Spain’s new Article 92.4: what campervan and motorhome travellers need to know

Spain has introduced a new national rule setting out how motorhomes and other vehicles fitted out as living accommodation must be parked. The change is in Article 92.4 of Spain’s General Traffic Regulations and took effect on 1 October 2026.

The rule gives travellers a clear three-part test: keep everything within the vehicle’s footprint, keep the vehicle resting on its tyres (with safety chocks or wedges allowed), and do not discharge fluids from inside the vehicle. It is useful clarification for anyone touring Spain, but it is not permission to park or camp wherever they choose.

What does Article 92.4 say?

Article 92.4 was added by Spain’s Royal Decree 518/2026. It says that motorhomes and other vehicles adapted as living accommodation must be parked:

• Without extending equipment beyond the vehicle’s footprint. The rule describes the footprint as the vehicle’s projection onto the ground.

• Resting only on its tyres. Safety chocks or wedges may be used.

• Without discharging fluids from inside the vehicle.

These requirements apply to motorhomes and other vehicles fitted out as homes, which can include campervans. The regulation does not list every vehicle type individually, so travellers should check how their vehicle is classified if they are unsure whether it falls within the wording.

What does this mean in practice?

When parked, keep the setup compact and contained within the vehicle’s footprint. Do not put out a table or chairs, deploy an awning, or place other equipment on the ground outside the vehicle. Avoid using equipment that makes the vehicle rest on supports rather than its tyres; the text expressly allows safety chocks or wedges.

Do not empty grey water, toilet waste or any other fluid from the habitation area onto the road, ground or a public parking space. Use a designated service point or other authorised disposal facility.

The simple rule of thumb is: park the vehicle, keep your setup inside its footprint, and leave no trace.

Does this mean you can sleep anywhere in Spain?

No. Article 92.4 is about the conditions a motorhome or campervan must meet when it is parked. It does not give a blanket right to park overnight anywhere, ignore signs, use private land without permission, or stay in areas where parking is prohibited.

Local restrictions, traffic signs, time limits, protected-area rules and other applicable regulations still matter. Some places may direct motorhomes to designated areas or prohibit parking by vehicle type, size or time. Check the signs and local rules where you stop, and use an authorised campsite or motorhome area whenever required.

The new article does not itself say that sleeping inside a legally parked vehicle is always allowed or always forbidden. If you plan to stay overnight, check the rules for that specific location. A vehicle can also be treated differently from a campsite-style setup if people spread out equipment or discharge waste.

Parking versus camping

Article 92.4 does not create a new right to camp in public spaces. Its conditions focus on how the vehicle is positioned and whether anything extends outside it or is discharged. Setting up outside the vehicle—such as putting out chairs or opening an awning—would fall outside the compact parking arrangement described by the article and may breach local restrictions.

If you want to relax outside, use a campsite, motorhome stopover or other location where that is permitted. These places also give you an appropriate facility for waste disposal.

A quick checklist before you leave your stop

• Check signs, restrictions and time limits before parking.

• Keep chairs, tables, awnings and other equipment stowed.

• Make sure the vehicle rests on its tyres; safety chocks or wedges are allowed.

• Never release grey water or toilet waste onto the ground or road.

• Use a designated service point for emptying and refilling.

• Check local rules, especially in towns, coastal locations, natural parks and other protected areas.

What the change means for UK visitors

For UK campervan and motorhome travellers, Article 92.4 provides a clear national standard for the physical setup of a parked vehicle in Spain. Follow the three conditions, respect local signs and restrictions, and plan overnight stops at places where you are allowed to stay.

Before travelling, check the latest local information for your destination. Rules can differ between municipalities and protected areas, and the national article does not override a location-specific restriction.

Official source: Royal Decree 518/2026, published in Spain’s Official State Gazette (BOE). Article 92.4 is added by Article 15 of the decree, which entered into force on 1 October 2026.

This article is general travel information, not legal advice. Check the rules in force at your exact location before parking or staying overnight.