European motorhome market booms: record registrations and new support measures

Spain's DGT has issued a new instruction clarifying MOT (ITV) intervals for motorhomes and campervans. Motorhomes over 4 years old require inspection every two years, those over 10 years annually. Campervans up to 10 years old need annual checks, while those over 10 years must pass every six months. The update follows a Supreme Court ruling from March 13, 2018, which also allows municipalities to restrict parking times and prohibit overnight stays on urban roads.

The municipality of Ibiza is taking legal action to evict an illegal caravan settlement on public land in the Sa Joveria area. Police have identified the vehicles, and owners face fines for illegal parking and possibly unauthorized waste disposal. A similar procedure was previously required to clear illegal shacks from the same site.

Authorities in Lanzarote are preparing a ban on tourist buggy and quad caravans on rural roads and protected natural areas. Territorial Planning Councillor Jesús Machín Tavío described the situation as 'unsustainable' and said work on restrictions is already underway. The ban is based on the Island Planning Plan, which allows stopping the activity if convoys exceed three vehicles or lack an acoustic impact report.

In the first month of intensified control on Ibiza, police checked 73 vehicles and issued 19 fines for overnight stays in motorhomes and caravans. Fines reach up to 30,000 euros.

Police have started fining motorhomes, caravans and campervans for overnight stays or camping outside authorized areas as of Wednesday. The fine is 600 euros, reduced to 300 if paid on the spot, and vehicles may be immobilized. The measure follows a transition period since 2025.

The Valencian regional government has opened a public consultation on a project to build a three-star campsite for motorhomes in Elche, in the Valverde Bajo area. The site covers about 19,500 sq m on non-developable land and includes 157 pitches, a swimming pool, bar, children's playground, and wastewater treatment facilities. The documentation will be available for review and objections for 20 working days via the regional digital planning platform.