The Spanish traffic authority (DGT) has issued a new directive changing the regulations for motorhomes and camper vans, effective since 11 March. The update, titled Instruction PROT 2026/04, comes amid significant growth in this sector: motorhome registrations in Spain have grown by 185% over the last decade, rising from 48,000 units in 2015 to 137,000 today. According to the Ministry of the Interior, the changes aim to align with criteria from the Ministry of Industry and Tourism concerning vehicle inspections and incorporate Supreme Court interpretations regarding the interplay between national laws and municipal ordinances on parking and circulation of such vehicles.
This instruction revises the 2023 motorhome guidelines and introduces three key changes affecting owners: clarifying MOT inspection intervals, regulating parking according to Supreme Court rulings, and officially recognising tourist reception areas for these vehicles in various autonomous communities.
MOT timing for motorhomes and camper vans
A major update relates to the frequency of vehicle inspections. Motorhomes, classified as category M vehicles under Royal Decree 920/2017, follow this schedule: no inspection during the first four years post-registration; biennial checks between four and ten years; and annual inspections after ten years. This timetable is more lenient compared to other residential vehicle types.
Conversely, camper vans or 'home vans', classified as category N vehicles, have stricter requirements. They must pass an annual ITV from initial registration until ten years old, after which inspections become biannual. Instruction PROT 2026/04 specifies that motorhomes can park under the same conditions as regular vehicles, respecting general traffic laws but must adhere to any local municipal restrictions on parking.
This differentiation stems from the Supreme Court ruling dated 13 March 2018, affirming municipalities’ authority to regulate and limit parking durations for motorhomes and similar vehicles. Local authorities may prohibit camping activities on urban roads and nearby areas except in authorised zones. The ruling justifies such limits as measures to prevent traffic congestion, pedestrian disruption, and uneven parking availability. The DGT has now explicitly integrated this judicial interpretation.
The instruction also officially recognises tourist reception areas as accommodation for motorhomes. Autonomous communities including Navarra, Extremadura and Madrid have recently introduced specific regulations to this effect. Such areas must be specially equipped for motorhomes, clearly signposted to help users locate facilities and services.
Notably, the latest 2025 update to the Vertical Traffic Signs Catalogue includes the new Sign S-128, marking points for emptying waste water from caravans and motorhomes, promoting responsible use.
Motorhomes are motor vehicles designed primarily for transporting people (category M) and outfitted for temporary living with sleeping, cooking and washing facilities. Camper vans, falling under category N, start as goods transport vehicles converted for residential use. This distinction affects inspection routines, insurance, registration, and traffic regulations.
Their increasing popularity due to growing demand for autonomous and flexible travel options has underscored the need for updated regulatory frameworks.
Legal parking for motorhomes
Motorhomes may park wherever conventional vehicles are permitted, provided space dimensions and traffic signs are respected. However, deploying accessories such as awnings, tables, chairs or chocks counts as camping, which is banned outside authorised sites. Municipalities may impose specific restrictions or outright bans on motorhome parking in certain areas, especially tourist locations, requiring drivers to check local rules before parking.
Implementation date and compliance
The new DGT instruction has been effective since 11 March. Owners must ensure compliance with updated ITV schedules. It's advisable to check the last inspection date and confirm the need for a new ITV. Operating a vehicle without a valid inspection is a serious offence, subject to a €200 fine and vehicle immobilisation until resolved.
Services required in reception areas
Official reception areas must offer basic services for comfort and safety, including wastewater disposal, potable water provision, electrical hookups and often rest zones. Though regulations vary by autonomous community, all require adequate accessibility, clear signage and necessary facilities. These zones provide a legal and secure alternative to unauthorised parking, supporting sustainable itinerant tourism development across Spain.