New rule for parking motorhomes

For years, regulations regarding motorhome parking have been a source of confusion for travelers and local authorities. Different interpretations and municipal ordinances left many users unsure when they could park with complete peace of mind.

Well, the caravanning sector has just achieved a very important breakthrough. After more than fifteen years of collaborative work between the Spanish Association of the Caravanning Industry and Trade (ASEICAR), user associations, and the government, the government has approved a Royal Decree that modifies the General Traffic Regulations and incorporates, for the first time, specific regulations on the parking of motorhomes.

Specifically, Article 92 now includes an explicit reference to the parking of motorhomes and other vehicles converted into dwellings. This amendment clarifies how these vehicles should be parked and reinforces a crucial point: a properly parked motorhome should not be discriminated against simply because it is a motorhome.

What does this mean for those who rent or own a motorhome? We'll explain it simply.

A recognition that has been awaited for years.

Until now, although the Directorate General of Traffic had already published different instructions clarifying how the parking of motorhomes should be interpreted, there were often doubts and even differences of opinion between municipalities.

With this modification, the General Traffic Regulations expressly incorporate that motorhomes can park like any other vehicle, provided they respect certain specific conditions.

In other words: the regulations make it clear that a properly parked motorhome cannot be discriminated against solely because it is a motorhome.

This is a very significant change that provides greater legal certainty for both landlords and tenants.

When is a motorhome parked correctly?

The new wording of article 92 establishes three very simple requirements:

No element should protrude from the perimeter of the vehicle, such as awnings, tables, chairs, steps or barbecues.
Rest only on your tires, allowing the use of chocks or safety wedges.
Do not pour any fluids from the passenger compartment.

As long as the vehicle remains in parking mode and not in camping mode , it must receive the same treatment as any passenger car.

Parking is not the same as camping

Although many people use both terms interchangeably, legally they are completely different situations.

When you park

The vehicle only occupies the parking space.
You don't put up awnings.
You don't take tables, chairs, or other items outside.
You do not make spills.
The vehicle remains supported on its wheels.

When you camp

You take out furniture.
You open an awning.
You set up barbecues.
You occupy part of the road or the land.

In that case, we are no longer just talking about traffic, but also about tourism, environmental or municipal regulations.

Does this mean I can park anywhere?

Not exactly. The new regulations protect against vehicle discrimination, but local councils still have the power to regulate parking on their streets.

Regulated parking zones.
Time limits.
Paid parking.
Vehicle size restrictions.
Regulations related to urban mobility.

These restrictions must be applied based on objective criteria and not solely because it is a motorhome. Furthermore, other prohibitions, such as those in protected natural areas or those derived from the Coastal Law, remain in effect.

Great news for those who travel by motorhome

This change provides significant support for a type of tourism that has been growing in Spain for years and offers greater peace of mind when planning any getaway.

What should you keep in mind during your travels?

Although the regulations represent a significant step forward, it's still advisable to use common sense when traveling. Before parking a motorhome, check the following:

That parking is permitted.
That there is no signage prohibiting it.
Do not obstruct traffic.
Do not occupy spaces intended for other uses.
Always respect environmental and coexistence rules.

It is also important to use the service areas for emptying wastewater and refueling with drinking water.

A boost for the future of caravanning in Spain

Clearer regulations build trust, facilitate travel planning, and contribute to the growth of increasingly sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism.