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Parking or Camping: Learn the Difference and Avoid Fines
When you're traveling in a caravan, motorhome, camper or rooftop tent, it's crucial to understand the difference between parking and camping. This distinction is key to complying with regulations and enjoying your adventure without problems. Below, we explain how to identify whether you are parking or camping and what regulations apply in each case.
What is considered parking?
When you park, national traffic regulations apply. This means that as long as your vehicle is properly parked, you cannot be ticketed for activities such as sleeping or cooking inside.
What you can do while parked:
- Sleeping or eating inside the vehicle: It is a private space and is allowed.
- Using chocks: You can use chocks to level the vehicle on sloping ground, as long as they are specific and safe items.
- Opening skylights or raising the roof: This includes the use of roof tents, as long as they do not protrude beyond the perimeter of the vehicle.
What you can NOT do while parked:
- Taking chairs, tables or other items outside.
- Pulling out awnings, awnings or casement windows.
- Using legs
- Discharging fluids such as grey or black water.
- Making annoying noises, such as using generators during rest hours.
What is considered camping?
If you carry out any of the prohibited actions when parking, your vehicle will be considered camping, and the regional regulations will apply. This means that you must be in an authorized area, such as campsites or camper areas, to avoid sanctions.
Comply with Legal Regulations
Our roof tents are designed to comply with traffic regulations, allowing you to travel with peace of mind. However, it is essential to know your rights and have legal arguments for conflict situations.
Solution to legal problems:
If you are faced with an agent who questions your stay in a parking lot, the PROT Instruction 2023/14 of the DGT, published in July 2023, is your best ally. This document establishes that, as long as a vehicle is correctly parked, it does not matter what happens inside it, as long as there are no elements deployed outside its perimeter.
Example of the official DGT text:
"... as long as any vehicle is correctly parked, without exceeding the road markings delimiting the parking area... the fact that its occupants are inside it is not relevant."
Response to prejudices:
If you hear comments like “you will stay here and litter”, remember that it is illegal to generalize or discriminate without objective evidence. According to the DGT:
"The exclusion of certain users must be motivated by objective reasons... not by subjective reasons."
Practical recommendations
- Keep a low profile: Talk respectfully and collaborate with the authorities.
- Carry the printed regulations: Download and print the PROT Instruction 2023/14 and keep it in your vehicle.
- Consult a professional: If you receive an unfair sanction, we help you with appeal options.
Download and Place This Poster
To assert your rights, we have designed a poster that you can print and place in your caravan, camper or roof top tent. This will help inform the authorities and avoid misunderstandings.
Enjoy your trip with the peace of mind of being well informed and complying with the law. Adventure awaits! 🚐💨
