Is it illegal to sleep in a campervan whilst it’s moving?
CAMPERVANS provide comfort and so passengers might be tempted to go for a snooze while the driver takes over.
But you could land yourself and the driver a hefty fine. Here are the campervan rules you need to be aware of.
Is it illegal to sleep in a campervan whilst it’s moving?
While it’s not illegal to sleep in a campervan, it is illegal not to wear a seatbelt while it’s moving.
The Road Traffic Act 1988 governs passenger safety in vehicles, with specific regulations under Road Vehicles Regulations.
Therefore, campervans must be fitted with seatbelts and are compliant to UK seatbelt regulations.
Legally, it is the driver’s responsibility to make sure all passengers are wearing seat belts during transit.
Failure to do so may result in fines.
Campervans manufactured after 2006 must comply with the following seatbelt regulations:
- Identify designated travel seats (forward-facing and rearward facing).
- Ensure all seats have seat belts.
- Passengers must wear them during transit.
- Three-point belts for driver and specified passengers.
- At least two-point belts for others.
You’re also only allowed one person in each seat fitted with a seat belt.
You can be fined up to £500 by law for not wear a seat belt when you’re supposed to.
What are the laws around owning a campervan?
A campervan is recognised by the DVLA as a motorised vehicle.
Therefore, you will need to pay road tax just like you would a car.
Your campervan will also require an MOT every year if it’s over three years old and there is a legal requirement to purchase insurance.
What is the difference between a caravan and a campervan?
Essentially the defining difference between the two is that a campervan has an engine, giving you the option to drive and live in the vehicle.
Whereas a caravan doesn’t have an engine and is either situated on a plot where it is legal to park, or owners can tow it behind their car when they’re on their travels.
What is the difference between a campervan and a motorhome?
Although they may look very similar, there is a key difference between the two.
A motorhome is a purpose-built home-from-home vehicle.
A campervan is typically a van that has been converted with alterations that make it possible to sleep and cook in it, as well as being mobile.
A motorhome tends to have longer wheelbase which means it will be bigger than your average van.
Why Caravan Holidays are So Underrated
Caravan park holidays are a British staple. And with the cost of living crisis wreaking havoc on Britain's purses, more of us are turning to them for an affordable break.
Josie O’Brien, Senior Digital Writer on Fabulous, weighs in on why she thinks caravan holidays are seriously underrated…
“When I was a child, my mum used to collect the £9.50 holiday vouchers in The Sun. She’d use them to book a couple of nights away at a caravan park during the school holidays.
“As an adult, I fully appreciate the convenience of a humble caravan holiday. No faffing about with passports, no luggage limits and no bog-standard hotel breakfast of stale toast and grey eggs.
“I still love caravan holidays as an adult. In a world of doing everything for the ‘gram, a caravan park brings you back to basics. There’s no obligation to get dressed up, no stress to fit a million picturesque excursions in one week and I don’t find myself flustered in tourist hot spots like abroad.
“I love going to coastal caravan parks and strolling along the beach parade. My highlight is always fresh mussels, ice-creams and classic pubs to grab an afternoon tipple in.
“And then, of course, there’s the cost. Staying in a caravan is definitely way cheaper than my international trips.
“With no expensive hotel bills and the ability to cook my own meals, I’m spending hundreds less than I would abroad.
“I’ve had some of my best and most relaxing holidays in caravans. Maybe I’ll buy my own one day.”