Motorhome and campervan rules in Spain

Key rules

• Sleeping: No national law bans sleeping in a correctly parked motorhome, but local bans and time limits are common.
• Camping: Extending awnings, tables or stabilisers, or emptying water, counts as camping and is allowed only on campsites or authorised areas.
• ITV: Your first ITV is at 4 years, then every 2 years to age 10, then every year.
• Weight: Over 3,500 kg, heavier-vehicle rules may apply, so check your registration category.

Registration: motorhomes have their own category

A motorhome is registered as an "autocaravana", a car-type vehicle classed as living accommodation. Its technical sheet and registration papers show that classification.

Registration follows the same steps as for a car. You pass the ITV inspection, file the vehicle tax, then register with your provincial traffic office (Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico). If your vehicle has a maximum weight over 3,500 kg, it may fall under heavier-vehicle rules, so check the category on its papers before you start.

ITV: how often

The ITV is Spain's mandatory roadworthiness inspection. Motorhomes follow the schedule for private cars:

• First inspection at 4 years old.
• Then every 2 years until the vehicle is 10 years old.
• Every year after that.

Parking and sleeping overnight

No national law bans sleeping in a parked motorhome. If it is parked correctly where parking is legal, it counts as a parked vehicle. That means wheels on the ground, and nothing put outside: no awnings, tables, chairs or stabilisers, and no emptying of water.

Once you set up, extend anything or empty water, that is camping. Camping is allowed only on campsites or authorised areas.

Local rules are the catch. Many town halls, coastal areas and nature parks ban or restrict overnight parking, and some limit how long you can stay. Regional camping laws also differ. Look for signs, and check the town hall's rules before you stay.

Fines for illegal camping can reach several hundred euros, depending on the region.

Where to stay legally

Paid motorhome areas ("áreas de autocaravanas") are common. They often cost around 10 euros a night, and some are free. Campsites are the other safe option. Use these when you need to empty water, run awnings or stay several nights.

Insurance

Insure the vehicle as a motorhome, not as an ordinary car, and make sure the policy covers Spain. Tell the insurer how you use it, for example if you live in it.

The FAQ below answers common questions on ITV timing, sleeping, fines and area costs.

Frequently asked questions

How often does a motorhome need the ITV in Spain?

A motorhome follows the same ITV (roadworthiness test) rhythm as a private car: first test at 4 years, then every 2 years until 10 years, then every year.

Can I sleep in my motorhome anywhere it is parked legally?

Yes, you can sleep in a motorhome where parking is legal, as long as it is parked correctly with wheels on the ground. Do not extend awnings, tables, chairs or stabilisers, and do not empty water, because that counts as camping. Many towns, coastal areas and nature parks ban overnight parking, so read the local signs.

What happens if I camp in a motorhome where it is not allowed?

You can be fined, and fines for illegal camping can be several hundred euros depending on the region. Camping means setting up, extending or emptying, and it is allowed only on campsites or authorised areas.

How much does a motorhome area cost per night?

Paid motorhome areas (áreas de autocaravanas) often cost around 10 euros a night. They are widespread, and some are free, so they are a safe choice where wild parking is banned.