Avoid a fine with your camper this Christmas: at what speed do radars penalize a motorhome, van, or camper trailer

Spain's DGT has issued new instruction PROT 2026/04, replacing the 2023 rules and clarifying when a motorhome is considered parked versus camping. Parking is allowed only on wheels, without deployed elements or external activity; otherwise, it is classified as camping, which can lead to fines, especially in coastal areas. Sleeping in a motorhome is permitted only if all parking conditions are met, while on beaches it is prohibited without specific authorization.

European couple Fernando and Ana, after retiring, sold their house and have been living in a Fiat Ducato Maxi motorhome for over three years. The living area is 7 square meters, and the vehicle is named 'La Vaca'. The couple travels around Spain, noting financial savings on housing costs, but also faces expenses for fuel, repairs, and maintenance. One repair, related to a leak, cost 1,631 euros and took about five months.

Spain's motorhome and campervan fleet has tripled in a decade, from 48,000 registered vehicles in 2015 to about 137,000 now. Experts estimate a shortage of around 2,000 dedicated service and parking areas nationwide, especially along the coast. The DGT instruction PROT 2026/04 upholds municipal powers to restrict parking, while overnight stays outside designated zones remain prohibited.

Residents of the Berio neighborhood in San Sebastián said they counted 450 motorhomes parked in the area in a single day. They are demanding action from the city council, as existing restrictions and fines have not solved the problem. Last year, 1,650 fines were issued for overnight stays in motorhomes, and this year already 908. The city currently has only three motorhome areas with 88 spaces, and a new parking lot in Igara was rejected. The only solution may be a new campsite in Oriamendi with 485 spaces, planned to open before next summer.

According to the PROT instruction, updated in March 2026, sleeping in a motorhome is legal if the vehicle is parked in accordance with traffic rules, without deploying external elements and without discharging fluids. Setting up an awning, chairs or a table is considered camping, leading to fines starting at 40 euros per square meter per day, and up to 6,000 euros in protected areas. Local authorities may impose additional restrictions, so it is advisable to check municipal regulations before traveling.

Motorhome owners who traveled to Les Garrigues to observe the total solar eclipse are avoiding crowded locations. Núria Solé from Tarragona told ACN she chose the area due to large crowds and fully booked spots elsewhere. She has been staying with her family at a motorhome area in l'Albi since Monday. Most restaurants in the region's municipalities have no tables available for Wednesday, and municipal pools report an increase in visitors. Lifeguard Pol Moragues from Vinaixa confirmed the pool is packed, with visitors arriving from Barcelona, the Basque Country, and Galicia.