Select currency
Popular
—
Report a problem
Choose one or more regions to personalize your feed
Germany
Germany
Law & Regulations
Owners of motorhomes and caravans with LPG systems must undergo an inspection every two years and after any repair. Since mid-June 2025, proof of a functional system for heating, cooking, and cooling is required. Fines for missing the inspection range from €15 to €80. The check takes 20–45 minutes and costs €40–€80.
In Mettmann South, motorhomes, commercial vehicles, and long-term parkers are blocking streets. The city administration proposes a parking management zone with a three-hour maximum stay and an annual resident permit for €75. The proposal goes to the planning committee on June 2. Residents had previously complained about permanently parked motorhomes, but a full ban was deemed legally unenforceable.
Motorhome and caravan owners must have their LPG system inspected every two years. Missing the deadline can result in fines of 15 to 80 euros and increases the risk of gas leaks or fires. The inspection takes 20–45 minutes and costs 40–80 euros. Since mid-June, proof of inspection is required during checks.
In Germany and Europe, different rules apply to motorhomes, campervans, and caravans regarding traffic, overnight stays, and everyday camping. Vehicles over 3.5 tons require a C1 driving license, and on German highways, a speed limit of 100 km/h often applies. Overnight parking to restore driving ability is legal, but setting up an awning or table constitutes illegal wild camping. Sweden and Norway have a right to roam, while Spain, Croatia, and Portugal actively crack down on wild camping.
The Geisingen municipal council approved an increase in the overnight fee at the motorhome parking area in the Danuterra leisure zone from €14 to €16 as of January 1, 2028. The decision is justified by upcoming investments, including new charging stations. In 2023, the 37-space site recorded a record 7,150 overnight stays, followed by a slight decline to 6,800 in 2025.
In Germany, owners of motorhomes and caravans must have their gas system inspected every two years. Missing the deadline can result in a fine. The inspection takes 20–45 minutes and costs 40–80 euros. Gas regulators, hoses, and cylinders must be replaced every 10 years.
A law firm has filed a class-action lawsuit against Volkswagen. It alleges that harmful substances are emitted from the high roofs of VW vans, posing health risks. Two former managers have also filed lawsuits, claiming mobbing after internal warnings.
Germany
7
From June 2025, owners of motorhomes and caravans with gas systems must undergo a G607 inspection every two years. Missing it can result in fines of €15–€80 and increased risk of gas leaks and fires.
The city of Weißenburg, Germany, is developing new regulations for the motorhome parking area at Kirchweihplatz due to an increase in long-term occupancy. The plan includes introducing parking permits for travelers to limit stay duration and free up space for tourists.
The municipality of Manching (Germany) has introduced new regulations for the 'Am Braunweiher' parking lot, dividing it into zones for motorhomes and cars. The northern section is reserved exclusively for motorhomes, caravans, and towing vehicles, while the southern area remains free for cars. A maximum parking duration of 72 hours applies to both zones. Fees for motorhomes are set at €10 per 24 hours, with a short-term rate (9 AM to 5 PM) of €4 for up to 4 hours. The measure addresses the issue of car occupancy of motorhome spaces and aims to ensure reliable infrastructure.
The German Federal Fiscal Court (BFH) has ruled that even an expensive motorhome can qualify as an item of daily use, exempting the profit from its sale within the speculative period from tax. The decision is based on the motorhome being acquired for use and subject to typical wear and tear, with its high price not being a disqualifying factor. The court also considered partial rental as not detrimental to the exemption.
The Günzburg traffic police warn about the risks of overloading motorhomes and caravans. Improperly loaded combinations often cause serious accidents on highways. In Austria, overloading by as little as two crates of beer can result in a driving ban. The police plan to repeat the prevention campaign for campers next year.
Germany
3
Law firm Dr. Stoll & Sauer has filed the first lawsuits against Volkswagen over the emission of benzene, styrene, formaldehyde, and xylenes in the cabin of the VW Grand California with a GRP roof. Plaintiffs seek reimbursement and compensation.
In Bartholomä, Germany, the municipal council reviewed the results of public consultations on the 'Amalienhof, 6th Amendment' development plan, held on May 8, 2026. About 70 residents supported preserving the area's character but demanded better parking. The plan limits vehicle weight to 2.5 tons, allowing only light camper vans (e.g., VW Bus or Mercedes Sprinter) to park, with no provision for larger motorhomes. The next step is public display of the draft, after which citizen feedback will be collected and considered.
The Bavarian municipality of Schliersee has developed a comprehensive concept for motorhome tourists. Campsite operator Christian Bremm created a website with a booking system where guests can pay for parking and receive a digital guest card via email. A breakfast delivery service (Semmelservice) has also been launched at the Spitzingsee parking area. The authorities plan to develop 17 motorhome spaces on Seestraße with toilets and a disposal station, and install payment terminals that display real-time occupancy.
The European Union has introduced several measures affecting motorhome owners. From July 2026, new safety and driver assistance systems (e.g., fatigue detection, intelligent speed assist, reversing camera) become mandatory for all new vehicles, including motorhomes. A proposed increase in the weight limit for standard driving license (category B) from 3.5 to 4.25 tonnes is under discussion, but in Germany it is expected no earlier than November 2029. Additionally, tachograph rules are clarified: they are required only for motorhomes over 7.5 tonnes used for goods transport or with a trailer.
In Burscheid (Germany), the expansion of motorhome infrastructure is under discussion. The city currently has only four spaces at Vitalbad, which, according to the administration, are not profitable: they are underutilized, and investments in utility connections (around €20,000) are not justified given the nightly fee of up to €12.50. Experiences in neighboring towns (Bergisch Gladbach, Wermelskirchen) also show low occupancy and incidents of vandalism. The administration is considering increased advertising on specialized portals.
Germany now has over one million registered motorhomes, and many owners consider their own property for storage. According to ARAG expert Tobias Klingelhöfer, temporary parking of a caravan in the garden is generally allowed. However, if used permanently as living space (e.g., with electricity or water connections), a building permit may be required. Neighbors' rights must also be considered to avoid complaints about shading or noise.
The municipal council of Ostfildern discussed the creation of paid collective parking spaces for motorhomes and caravans. The administration identified potential sites but recommended against designating them for now due to urban planning concerns, usage conflicts, and high adaptation costs. Instead, the issue will be integrated into a comprehensive parking management strategy, starting with an impulse project in a high-pressure area.
The Schramberg city council unanimously decided to charge for overnight stays on municipal motorhome parking areas in Talstadt and Sulgen. The fee is €16 per night for a maximum stay of seven nights, including tourist tax and taxes. Previously, these spaces were free because the old parking fee ordinance did not cover motorhome parking. The decision followed complaints from private operators who feared revenue losses.
Install OpenVan.camp
Get quick access and offline reading.
The app is already installed on this device.
Use your browser menu to install or add to home screen.
Русский
English
Spanish
Portuguese
Turkish
French
