Exploring Fuerteventura by Van: New Parking Rules according to the Spanish DGT
Discover all that Spain has to offer in the freest and most exciting way: exploring its roads in a campervan. In recent years, traveling around Spain in a motorhome, campervan, or caravan has become increasingly popular. It offers a unique freedom that you simply don't experience when staying at a resort, and it also brings visitors much closer to nature.
However, this type of trip also comes with certain concerns, especially when it comes to parking. Over the years, different local councils have implemented rules and regulations against so-called "wild camping," particularly in protected areas, so it's no surprise that there's some confusion.
To eliminate the stress and worry of road holidays, on July 11, the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) changed its regulations to clarify once and for all the difference between what is considered parking and what qualifies as camping.
The DGT's new rules for parking vans, caravans and motorhomes
The Spanish Association of the Caravanning Industry and Trade has welcomed the update, as it believes it will reduce "conflicts due to the lack of specific regulations.".
Basically, the DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) has no problem with motorhomes stopping on public roads or in parking lots, as long as they don't take up extra space or generate noise. In this way, they are treated by traffic authorities exactly the same as cars and other vehicles.
As of July 11, 2023, the DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) accepts that parking is not the same as camping. Motorhomes are free to park like any other vehicle under these requirements (Instruction PROT 2023/14):
– If the vehicle, with the engine off, is only in contact with the ground through the wheels (stabilizing legs or other devices are not used, except for wheel chocks, provided for in the Traffic Regulations).
– The vehicle does not occupy more surface area than it does when it is closed, that is, without the deployment of projectable elements, chairs, tables, etc.
Explore Fuerteventura with complete peace of mind, making the most of the freedom that traveling by van offers, now with the new clear rules of the DGT.
