Many times, out of necessity or adventure, it has been necessary to sleep in the car, a fact that allows us We safeguard the night and restThe question is whether you can sleep in the car in Spain, whether it is allowed or prohibited by law.
In Spain it is not prohibited by law to sleep in Car, However, it will depend on the circumstances and the place, as there are rules that must be followed. Below, we analyze all the important aspects and what must be respected in order to avoid getting into trouble.
Can you sleep in a car in Spain?
Sleep It is a fact that matters to our body and we must respect the cycles to keep ourselves active in good condition. Driving for work, leisure or necessity implies a responsibility, and to avoid an accident we must travel clear-headed. Driving a vehicle and being sleep deprived implies a five-fold increase in the probability of suffering a traffic accident, Therefore, it is vitally important to rest or sleep for a few hours to continue without problems.
In Spain you can sleep in the car, The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) does not consider sleeping inside a vehicle illegal, provided it is done correctly and does not endanger road safety.
- The car must be parked correctly, without obstructing traffic or disturbing anyone, and it must be an area suitable for parking. In addition, the documentation must be active and current in case any Authority Agent requests it.
- Must have information on the municipal ordinances of many town councils, as they prohibit camping or spending the night in vehicles in public areas, especially in tourist areas.
- Also, it is Sleeping in beach areas is prohibited, natural parks or protected areas, since they are places that are protected.
- Another prohibition is that of stay overnight, but in the form of camping, involving the placement of awnings, tents or similar to expand the space area of the car.
- Try not to attract attention when sleeping in urban areas, avoiding inappropriate behavior that may be perceived as unsafe. Check whether there are specific regulations for not spending the night with vehicles. Do not generate litter or noise that may lead to complaints.
- When parking, you must respect traffic signs, especially in loading and unloading areas. The vehicle should also be kept in a well-lit area to avoid incidents.
- Many municipalities prohibit sleeping in vehicles, especially in urban, protected or tourist areas. According to its regulations, it is applied because it is considered more like camping than just “sleeping.”
- Another prohibition is that of sleep in areas such as the urban center, since it is considered an area for traffic circulation and not for overnight stays.
What is the difference between sleeping and camping?
Sleep is considered as a break and necessity inside the parked car. But camping is considered as a display of objects such as chairs, tables, awnings or any similar objects around the car. This behaviour is prohibited outside authorised areas.
What areas are allowed to sleep in the car?
- Is allowed sleeping in the car at rest areas on highways, especially in those areas that are designed for rest and are safe.
- In areas for motorhomes, even if you are driving, as they are safe spaces to use. Also in campsites, for a fee.
- Many cities and municipalities have enabled areas for vehicles to park and stay overnight. Local regulations should be consulted for specific rules.
What penalties can be applied for spending the night in the wrong place?
As we have mentioned, you can sleep in a car, since the DGT allows it, through Instruction 08/V-74:
"This General Directorate of Traffic considers that as long as any vehicle is correctly parked, without exceeding the road markings delimiting the parking area, nor the temporary limitation of the same, if there is one, the fact that its occupants are inside it is not relevant and the motorhome is no exception, it being sufficient that the activity that may be carried out inside it does not transcend to the outside by deploying elements that overflow the perimeter of the vehicle such as stalls, awnings, leveling devices, stabilization supports, etc."
Also, there is no time limit, but there are exceptions and rules as we have mentioned. If they are not followed, the authorities could apply economic sanctions:
- For example, sleeping in a natural park and inside a car, the fine could rise to 5.000 euros.
- If you are sleeping in a car and in a badly parked place, the fine applied is 200 euros.
- When parking as a campsite, the fine is 150 euros plus 40 euros added for each square meter to occupy the belongings.
What about motorhomes?
Spending the night in a motorhome and in a place that is not permitted, also has its sanction. A motorhome is considered to be parked when its engine is off and the wheels are in contact with the ground, that is, with the stabilizing legs or other platforms.
It is considered parked when Also have some of your belongings spread out outside the vehicle, such as tables, chairs, etc., even if they take up more square meters than the limits of the motorhome. It also cannot emit any type of water, fluids or noise from running engines.
The regulations for parking a motorhome say this: "It is not an exception, as long as the activity that may be carried out inside does not extend to the outside by deploying elements that go beyond the perimeter of the vehicle, such as stalls, awnings, levelling devices, stabilisation supports, etc."
What regulations exist for a camper?
A camper is a camper van, adapted to a small amount of furniture so that you can spend the night inside it. In Spain, a camper has to comply with the same regulations and must camp in designated areas. Follow the same example as a car: park in places that do not obstruct traffic and without placing objects around it.