

las vías urbanas que algunos ayuntamientos incorporan a sus ordenanzas.

Estas regulaciones se realizan al amparo del artículo 7 del texto articulado de la Ley sobre Tráfico, Circulación

de Vehículos a Motor y Seguridad Vial, aprobado por Real Decreto Legislativo 339/1990, de 2 de marzo, que

atribuye a los municipios, en el ámbito de esa Ley, una serie de competencias, y entre ellas:

“b) La regulación mediante Ordenanza Municipal de Circulación, de los usos de las vías urbanas, haciendo

compatible la equitativa distribución de los aparcamientos entre todos los usuarios, con la necesaria fluidez del

tráfico rodado, así como el establecimiento de medidas de estacionamiento limitado, con el fin de garantizar la

rotación de los aparcamientos, ...”

Por ello, a juicio de esta Dirección General de Tráfico es indiscutible que la exclusión de determinados usuarios

debe ser necesariamente motivada y fundamentada en razones objetivas como pueden ser las dimensiones

exteriores de un vehículos o su masa máxima autorizada, pero no por su criterio de construcción o utilización ni

por razones subjetivas como pueden ser los posibles comportamientos incívicos de algunos usuarios tales como

ruidos nocturnos, vertido de basura o de aguas usadas a la vía pública, monopolización del espacio público

mediante la colocación de estructuras y enseres u otras situaciones de abuso contra las cuales las autoridades

locales disponen de herramientas legales eficaces que deben ser utilizadas de forma no discriminatoria contra

todos los infractores, ya sean usuarios de autocaravanas o de cualquier otro tipo de vehículo.

Las autocaravanas pueden, por tanto, efectuar las maniobras de parada y estacionamiento en las mismas

condiciones y con las mismas limitaciones que cualquier otro vehículo.

Respecto al modo y forma de ejecución de la parada y el estacionamiento, el artículo 91 del Reglamento

General de Circulación establece que estas maniobras “deberán efectuarse de tal manera que el vehículo no

obstaculice la circulación ni constituya un riesgo para el resto de los usuarios de la vía, cuidando especialmente

la colocación del vehículo y evitar que pueda ponerse en movimiento en ausencia del conductor.”

En cuanto a la colocación del vehículo el artículo 92 del citado Reglamento General de Circulación establece lo

siguiente:

“1.La parada y el estacionamiento se realizarán situando el vehículo paralelamente al borde de la calzada. Por

excepción, se permitirá otra colocación cuando las características de la vía u otras circunstancias así lo

aconsejen.

2. Todo conductor que pare o estacione su vehículo deberá hacerlo de forma que permita la mejor utilización

del restante espacio disponible.

3. Cuando se trate de un vehículo a motor o ciclomotor y el conductor tenga que dejar su puesto, deberá

observar, además, en cuanto le fuesen de aplicación, las siguientes reglas:

a) Parar el motor y desconectar el sistema de arranque y, si se alejara del vehículo, adoptar las precauciones

necesarias para impedir su uso sin autorización.

b) Dejar accionado el freno de estacionamiento.

c) En un vehículo provisto de caja de cambios, dejar colocada la primera velocidad, en pendiente ascendente, y

la marcha hacia atrás, en descendente, o, en su caso, la posición de estacionamiento.

d) Cuando se trate de un vehículo de más de 3.500 kilogramos de masa máxima autorizada, de un autobús o

de un conjunto de vehículos y la parada o el estacionamiento se realice en un lugar con una sensible pendiente,

su conductor deberá, además, dejarlo debidamente calzado, bien sea por medio de la colocación de calzos, sin

que puedan emplear a tales fines elementos como piedras u otros no destinados de modo expreso a dicha

función, bien por apoyo de una de las ruedas directrices en el bordillo de la acera, inclinando aquéllas hacia el

centro de la calzada en las pendientes ascendentes, y hacia fuera en las pendientes descendentes. Los calzos,

una vez utilizados, deberán ser retirados de las vías al reanudar la marcha.”

No establece el Reglamento General de Circulación otras condiciones que deban cumplirse al efectuar la parada

o el estacionamiento de un vehículo, por lo que esta Dirección General de Tráfico considera que mientras un

vehículo cualquiera está correctamente estacionado, sin sobrepasar las marcas viales de delimitación de la zona

de estacionamiento, ni la limitación temporal del mismo, si la hubiere, no es relevante el hecho de que sus

ocupantes se encuentren en el interior del mismo y la autocaravana no es una excepción, bastando con que la

actividad que pueda desarrollarse en su interior no trascienda al exterior mediante el despliegue de elementos

que desborden el perímetro del vehículo tales como tenderetes, toldos, dispositivos de nivelación, soportes de

estabilización, etc.

3.2 vías interurbanas

El artículo 90.1 del Reglamento General de Circulación define los lugares en los que deben efectuarse las

paradas y los estacionamientos en vías interurbanas señalando que deberá hacerse fuera de la calzada, en el

lado derecho de ésta, dejando libre la parte transitable del arcén.

También con carácter general en autopistas y en autovías están prohibidas las maniobras de parada y

estacionamiento para todos los vehículos, salvo en zonas especialmente habilitadas para ello.

Son de aplicación a la parada y el estacionamiento en vías interurbanas las normas relativas al modo y forma

de ejecución contenidos en el artículo 91 del Reglamento General de Circulación recogido en el punto anterior,

así como las consideraciones hechas en relación con el estacionamiento en vías urbanas acerca de la presencia

de personas en el interior del vehículo correctamente estacionado, ello sin perjuicio de la posibilidad de

estacionar en áreas de estaciones de servicio o en terrenos privados con cuyos titulares puedan acordarse otras

condiciones.

Otros conceptos de alguna manera asociados al estacionamiento de autocaravanas como el de acampada y

pernocta no tienen acogida en la normativa sobre, circulación de vehículos a motor y seguridad vial, por lo que

este organismo no puede pronunciarse sobre su definición ni sobre sus implicaciones.

 

4.- USO DE CINTURONES DE SEGURIDAD Y DISPOSITIVOS DE RETENCIÓN

Se utilizará el cinturón de seguridad u otros sistemas de retención debidamente homologados, correctamente

abrochados, por el conductor y los pasajeros de las autocaravanas tanto en vías urbanas como interurbanas.

El incumplimiento de esta obligación por determinadas personas en función de su talla y edad se ajustará a las

siguientes prescripciones:

1.- Asientos delanteros: Queda prohibido circular con menores de doce años en los asientos delanteros salvo

que utilicen dispositivos homologados al efecto. Excepcionalmente, cuando su estatura sea igual o superior a

135 centímetros, los menores de doce años podrán utilizar como tal dispositivo el propio cinturón de seguridad

para adultos de que están dotados los asientos delanteros.

2.- Otros asientos: Las personas cuya estatura alcance los 135 centímetros y no supere los 150 centímetros,

podrán utilizar indistintamente un dispositivo de retención homologado adaptado a su talla y peso o el cinturón

de seguridad para adultos del que estén provistos estos asientos.

3.- En las autocaravanas que no estén provistas de dispositivos de seguridad homologados especialmente

adaptados a la talla y peso de sus usuarios no podrán viajar niños menores de tres años de edad y los mayores

de tres años que no alcancen los 135 centímetros, no podrán ocupar un asiento delantero.

Las normas expuestas excluyen por completo la posibilidad de ocupación de las camas o literas de una

autocaravana en circulación, dado además el evidente riesgo para sus ocupantes en el caso de frenada brusca,

vuelco o colisión, sin embargo si podrán ocuparse los asientos equipados con sistemas de retención

homologados, utilizando dichos sistemas, siempre que el número de personas que viajen en el vehículo, tanto

en la cabina como en el habitáculo vivienda, no exceda de las plazas legalmente autorizadas que consten en la

documentación de dicho vehículo.

 

5.- EQUIPAMIENTO

En cuanto a la dotación que como mínimo deben llevar las autocaravanas, será conforme al anexo XII del

Reglamento General de Vehículo, la siguiente: Un juego de lámparas de las luces que esté obligado a llevar, en

estado de servicio y herramientas indispensables para el cambio de lámparas, dos dispositivos portátiles de

preseñalización de peligro, una rueda de repuesto o una rueda temporal con las herramientas necesarias para e

cambio de ruedas o sistema alternativo para el cambio de las mismas que ofrezca suficientes garantías para la

movilidad del vehículo.

Así mismo, cuando sus conductores salgan del vehículo y ocupen la calzada o el arcén en vías interurbanas

deberán utilizar un chaleco reflectante de alta visibilidad, certificado según el Real Decreto 1407/1992, de 20 de

noviembre.

 

6.- INSPECCIÓN TÉCNICA

Conforme al Real Decreto 711/2006, de 9 de junio, por el que se modifican determinados reales decretos

relativos a la inspección técnica de vehículos y a la homologación de vehículos, sus partes y piezas y se

modifica, así mismo, el Reglamento General de Vehículos, aprobado por Real Decreto 2822/1998, de 23 de

diciembre, se aplica la siguiente frecuencia de inspección a las autocaravanas y a los vehículos vivienda.

“Antigüedad:

- Hasta cuatro años: exento.

- De más de cuatro años: bienal

- De más de diez años: anual”

 

 

7.- ÁREAS DE SERVICIO O DE ACOGIDA

Se trata de instalaciones específicamente concebidas para dar servicio o acogida a las autocaravanas facilitando

una serie de servicios necesarios para estos vehículos, fundamentalmente: estacionamiento, suministro de

agua potable y lugar para el vaciado de depósitos.

A diferencia de los campamentos de turismo, las áreas de servicio o acogida proporcionan el espacio físico

estrictamente necesario para estacionar el vehículo y pueden ser de titularidad pública o privada.

Se tiene conocimiento de la existencia de unas 60 instalaciones de este tipo en España, para las cuales, a

través de la Moción por el Pleno del Senado el 9 de mayo de 2006, se insta al Gobierno a la creación de una

señal de circulación dentro del apartado de señales de servicio.

Esta Dirección General de Tráfico considera que, sin perjuicio del futuro diseño e inclusión en el catálogo oficial

de señales de una señal específica que indique la ubicación de un área de servicio o de acogida de

autocaravanas, en la actualidad la señal S-122 “otros servicios” del catálogo oficial de señales de circulación

incorporado al anexo I del Reglamento General de Circulación permiten, mediante la inclusión de un sencillo

pictograma, dar satisfacción a esta necesidad.

 

8.- TRANSPORTE DE VEHÍCULOS AUXILIARES

Es muy frecuente el transporte por las autocaravanas de vehículos auxiliares, normalmente bicicletas, un

ciclomotor o una motocicleta de pequeña cilindrada. Esta práctica está autorizada siempre que se utilice un

portabicicletas homologado o una plataforma destinada a esta finalidad y, cuando sobresalga de la proyección

en planta de la autocaravana, se cumplan los siguientes requisitos conforme a lo dispuesto en el artículos 15

del Reglamento General de Circulación.

Que sobresalga de la proyección en planta de la autocaravana, por la parte posterior, hasta un 10% de su

longitud y si fuera un solo vehículo (carga indivisible), un 15%.

Que se adopten todas las precauciones convenientes para evitar daños o peligros a los demás usuarios de la vía

pública, debiendo ir resguardada la extremidad saliente para aminorar los efectos de un roce o choque posibles.

Deberá señalizarse por medio de la señal V-20 a que se refiere el artículo 173 y cuyas características se

establecen en el anexo XI del Reglamento General de Vehículos. Esta señal se colocará en el extremo posterior

de la carga de manera que quede constantemente perpendicular al eje del vehículo.

Se han formulado también consultas en relación con la posibilidad de que una autocaravana circule remolcando

a un turismo, dicha posibilidad está prohibida en el artículo 9.3 del Reglamento General de Vehículos que no

permite la circulación de un vehículo a motor arrastrando a otro, salvo que ése se encuentre averiado o

accidentado y no pueda ser arrastrado por otro específicamente destinado a tal fin, en cuyo caso se permite su

arrastre hasta la localidad o lugar más próximo donde pueda quedar inmovilizado sin entorpecer la circulación y

siempre que no se circule por autopista o autovía.

Sin perjuicio de lo anterior, la circulación de un conjunto de vehículos integrado por una autocaravana y un

remolque o semirremolque sobre el cual se transporte otro vehículo, está permitida si el conjunto reúne las

condiciones para la circulación por las vías públicas y está homologado conforme a las Directivas 70/156/CEE y

94/20/CEE y además no supere la longitud máxima autorizada para estos conjuntos que es de 18,75 metros

para los remolques y 16,50 metros para los semirremolques.

Lo que se hace público para general conocimiento.

 

Madrid, 28 de Enero de 2008

EL DIRECTOR GENERAL

Pere Navarro Olivilla

 

A TODAS LAS UNIDADES DEL ORGANISMO

__________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instrucción 08/V-74 (In English)

 

INSTRUCTION 08/V-74 FROM THE SPANISH DIRECTOR GENERAL OF TRAFFIC RELATIVE TO MOTORHOMES

 

MINISTRY OF INTERIOR

 

Subject: Motorhomes

 

Instruction 08/V-74

 

The steady growth that has been experienced in recent years in the use of motorhomes in Spain together with the lack of specific regulations of some aspects related to this activity, has led to the adoption at the plenary session of the Senate for a motion urging the Government to take the necessary measures to support the development of this practice and regulate the use of motorhomes.

 

For this reason, the Director General of Traffic has recognised the need to collect and interpret in a single document, all regulatory aspects that relate to motorhomes, and to include in traffic and motor vehicle legislation.

 

1. - CONCEPT

 

Annex II of the General Rules of Vehicles, approved by Royal Decree 2822/1998, of December 23, defines a motor home as "a special purpose vehicle built, including living accommodation, and containing at least the following equipment: seats and table, beds and bunk beds that can be converted into seats, kitchen and wardrobes or the like. This equipment will be permanently fixed or attached to the living compartment. The seats and the table can be designed to be easily disassembled. "

 

This and other definitions of “vehicles” are the result of the disappearance of any existing guidelines on the matter. Specifically the Commission Directive 2001/116/EC of 20 December 2001 by which technical progress is adapted to Ruling 70/156/EEC on the approximation of laws of Member States concerning the approval of motor vehicles and trailers, paragraph 5.1 of section A of Annex II refers to a motorhome as "any special category M vehicle manufactured to include accommodation with the following minimum equipment: seats and table, beds that may be converted from the seats, kitchen and wardrobes. This equipment will be firmly fixed or attached to the habitable zone, although the table may be designed to be easily removable."

 

Category M vehicles ("motor vehicles with at least four wheels, designed and manufactured for the transportation of passengers") and although the Ruling (116/2001/CEE) does not say so explicitly, it can be inferred that having maximum capacity for eight seats (excluding the driver), we are referring to M1 vehicles. However, section 1 of section C of Annex II Instruction 2001/116/EC, referring to the types of bodywork of passenger cars (M1), mentions the following: AA saloon, AB saloon with a rear hatch, AC shooting break, AD coupé, AE Convertible and AF Multi Use, not referring to Motorhomes in the said paragraph 1, but does so in paragraph 5, within another category of vehicles called "special vehicles" (1).

 

Therefore, allowing that it deals with vehicles of category M1, the body/coachwork is not included in the category for passenger cars but in the category of so-called "special vehicles", which is not surprising since they are built on the chassis of commercial vehicles used commonly for the manufacture of vans and light trucks, where the length typically ranges between 5.50 m. and 8.00m, the average height is around 3.00 m. and the maximum permissible weight is very frequently 3,500 kg, and in some cases even more, characteristics that have nothing to do with the usual passenger car, and which affects manoeuvrability, on breaking distance, behaviour turning, etc.

 

Therefore, notwithstanding the existence of a series of vans, where the interior has been conditioned with accommodation, commonly known as "Camper", it can be concluded that motorhomes are normally "special purpose vehicles of category M1", whose existence is referred to, among others, in Article 2.2 of the Instruction 2001/116/EC of the commission, different to passenger cars and therefore worthy of a specific regulation in some precise areas such as in determining the maximum speed limits on roads outside of town. To the contrary, in other aspects such as circulation, stopping and parking, these are governed by the rules applicable in general to all motor vehicles.

 

2. - MAXIMUM SPEED

 

Article 48.1 a) General Rules of Circulation, approved by Royal Decree 1428/2003, of November 21 establishes the speed limits for motor vehicles on main roads out of town under the following terms:

 

A) Motor Vehicles

 

1.On motorways and freeways (autovias): passenger cars and motorcycles 120km / h; buses, vehicles derived from passenger cars and adapted hybrid vehicles, 100km / h; lorries, articulated vehicles, tractor lorries, vans and passenger cars with trailers of up to 750 kg., 90 Km / h; remaining passenger cars with trailer: 80 km / h.

 

2.On conventional roads marked as freeways (autovias) and on the rest of conventional roads as long as these have a hard shoulder of 1.50 m. or more in width, or more than one lane for one of the directions of traffic: passenger cars and motorcycles, 100 Km / h; buses, vehicles derived from passenger cars and adapted hybrid vehicles, 90 Km / h; lorries, articulated vehicles, tractor lorries, vans and passenger cars with trailers 80km / h.

 

3.On the rest of roads, out of town: passenger cars and motorcycles 90 Km / h: buses, vehicles derived from passenger cars and adapted hybrid vehicles, 80km / h, 70 km / h. lorries, articulated vehicles, tractor lorries, vans and passenger cars with trailers 70km / h.

 

4.On any kind of road where circulation of traffic is permitted: three wheel vehicles and quads, 70 km / h.

 

As motorhomes are “special category M1 vehicles" and different to passenger cars, it is considered justified not to apply the same speed limits, outside of town, as passenger cars, but to apply the speed limits for other vehicles of category M (destined for the transport of passengers), which would result in the following speed limits:

 

- On motorways and freeways .................................................. ............. 100 Km / h

 

- On conventional roads marked as roads for motor vehicles and roads with a hard shoulder of at least 1,50 m. width or with more than one lane for one of the directions of traffic .................................................. .................................................. ..... 90 Km / h

 

- On the rest of roads, out of town .................................................. .......... 80 Km / h

 

The following speed limits will apply to motorhomes which are driven without trailers, classified on the MOT card with the following codes:

 

- 3148 (mixed vehicle/accommodation)

- 3200 (unspecified motorhome with MMA less than or equal to 3,500 kg.)

- 3248 (motorhome with accommodation with MMA less than or equal to 3,500 kg.)

 

The motorhomes classified with codes:

 

- 3300 (unspecified motorhome with MMA over 3,500 Kg.)

- 3348 (motorhome with accommodation with MMA over 3,500 Kg.)

- 2448 (Van with accommodation)

 

will be governed by the same speed limits as for lorries (on account of the maximum permissible weight = MMA) and the rest of vans: 90 Km / h on motorways and freeways, and 80 km / h on conventional roads.

 

On urban roadways, regardless of the classification code, motorhomes will be subject to the general speed limit for all vehicles of 50km / h, as stipulated in Article 50 of the General Traffic Regulations.

 

3. - STOPPING AND PARKING

 

Under the heading "Stopping and parking," the General Traffic Regulations regulate in Chapter VIII (Articles 90 to 94), the rules applicable to these manoeuvres, regarding places where these manoeuvres can be made, method and form of execution, position of vehicle, Municipal Ordinance and prohibited places, which must be observed by all vehicles in general.

 

3.1 urban roadways

 

Regarding places where stopping and parking in urban streets should be carried out, Article 90.2 of the General Traffic Regulations indicate in the second paragraph what should be observed in effect of the provisions of the ordinances decreed by the Municipal Authorities, in connection with which Article 93 states:

 

1. The regime of stopping and parking in urban streets will be regulated by municipal ordinance, and the necessary measures may be taken to prevent the obstruction of traffic, including time limits for the duration of parking or stopping, as well as the precise corrective measures, including the clamping or towing of the vehicle when a valid parking ticket is not displayed which authorises parking in zones limited by time or exceed the time limit granted and until the identity of the driver can be ascertained.

 

2. In no event may the municipal ordinance oppose, alter, distort, or cause confusion with the precepts of this regulation.

 

One of the most frequent complaints made before the Traffic Department by users of motorhomes is the prohibition to park which is applied to these vehicles, in part or in entirety, on the urban streets and which some municipalities incorporate into their ordinances.

 

These regulations are made under Article 7 of the articles of the Law on Traffic, Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety, approved by Royal Decree 339/1990 of March 2, which give municipalities a series of competencies, within that law, including:

 

 

b) The regulation by Municipal Traffic Ordinance on the use of urban roads, making compatible the fair distribution of parking among all users, with the necessary flow of traffic, as well as the establishment of limited parking, to ensure the rotation of parking, ..”

 

Therefore, in the opinion of the General Director of Traffic it is indisputable that the exclusion of certain users must be necessarily motivated and based on reasonable objections such as the external dimensions of the vehicle or the maximum permissible weight (MMA) of the vehicle but not by use of subjective reasons such as: possible uncivilised behaviour by some users such as noise at night, dumping of garbage or waste water onto the public road, monopolization of public space by erecting structures and furnishings or other situations of abuse against which local authorities have effective legal tools to be used in a non-discriminatory manner against all violators, whether users of motorhomes or any other type of vehicle.

 

Motorhome users are permitted to carry out manoeuvres of stopping and parking in the same conditions and with the same limitations as any other vehicle.

 

With regard to the mode and manner of implementation of stopping and parking, Article 91 of the General Traffic Regulations states that these exercises "should be made so that the vehicle does not hamper the circulation of traffic nor is a risk to other users the road, especially observing the positioning of the vehicle and avoiding that the vehicle is able to move in the absence of the driver.

 

As to the positioning of the vehicle, the cited Article 92 of the General Traffic Regulations state:

 

"1.Stopping and parking will be conducted by placing the vehicle in parallel to the kerb of the street or roadway. As an exception, an alternative positioning will be permitted when the characteristics of the street or roadway or other circumstances so warrant.

 

2. Any driver who stops or parks the vehicle must do so in a way that allows a maximum use of the remaining space available.

 

 

3. In the case of a motor vehicle or motorcycle, when the driver has to abandon the vehicle, the following rules should be observed, where applicable:

 

a) Stop the engine and disconnect the ignition and, if leaving the vehicle, take the necessary precautions to prevent its unauthorized use.

 

b) Engage the hand-brake.

.

c) In a vehicle equipped with gearbox, leave the first gear engaged if parked on an upward slope, and the reverse gear engaged if parked on downward slope, or, in the parking position if automatic

.

d) When the vehicle is superior to 3,500 kilograms of maximum permissible weight (MMA), a bus or coach or a combination of vehicles, and when stopping or parking is conducted in a place with a marked slope, the driver must also use proper wheel blocks; stones, bricks or other items not specifically intended for this use cannot be used, nor by resting one of the wheels on the kerb of the pavement, nor by inclining the wheels towards the centre of the road on upward slopes nor outwards on downward slopes. The wheel blocks must be removed from the road after use and prior to driving away.

 

The General Traffic Regulations do not establish any other conditions for stopping or parking a vehicle, so, therefore, this General Directorate of Traffic believes that while any vehicle is parked properly, without exceeding markings on the delimitation of the parking space, nor exceeds the time permitted, if any, it is irrelevant whether the occupants are inside the vehicle, and the motorhome is no exception, being sufficient that the activity in the interior does not transcend to the exterior by the setting up of elements which surpass the perimeter of the vehicle such as stalls, awnings, levelling devices, stabilizing devices, etc.

 

3.2 intercity routes (Highways)

 

Article 90.1 of the General Traffic Regulations defines the places where stopping and parking should be carried out on intercity routes noting that this should be done as far away from the roadway, on the right hand side, leaving part of the hard shoulder free for transit.

 

In general, on motorways and highways it is forbidden to carry out manoeuvres of stopping and parking for all vehicles, except in areas specially assigned for these manoeuvres.

 

The General Traffic Regulations, Article 91, on stopping and parking on intercity routes concerning the method and manner of implementation already covered in the previous point, as well as the considerations in relation to parking in urban streets and the presence of people inside a vehicle correctly parked, without prejudice to the possibility of parking in areas of service stations or on private land where other conditions can be agreed with the owners.

 

Other concepts in some way associated with the parking of motorhomes, such as camping and overnight stays are not included in the rule on circulation of motor vehicles and road safety, therefore, this agency cannot pronounce on the definition or on the implications.

 

 

 

4. - SEAT-BELT USE AND RESTRAINT DEVICES

 

Seat belts or other approved restraint systems, properly fastened by the driver and passengers of motor homes in both urban and intercity routes must be used.

 

Failure to meet this obligation by certain people depending on their size and age to match the following requirements:

 

1. - Front seats: It is forbidden to circulate with minors under twelve years of age in the front seats unless they use devices approved for that purpose. Exceptionally, when the height of the minor is equal to, or in excess of, 135 cm, children of twelve years may use as such a device the same seat belt for adults that are equipped in the front seats.

 

2 .- Other seats: People whose height reaches 135 cm and does not exceed 150 cm may use either an approved restraint system adapted to their height and weight or seat belts for adults that are equipped in the these seats.

 

3 .- In motorhomes that are not equipped with approved safety devices specially adapted to the size and weight of the users, children under three years of age will not be permitted to travel and those older than three years that have failed to reach the 135-centimeter, can not take a front seat.

 

The rules as set out completely exclude the possibility of occupying the beds or bunks of a motorhome whilst in circulation, due to the obvious risk to the occupants in the event of sudden braking, collision or rollover, but you can occupy seats equipped with approved retention systems, provided that the number of people travelling in the vehicle, either in the cockpit or in the living area, does not exceed the legally permitted places that are recorded in the documentation of the vehicle.

 

5. - EQUIPMENT

 

The minimum equipment which a motorhome should carry, will be in accordance with Annex XII of the General Rules of Vehicle, as follows: One set of replacement light bulbs, in prime condition and the necessary tools to change the light bulbs; two portable, red, triangle devices to forewarn of danger; a spare wheel or a temporary wheel with the necessary tools required to change the wheel or an alternative system, which offers sufficient guarantee for the mobility of the vehicle.

 

Likewise, when drivers leave the vehicle and occupy the road or the hard shoulder on intercity routes a high-visibility reflective vest, certified according to the Royal Decree 1407/1992, of November 20, must be used.

 

6. - TECHNICAL INSPECTION (MOT)

 

According to Royal Decree 711/2006, of June 9, in which certain royal decrees relating to the MOT inspection of vehicles and vehicle spares and parts and the approval of vehicles, has been modified, therefore the General Vehicle Regulations, approved by royal decree 2822/1998 of December 23, the following frequency of inspection to the motorhome and living accommodation:

 

Age of vehicle:

 

- Up to four years: exempt.

- More than four years: every two years.

- More than ten years: annual

 

 

7. – SERVICE AREAS OR REST AREAS

 

These are facilities designed specifically to service or host motorhomes providing a range of necessary services for these vehicles, primarily: parking, drinking water supply and place to empty deposits.

 

Unlike Camp Sites, service or host areas provide the physical space strictly necessary to park the vehicle and can be publicly or privately owned.

 

There are about 60 such facilities in Spain, for which, through the motion by the full Senate on May 9, 2006, the Government was urged to create a traffic road sign within the road signal service area.

 

The General Directorate of Traffic believes that, without prejudice to the future design and inclusion in the official catalogue of traffic road signs of a specific design indicating the location of a service or host area for motor homes, the current signal S-122 "other services” in the official catalogue of traffic signs added to Annex I of the General Rules of Circulation allows this need to be satisfied by including a simple pictogram.

 

8. - AUXILIARY TRANSPORT VEHICLES

 

It is very common for motorhomes to transport auxiliary vehicles, usually bicycles, a motorcycle or a moped of small cylinder capacity. This practice is authorised provided an approved cycle carrier or platform for this purpose is used and when this overhangs the perimeter of the motorhome, the following conditions are met in accordance with the provisions of Articles 15 of the General Rules of Circulation:

 

If it protrudes from the projection in plant of the motorhome, at the rear, up to 10% of its length and if only one vehicle (indivisible load), 15%.

 

All appropriate precautions should be taken to prevent damage or hazard to other road users, and the protruding element should be protected to minimize damage by possible rubbing against it or collision.

 

The carrier should be marked by the signal V-20 referred to in Article 173 and whose features are set out in Annex XI of the General Rules of vehicles. This signal is placed at the rear of the cargo so as to constantly be perpendicular to the axis of the vehicle.

 

Consultations have also been made on the possibility of a motorhome being allowed to tow a car, that possibility is prohibited by Article 9.3 of the General Rules of vehicles that will not allow circulation of a motor vehicle dragging another, except that this is damaged or broken down and cannot be towed by another specifically intended for that purpose, in which case it is allowed to tow to the nearest town or village where it can be detained without hindering the traffic and always provided they are not travelling on a motorway or highway.

 

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the circulation of a combination composed of a motor vehicle and a trailer or semi trailer on which another vehicle is transported, is allowed if the combination meets the conditions for driving on public roads and is approved according to Directives 70/156/EEC and 94/20/EC and also does not exceed the maximum permitted length for these combinations which is that of 18.75 meters for trailers and16.50 meters for semi trailers.

 

To be made public for general knowledge.

 

Madrid, Jan. 28, 2008

 

THE DIRECTOR GENERAL

 

Pere Navarro Olivella

 

TO BE DISTRIBUTED TO ALL UNITS OF THE AGENCY

__________________

 

 

 

 

 

[hallii]

It would seem. by my understanding, that the use of "No Motorhomes" signs carries no legal force.

 

Any sign would have to read "No vehicles over 3500 KG " or No Vehicles over 5mtrs" or something like that.

 

Most of the signs I have seen simply have a picture of a motorhome on a prohibited sign (Red circle with diagnonal strike through) or even just a simple square sign.

 

To be honest if they don't want my money there are lots of other towns in Spain that do, and I am happy to go where I am welcome. I sometimes ask at the Tourist Information and usually get directed to a suitable area, on one occassion being told "you can park there, the police only come round on Thursdays so just move off on Thursday and then come back".

 

BGD that's a super post thank you.

 

 

H

[postnote]

The Department of transport stance over this is.

 

We are not specifically aware of any legislation which gives people the right to sleep in their caravans or motorhomes overnight on lay-bys or roads. The police, local authorities and landowners have powers to take action where any trespassers are camping on land unlawfully.

May I suggest you contact the relevant local authority or the police for any locally made restrictions?

 

Pick the bones out of this.

 

[BGD]

A very neat microcosm of what I see as the fundamental difference in philosophy between the UK and Spain methinks.

 

In the UK, citizens have now largely passed authority for just about every aspect of their behaviour to the ever-growing State, whose default position is that you DO NOT have the legal right to do something unless specifically authorised by it.

 

In Spain the general philosophy is that small Government is better; and you have the legal right to do anything that is not specifically prohibited by the State, so long as you don't hurt anyone else.

[Brian Kirby]

If it helps, the situation in France is pretty much identical to that described by Bruce for Spain, including the right to park on roads, subject to no obstruction being caused, and the caveat regarding camping.

 

Two cautions are necessary. First, the circumstances surrounding what constitutes obstruction can change rapidly, so that parking can become obstructive where previously it was not, and is open to interpretation by the officer concerned.

 

Second, the law says that a motorhome is a car, so may be parked anywhere a car may be parked. However, local mayors in France come under pressure from residents to prevent the roadside parking of caravans and motorhomes, on the grounds that they suffer nuisance (and some undoubtedly do!). Thus, signs are erected banning caravans and motorhomes from certain parking areas, or banning camping. These, mainly illegal, signs are enforced by the local police (Police Municipale) on instructions from the Mayor, who can levy fines. If the prohibition can be shown to be what the French call abusive, the fine can be overturned and reimbursed by the Minister for the Interior, and the mayor will get a slapped wrist - eventually! Not easy if you are UK resident, and also not pretty much fluent in French. Signs banning the parking of vehicles on grounds of size or weight, on the other hand, are legal, because they do not discriminate against one kind of car over another. On the whole, therefore, if you find signs banning motorhomes, or camping, and you want to spend the night, it is better just to ignore the strict legalities, and avoid the hassle, and simply go elsewhere.

 

On postnote's comment from the DoT, we don't know what question he actually asked. If it was along the lines of "is it legal to sleep in motorhomes or caravans in UK roadside lay-bys" their reply is reasonable: they are unaware of any such authorisation (because there ain't one!). Had the question instead been "is it illegal to etc" I suspect their answer would have been that they were unaware of any general prohibition of the practise, equally because, so far as I, and many truck drivers, know, there isn't one of those either! In the absence of a prohibition, if you wish to sleep in your van in roadside lay-bys, there is no legal impediment to doing so - providing, as stated above, you don't drink, as you are still technically in charge of a vehicle on the highway: but that is really a different issue. Whether or why you would actually want to do this, however, is an entirely different matter! :-)

[postnote]

BGD - 2011-06-27 3:28 PM

 

In the UK, citizens have now largely passed authority for just about every aspect of their behaviour to the ever-growing State, whose default position is that you DO NOT have the legal right to do something unless specifically authorised by it.

.

 

It's only legal for those that abide by the law? :D

[Robinhood]

Whether you would be taken action against for an offence or not is debatable (since, as discussed, many lorry drivers will be in breach), but as most motorcaravans will have an unladen weight of more than 1525kg, you will be committing an offence against the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations if you park on a road or layby during "lighting up time" without the use of lights.

 

It would take only one clued-up officer who had had a bad day to spoil your night's sleep.

 

(Only vehicles under the above weight can legally park up without lights, and even then, it is restricted to roads, or laybys on roads, where a 30 mph limit applies).

 

This particular ruling also works against those that have covenants against parking on their own property, and think they can overcome it by parking on the road outside their house (though I suppose it wouldn't be against the wit of man to jury-rig some sort of acceptable lighting).

[George Collings]

But how would the clued up officer prove the unladen weight. There is no requirement for the owner/driver to provide it.

 

 

[alf]

In England and Wales the Highways Agency for England and their Welsh counterpartsand or Police

could enforce the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act (1960) regarding the definition of a caravan. Under that act it is an offence to use a caravan off a designated caravan site, except under certain circumstances. i.e.The 28 day rule. or as an exempted organisation.

 

In that it states that a commercial vehicle adapted or constructed for human habitation is a caravan. So every wagon with a sleepercab is technically a caravan, like a motorhome.

 

so there you have IPS it is difficult to wild camp in England without breaking the law

 

Alf

 

 

[Robinhood]

George Collings - 2011-06-27 8:36 PM

 

But how would the clued up officer prove the unladen weight. There is no requirement for the owner/driver to provide it.

 

 

 

.....by being clued-up of course ;-)

 

For example, how many Fiat Ducato-based motorhomes (the biggest sample in the sector) will have an unladen weight below 1525kg? The answer would be a very round figure.

 

A different issue would be the 3050kg unladen weight that applies to speed limits, as some will fall below, and some above - much more difficult to make an advised judgement.

 

[Randonneur]

The officer would just check your registered number on the Police National Computor and he has all the information the same as is on your V5. Easy as that.

[crinklystarfish]

As far as I've ever been able to establish it's generally not an offence in the UK to sleep, cook, eat etc in a vehicle on 'public' land, nor private land to which the public are invited to have access, unless specifically prohibited by by-laws. Such by-laws exist in some local authority car parks and in some areas owned by bodies like the National Trust / Forestry commission etc.

Essentially, if it's legal to park in a place and there is no specific prohibition disallowing overnight camping / parking the chance of being hassled is almost zero, and the chance of anyone even threatening to prosecute so small that it's not even worth considering.

Of course, such overnighting needs to be done with respect and consideration for local people and the environment. I wouldn't personally advocate staying in an overnighting spot throughout the next day, especially with awning, swingball and chairs out etc. Sadly some people do think that's OK - which inevitably leads to said by-laws.

We've overnighted and moved on in many countries now and perhaps ironically only ever been asked to move in France, Spain and Scotland - countries which are supposedly liberal in this regard. Don't get me wrong. we've spent more than 1000 nights wildcamping and only been asked to move 5 or 6 times from memory. We always do, even if the request is clearly not founded or just plain pedantic.

[donna miller]

hallii - 2011-06-27 2:39 PM

 

It would seem. by my understanding, that the use of "No Motorhomes" signs carries no legal force.

 

Any sign would have to read "No vehicles over 3500 KG " or No Vehicles over 5mtrs" or something like that.

 

H

 

Unfortunately this statement is where motorhome owners shoot themselves in the foot. It is not a personal critisism of the poster, but a generalisation of the breed of people who own and drive motorhomes.

They, (using the term broadly speaking, so please don't dive in proclaiming " I don't") will argue the fact that their V5 clearly states it is a motorhome, therefore making them exempt from certain by-laws that prohibit vehicles by their weight distinction alone, claiming that the " no vehicles over 3.5 tonne" applies to goods vehicles, not motorhomes, and also in many cases, licencing laws ( but that is a different can of worms, requiring separate discussion).

They claim that they shouldn't be required to comply with the LEZ, purely because their class of vehicle is ' motorhome ' on the V5 and not PLG or HGV, again regardless of the vehicle weight or dimensions.

 

So in reality, the "No Motorhomes" sign carries a much greater legal force than you would like to believe, the local council by-law has specifically applied the much coveted V5 description of your vehicle, regardless of weight or length, thus prohibiting the use of Motorhomes, no risk of confusion, no defence if they decide to prosecute.

Therefore the sign has given you the distinction you desire.

 

You can't have things both ways,

 

 

[ips]

Wow, some very interesting reading and as I suspected still no concensus of opinion or a succint and definitive answer.

 

Still none the wiser really and it would appear that this is a very very grey area of law and open to interpretation.

IPS

[crinklystarfish]

Simplifying my earlier post. It's not illegal unless by-laws specifically prohibit it. If they do, there'll be signs adjacent to the parking area. 

Giving it some perspective, the various enforcement authorities can't even budge 'travellers' who build permanent structures on green belt in blatant contravention of the law.

Wildcamp responsibly, don't upset the locals, don't impact upon the natural environment, be happy.

[ips]

That sounds to be about right and is how I have percieved the law myself.

ie.

"If it doesnt specifically say you cant then you can"

 

ips

[donna miller]

crinklystarfish - 2011-06-28 11:34 AM

 

Giving it some perspective, the various enforcement authorities can't even budge 'travellers' who build permanent structures on green belt in blatant contravention of the law

 

And there lies the problem, the travellers KNOW the law and can use it to their advantage, whereas almost everything said so far on here has been personal interpretation of the law or merely conjecture.

[Andy_C]

alf - 2011-06-27 8:55 PM

 

In England and Wales the Highways Agency for England and their Welsh counterpartsand or Police

could enforce the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act (1960) regarding the definition of a caravan. Under that act it is an offence to use a caravan off a designated caravan site, except under certain circumstances. i.e.The 28 day rule. or as an exempted organisation.

 

In that it states that a commercial vehicle adapted or constructed for human habitation is a caravan. So every wagon with a sleepercab is technically a caravan, like a motorhome.

 

so there you have IPS it is difficult to wild camp in England without breaking the law

 

Alf

 

It's not up to the Highway Agency or the Police to 'enforce' the 1960 Act. It is not an offence to use a caravan off a designated caravan site, it is a planning matter and it would be the land owner who could be contravening planning regulations by allowing a 'caravan' to be use for the purpose of human habitation on his land.

 

Andy

[Wilf]

The title of this post was “wildcamping legalities”. As far as I see the current statutes, there is only one way to legally wildcamp in the UK and that is with the land owner’s permission; with no change of money for that privilege. But would that be wildcamping?

 

On the other hand sleeping in a legally taxed, insured vehicle parked legally on the public highway is not in itself illegal. There may be local bye-laws which prohibit this but that is a different story.

 

But I would ask you what you regard becomes the difference between sleeping in a parked vehicle and camping.

 

[Guest pelmetman]

Wilf - 2011-06-29 7:03 PM

But I would ask you what you regard becomes the difference between sleeping in a parked vehicle and camping.

 

Not a lot :D................but you will get chapter and verse on here (lol) (lol) (lol)

[donna miller]

Wilf - 2011-06-29 7:03 PM

 

 

 

But I would ask you what you regard becomes the difference between sleeping in a parked vehicle and camping.

 

Be careful what you ask for.

 

Bruce might be tempted to try and beat his current ' longest post in forum history ' record. :D :D