Difference Between Camping and Overnight

2023-07-25 12:00:03

How to avoid parking fines if we travel by motorhome this summer? If we park the vehicle in a place where the view of any commercial activity, monument or landscape is obstructed or where the circulation of other users is hindered, they may fine us. It is also important to know that if we have parked correctly we can eat or sleep inside the caravan, as long as there is no express notice to the contrary, but we cannot remove chairs or tables, extend awnings or similar elements, spill any liquid or make annoying noises.

Of course, you must know the difference between camping and overnight, first of all. We can spend the night in the caravan if there is no express prohibition notice and we do not take any element out of the vehicle because in case of deploying or removing external elements such as tables, chairs or awnings, it is considered that we are camping. So, if we camp outside the authorized places, they can penalize us since camping can only be carried out in spaces enabled for it. They may also fine us if we spill liquids or litter in unauthorized places.

Although if our destination is a beach area, we must bear in mind that the Coastal Law prohibits parking both on beaches and in their areas of influence, so caravans can only be parked in authorized areas near the beaches.

Y we cannot park in protected areas either nor, of course, throw garbage or other waste in unauthorized places or damage the environment. If we do, they can penalize us with high fines, so it is better to find out in advance about the authorized places for campers and where the waste we generate can be left.

Fines

Parking the caravans in areas that block the view of any commercial activity, monument and landscape, and leaving the drain tap open to pour liquids and waste into public or private spaces will be considered a minor offence. Removing tables, chairs, awnings and making annoying noises will be appreciated in the same way. Are faults will be punished with fines of up to 750 euros.

It will be a serious penalty to camp outside the places authorized for it (such as beaches) and to emit noise from sound equipment to the outside. The fine in these cases will entail a disbursement to the driver of the vehicle of up to 1,500 euros. Finally, very serious sanctions will include intentionally pouring liquids and waste in areas not designated for it, deteriorating street furniture and hindering traffic. The fines for these acts will be up to 3,000 euros.

According to Spanish legislation, you can park a motorhome in designated parking spaces and as long as traffic regulations are followed, but you cannot extend an awning or chairs, spill liquids or make noise, for example. Free camping is not allowed and in this case you have to go to a campsite.

As for the places to spend the night, they have equipment to plug the vehicle into electricity and to empty gray and black water (wc). Proper use must be made of it and the water should not be emptied anywhere, as it is not a good practice nor is it ecological.