I’ve been stopped three times by police in three years of full-time vanlife. Once for a routine check, once because I was parked somewhere dodgy, and once because my number plate was obscured by mud (fair enough).
Each time, I was legal. Licence correct, insurance valid, MOT current, weight within limits. But I’ve met van lifers who weren’t — and the consequences ranged from fines to having their van impounded.
UK driving laws for campervans are more complicated than regular cars. Weight matters. Licence categories matter. Vehicle classification matters. And getting it wrong can cost you hundreds or thousands of pounds.
Here’s everything you need to know to stay legal on UK roads in 2025.
Understanding Your Licence: What You Can Actually Drive
This is where most confusion starts. Your driving license category determines what size van you can legally drive.
Category B License (Standard Car License)
What it is: The standard license you get when you pass your driving test.
What you can drive:
- Vehicles up to 3,500kg Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM)
- Vehicles with up to 8 passenger seats (plus driver)
- Can tow a trailer up to 750kg
- Can tow heavier trailers if combined weight doesn’t exceed 3,500kg
Date matters:
- If you passed BEFORE 1 January 1997: You also have C1 entitlement (see below)
- If you passed AFTER 1 January 1997: You’re limited to 3,500kg
What this means for campervans:
Most panel van conversions fall under 3,500kg. Transit Custom, VW Transporter, Vauxhall Vivaro, Renault Trafic — these are all typically under 3,500kg even when fully converted and loaded.
You’re fine with a Cat B license for these.
My license: Passed in 1988, so i can drive up to 7,500kg. It gives me a wider variety of vehicles to choose from.
Category C1 License (Medium Vehicles)
What it is: Entitlement to drive medium-sized vehicles.
What you can drive:
- Vehicles between 3,500kg and 7,500kg MAM
- Can tow trailers up to 750kg
How to get it:
- If passed test before 1997: You already have it automatically
- If passed test after 1997: You need to take a separate C1 test
Cost to add C1:
- Medical examination: £50-£100
- Theory test: £23
- Practical test: £115
- Training (optional but recommended): £400-£800
- Total: £600-£1,000+
What this means for campervans:
Larger conversions (LWB Sprinter, Crafter, Boxer, Ducato) often exceed 3,500kg when fully loaded. If your van’s MAM is over 3,500kg, you need C1.
Important: MAM is the maximum ALLOWED weight, not actual weight. Even if your 4,000kg MAM van is only loaded to 3,200kg, you still need C1 to drive it legally.
The Weight Trap (This Catches People Out)
Your van’s MAM is on the VIN plate (usually in door frame or under bonnet). It’s also on your V5C registration document.
Common scenario:
Someone buys a LWB Sprinter. Empty weight is 2,800kg. Thinks “that’s under 3,500kg, I’m fine with my Cat B license.”
But the van’s MAM (maximum authorized mass) is 4,100kg. Illegal to drive on Cat B license, regardless of actual loaded weight.
The fine: £1,000 plus 3-6 penalty points for driving without correct licence category. Plus potential insurance invalidation.
I’ve met two people who got caught this way. One had driven for 18 months before being stopped. Both had to pay fines and couldn’t drive their vans until they passed C1.
The solution: Check your van’s MAM BEFORE buying. If it’s over 3,500kg and you only have Cat B, either:
- Choose a different van under 3,500kg MAM
- Get your C1 license before buying
- Have the van “downplated” (see below)
Downplating: Reducing Your Van’s MAM
If your van’s MAM is over 3,500kg but you don’t need the full capacity, you can legally reduce it.
What it means: Official paperwork (via SVA test or manufacturer) that changes your van’s MAM to 3,500kg or below.
Requirements:
- Actual unladen weight must be low enough to make it practical
- Need proper weight plate fitted
- V5C must be updated
- Often requires SVA or IVA test
Cost: £300-£800 depending on method and who does it
Benefits:
- Can drive on Cat B license
- Lower VED (road tax)
- Different speed limits apply (faster)
- Different motorway lane rules
- Cheaper insurance often
Downsides:
- You’re legally limited to 3,500kg loaded (can be weighed and fined if over)
- Reduces payload capacity
- Can be complex process
My take: If you’re buying a van just over 3,500kg MAM and don’t need the extra capacity, downplating is worth considering. But get professional advice — doing it wrong can invalidate insurance.
Speed Limits: It’s Not What You Think
Speed limits for vans are NOT the same as cars. This surprises people constantly.
Current UK Speed Limits for Vans
Depends on vehicle weight:
Vehicles up to 3,050kg laden weight (most small vans):
- Built-up areas: 30mph
- Single carriageways: 60mph
- Dual carriageways: 70mph
- Motorways: 70mph
Vehicles 3,050kg+ laden weight OR derived from goods vehicles:
- Built-up areas: 30mph
- Single carriageways: 50mph (NOT 60mph)
- Dual carriageways: 60mph (NOT 70mph)
- Motorways: 70mph (but often restricted to left two lanes)
The confusion: Most panel van conversions are “derived from goods vehicles” regardless of weight. So even if your converted Transit Custom weighs 2,800kg, if it’s classified as a van, you’re legally limited to 50mph on single carriageways and 60mph on dual carriageways.
Vehicle Classification Matters
Here’s where it gets messy.
According to DVLA, there are different classifications:
M1 (Motor Caravan):
- Registered as motor caravan on V5C
- Subject to CAR speed limits (60/70/70/70)
- Can use outside lane on motorways
- Better for driving, insurance can be better
N1 (Van):
- Registered as van/goods vehicle on V5C
- Subject to VAN speed limits (50/60/70/70)
- Some motorways restrict to inside lanes
- Cheaper VED usually
The critical bit: What matters is what’s on your V5C, not what your van looks like inside.
If your V5C says “Body Type: Van”, you’re subject to van speed limits even if you’ve converted it to a camper.
If your V5C says “Body Type: Motor Caravan”, you follow car speed limits.
Changing Your V5C Classification
You CAN change your van classification from “van” to “motor caravan” if it meets DVLA requirements.
DVLA requirements for motor caravan classification:
- Fixed seating
- Fixed sleeping accommodation
- Fixed cooking facilities
- Fixed storage facilities
How to do it:
- Take photos showing all fixed installations
- Fill in V5C section to notify DVLA of changes
- Submit with photos and explanation
- Wait 4-6 weeks for updated V5C
Cost: Free (just postage)
My experience: I changed my third van from “van” to “motor caravan”. Took photos showing fixed bed, cooker, storage, seating. DVLA accepted it within 3 weeks. Now I can legally do 60mph on single carriageways.
The catch: Some insurance companies charge MORE for motor caravans (considered higher value, more theft risk). Check with your insurer BEFORE changing.
Warning: Changing to motor caravan can increase VED. Check current rates first.
Speed Camera Reality
Speed cameras don’t care what your V5C says. They catch you speeding, you get the ticket.
But the defense:
If you’re doing 60mph on a single carriageway in a van classified as motor caravan, that’s legal. If your V5C says “van”, it’s illegal.
Arguing in court that “I thought it was a motor caravan because I converted it” won’t work. Your V5C classification is what matters legally.
The trap I’ve seen: People convert vans, assume they’re motor caravans, drive at car speed limits, get caught by cameras, receive fines and points.
Don’t assume. Check your V5C. Change it if needed.
MOT Requirements: What Gets Tested, What Fails
MOT Frequency
Vehicles under 3,500kg MAM:
- First MOT: 3 years after first registration
- Subsequent MOTs: Annually
Vehicles over 3,500kg MAM:
- First MOT: 1 year after first registration
- Subsequent MOTs: Annually
Cost:
- Under 3,500kg: £54.85 maximum
- Over 3,500kg: £58.60 maximum (Class 7 test)
My current van: 2019 Transit Custom, first MOT due 2022, annual since then. Passed every time (so far).
Common MOT Failures for Campervans
I’ve seen dozens of conversions fail MOT. Here are the common issues:
1. Obstructed lights/reflectors
Rear storage boxes, bike racks, or poorly positioned equipment blocking lights or reflectors.
Solution: Make sure all lights and reflectors visible and unobstructed. Remove external storage before MOT if it blocks anything.
2. Additional weight affecting suspension/brakes
Conversion adds 300-500kg. If your van’s suspension or brakes aren’t up to it, they fail.
Solution: Upgrade suspension if needed (£200-£500). Have brakes inspected before MOT.
3. Insecure items
Loose furniture, unsecured gas bottles, batteries not strapped down — these can fail you.
Tester discretion: Some testers are lenient (“that should be secured better but I’ll pass it”). Others are strict (“that gas bottle’s not secured, fail”).
Solution: Secure everything properly before MOT. Gas bottles in proper brackets, batteries strapped, furniture screwed down.
4. Altered emissions system
If you’ve removed catalytic converter or DPF (diesel particulate filter), automatic fail.
Reality: Some people remove DPFs because they’re troublesome. It’s illegal, voids emissions compliance, and fails MOT.
Don’t do it. The £1,000 to fix a DPF properly is cheaper than fines (up to £1,000) plus having to replace it anyway.
5. Tyres
Conversion weight can exceed tire rating. If your tires aren’t rated for your van’s MAM, that’s a fail.
Solution: Check tire load rating. Upgrade if needed. Budget £400-£600 for four commercial-rated tires.
6. Windscreen obstruction
Decorative curtains, fairy lights, or other items obstructing driver’s view fail MOT.
Solution: Remove or reposition before test.
The “Motor Caravan” MOT Test
If your V5C says “motor caravan”, your MOT is slightly different from a van MOT.
Key differences:
- Interior checked for hazards (loose items, sharp edges)
- Gas system checked for leaks (if fitted)
- Electrical system checked more thoroughly
- Sleeping/living areas assessed for safety
Not all MOT centres do motor caravan tests. Check before booking. Many small garages only do Class 4 (cars) or Class 7 (vans), not motor caravans specifically.
My recommendation: Find an MOT station experienced with campervans. They know what to look for and what can be overlooked.
Insurance: Getting It Right (And Affordable)
Types of Insurance for Campervans
1. Standard Van Insurance
Cheapest option (usually). Covers the van as a goods vehicle. Doesn’t cover conversion or contents.
Typical cost: £400-£800 per year for panel van
Problem: If you crash, you’re only covered for the base van value. Your £8,000 conversion and £3,000 of contents? Not covered.
2. Van Conversion Insurance
Covers the base van PLUS conversion value. Contents often optional extra.
Typical cost: £500-£1,000 per year
Requires: Photos of conversion, proof of spend on conversion, list of modifications
Benefits: Full replacement value including conversion work
This is what I use. I declared my conversion, submitted photos, pay £680/year. If I crash, I get full value not just base van.
3. Motor Caravan Insurance
Specialist campervan/motorhome insurance. Usually most comprehensive but can be expensive.
Typical cost: £600-£1,200 per year
Benefits:
- Covers conversion and contents
- Personal belongings cover
- European cover usually included
- Breakdown cover options
- Agreed value (not market value)
Drawbacks: More expensive, need V5C to say “motor caravan”
Declaring Modifications
You MUST declare:
- Any conversion work
- Sleeping facilities
- Cooking equipment
- Plumbing/water systems
- Electrical systems
- Solar panels
- Roof vents
- External storage
- Suspension upgrades
- Wheel/tire changes
- Any structural changes
Penalty for not declaring: Insurance can be voided. If you crash, they investigate, find undeclared modifications, they can refuse to pay out.
I’ve heard of this happening. Someone crashed, insurer inspected wreck, found full camper conversion that was never declared. Refused claim. Person lost van and got nothing.
My approach: I over-declare. If there’s any doubt, I declare it. I’d rather pay slightly more premium than risk invalidating insurance.
Common Insurance Mistakes
Mistake 1: Assuming regular van insurance covers conversion
It doesn’t. Standard commercial van insurance covers the vehicle only, not modifications or contents.
Mistake 2: Not updating insurance after conversion
Some people buy a van, get insurance, then convert it and never tell the insurer.
When they need to claim, the insurer discovers the conversion and voids the policy.
Solution: Tell your insurer you’re converting. Update them when it’s complete. Get it properly covered.
Mistake 3: Using wrong address
If you’re full-time vanlife, you technically don’t have a fixed address. But insurance requires one.
What people do: Use a friend/family address. This is tolerated but officially you’re meant to inform insurer if you’re living in the vehicle full-time.
What I do: I use my parents’ address as registered address. Insurer knows I’m living in the van full-time (I told them). No issues so far.
Mistake 4: Not declaring business use
If you use your van for ANY business (even just driving to work sites, carrying tools), you need business use on your insurance.
“Social, domestic and pleasure” doesn’t cover work-related use.
Cost to add business use: Usually £20-£60 per year. Cheap compared to voided insurance.
Getting Cheaper Insurance
Ways I’ve reduced my insurance:
- Fit approved trackers: Saves 10-20%. I’ve got a Thatcham-approved tracker (£200 installed). Saves me about £80/year.
- Advanced driving course: IAM or RoSPA courses (£100-£200) can reduce premiums 10-15%.
- Increase voluntary excess: I’ve got £500 voluntary excess. Saves about £100/year on premium.
- Limited mileage: If you genuinely do under 5,000 miles per year, declare it. Saves money.
- Comparison sites: Check GoCompare, Compare the Market, MoneySupermarket. Prices vary wildly.
- Specialist insurers: Companies like Comfort Insurance, Safeguard, Caravan Guard specialise in campervans and often beat mainstream quotes.
My current insurance: £680/year with Comfort Insurance. Fully comp, declared conversion, £10,000 conversion value, £2,000 contents, business use, Europe cover (30 days), tracker discount.
VED (Road Tax): What You’ll Pay
VED (Vehicle Excise Duty, aka road tax) depends on vehicle type, weight, and emissions.
For Vans (N1 Classification)
Most common for van conversions:
Euro 6 compliant (registered after Sept 2016):
- Light goods vehicle (under 3,500kg): £315 per year
Euro 5 or older:
- Light goods vehicle: £315 per year
Over 3,500kg:
- £165 per year (yes, actually cheaper)
For Motor Caravans (M1 Classification)
More complicated – based on CO2 emissions for vehicles registered after March 2001:
First year rate: Based on CO2 (can be £0 to £2,605)
Standard rate (year 2 onwards):
- Most campervans: £190-£315 per year
- Expensive vans (list price over £40,000 when new): Additional £390/year for first 5 years (ouch)
Real Examples
My current van:
- 2019 Transit Custom panel van
- Registered as “van” on V5C
- VED: £315 per year
Friend’s van:
- 2020 Sprinter converted
- Changed to “motor caravan” on V5C
- VED: £190 per year (lower emissions rating helped)
The variable: Changing from van to motor caravan CAN reduce VED, but not always. Check online using your registration before changing.
Parking Laws: Where You Can and Can’t Stop
This is the bit that causes most confusion and police interactions.
Is Wild Camping Legal in the UK?
Short answer: It’s complicated and depends where you are.
England & Wales:
Wild camping (sleeping in your vehicle) is NOT automatically legal. It’s tolerated in many places but technically:
- Parking on public roads overnight: Usually legal (unless signs say otherwise)
- Sleeping in your vehicle on public roads: Grey area, often tolerated
- Parking on private land: Requires permission
- Parking in “no overnight parking” zones: Illegal
Reality: Thousands of people do it nightly. Most police don’t care unless you’re causing problems. But they CAN move you on or issue fines if they want to.
Scotland:
Scottish Outdoor Access Code permits wild camping on most unenclosed land, including sleeping in vehicles.
BUT:
- Still can’t park anywhere (road laws apply)
- Some areas have camping management zones (restrictions)
- Loch Lomond, Trossachs, and some popular areas have camping bylaws
Reality: Scotland is the most van-friendly part of UK. I’ve spent months touring Scotland and been moved on once (Loch Lomond camping bylaw area).
Northern Ireland:
Similar to England/Wales. Technically not legal without permission, widely tolerated.
Understanding Parking Restrictions
Public roads without restrictions:
- You can park as long as you like (unless causing obstruction)
- Sleeping in your vehicle is a grey area (tolerated usually)
- No camping signs mean no setting up outside (chairs, awnings, etc.)
Yellow lines:
- Single yellow: Check signs for times (often free overnight)
- Double yellow: No parking at any time
- You can be ticketed or towed
Parking meters:
- Must pay during enforcement hours
- Often free overnight (check signs)
- Overstaying = ticket
Private land:
- Car parks, fields, land with gates: Private property
- Parking without permission = trespassing (civil matter)
- Can be asked to leave or clamped
Common Parking Offenses
1. Causing an obstruction
If your van blocks access, visibility, or traffic flow, you can be fined or moved on.
Penalty: £100 fine typically
My experience: Parked too close to a junction once (didn’t realise). Traffic warden gave me a ticket. £100. Fair enough, I was being a bit of a knob.
2. Parking in restricted hours
Yellow line restrictions, permit zones, and time-limited bays.
Penalty: £70-£130 depending on area (reduced if paid within 14 days)
3. Overnight parking where prohibited
Many car parks have “no overnight parking” signs.
Penalty: Varies. Council land: £70-£100 fine. Private land: Often £100 “parking charge” (not fine, legally different).
4. Setting up camp on public land
Chairs, awnings, rugs, BBQs outside your van can get you moved on or fined under anti-camping bylaws.
Penalty: £100-£1,000 depending on location and bylaw specifics
My rule: I don’t set anything up outside the van unless I’m on private land with permission or at a campsite. Keeps things simple.
Dealing with Police/Wardens
I’ve been approached by police three times:
Interaction 1 (Routine check):
- Polite, professional
- Asked where I was from, where I was going
- Checked license, insurance, MOT
- Chatted about vanlife for 5 minutes
- Left me alone
Interaction 2 (Suspicious parking):
- Parked in industrial estate late at night (needed quiet spot)
- Police knocked, asked what I was doing
- Explained I was sleeping, showed them inside (tidy, clearly not dealing drugs)
- They laughed, said “fair enough, have a good night”
Interaction 3 (Number plate obscured):
- Been driving on muddy tracks
- Police stopped me, couldn’t read rear plate
- Asked me to clean it (fair)
- Gave me cloth and water from their car
- No ticket, just warning
The lesson: Be polite, cooperative, honest. Most police don’t care about people sleeping in vans. They care about crime, safety, and not being lied to.
If asked to move on: Just move on. Arguing achieves nothing. Thank them politely, drive somewhere else.
Towing with Your Campervan
Many van lifers tow trailers (bikes, tools, extra storage). Rules are specific.
What You Can Tow on Different Licences
Category B (standard license):
- Trailer up to 750kg MAM (no additional test needed)
- Trailer over 750kg IF combined MAM of van + trailer doesn’t exceed 3,500kg
- For anything bigger: Need B+E license (car + trailer test)
Category C1:
- Trailer up to 750kg MAM
- For heavier trailers: Need C1+E
Towing Speed Limits
Even slower than vans alone:
- Built-up areas: 30mph
- Single carriageways: 50mph
- Dual carriageways: 60mph
- Motorways: 60mph (NOT 70mph)
Critical: These apply even if your van is registered as motor caravan. Towing changes the rules.
Towing Requirements
Your van needs:
- Approved towbar (fitted properly)
- Working lights on trailer (connected via 7-pin or 13-pin socket)
- Proper breakaway cable
- Trailer registration if over 750kg
- Insurance covering trailer (check policy)
The trailer needs:
- VIN plate showing MAM
- Working lights (brake, indicator, number plate)
- Proper coupling that fits your towbar
- Secure load
- Correct tire pressure
Common mistake: Using a trailer without checking it’s legal. I’ve seen people tow unregistered trailers, trailers with broken lights, and trailers loaded beyond their MAM.
All of these are illegal and can result in fines (£100-£1,000) plus points on license (3-6).
Load Security: This Gets Checked
Police and DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) can stop you and inspect your load.
Legal Requirements
All loads must be:
- Secured so they can’t fall off
- Distributed so vehicle remains stable
- Not projecting dangerously
- Not obscuring lights, reflectors, or number plates
Penalties for insecure loads:
- £100 fixed penalty
- 3 points on license
- Potentially dangerous loads: Court appearance, up to £5,000 fine
What This Means for Campervans
Inside the van:
Technically, loose items inside are part of your load. In a crash or sudden stop, unsecured items become projectiles.
Heavy items (batteries, gas bottles, water tanks) MUST be secured. Strapped down, bracketed, or in proper housings.
Furniture should be secured to van structure. Screwed to walls, floor, or frame.
I’ve seen people get pulled over and checked. Police looked inside, saw unsecured gas bottles, issued verbal warning. Could have been a fine.
External storage:
Roof boxes, rear storage, bike racks — all must be properly secured with appropriate fixings.
I use:
- Thule roof bars (£150) with proper mounting
- Fiamma bike rack (£200) bolted to van
- External storage box secured with M10 bolts (not just adhesive)
Never had issues with police, but I’ve seen people with poorly secured roof boxes get stopped and fined.
European Travel: Taking Your Van Abroad
Many UK van lifers tour Europe. Additional requirements apply.
Essential Documents
You need:
- Valid driving licence
- Vehicle registration document (V5C)
- Valid insurance with European cover
- MOT certificate (if applicable)
- Passport (obviously)
You might need:
- International Driving Permit (for some countries outside EU)
- Green Card (insurance proof – some insurers still issue these)
- V103 form if van is company-owned or you’re borrowing it
Legal Requirements for Europe
GB sticker/number plate:
UK vehicles need GB identifier visible from rear. Can be:
- GB sticker on rear of vehicle
- Number plate with GB on it
Headlight beam deflectors:
UK headlights dip to left (for UK driving). In Europe (driving on right), you need deflectors to adjust beam pattern.
Cost: £5-£8 for stick-on deflectors
My experience: Bought deflectors at Dover for £6. Takes 2 minutes to fit. Mandatory in most European countries.
High-vis vests:
Many countries require high-vis vests for all occupants in case of breakdown.
Cost: £3-£5 for a set
Where required: France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, many others
Warning triangle:
Required in most European countries.
Cost: £5-£10
Spare bulbs:
Some countries (France, Spain) require spare bulb kit.
Cost: £10-£15
Reality: Rarely checked, but required technically.
Fire extinguisher (some countries):
Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey require fire extinguisher in vehicle.
Cost: £15-£25
Insurance for Europe
Check your policy for:
- How many days cover in Europe (often 30-90 days)
- Which countries covered (some exclude eastern Europe or Turkey)
- Breakdown cover in Europe
- Whether you’re covered for full-time living abroad
My policy: 90 days European cover per trip, breakdown cover via separate policy (RAC Europe, £120/year).
I’ve toured Europe twice. Never needed breakdown cover but glad I had it.
Speed Limits in Europe
Vary by country. Examples:
France:
- Built-up: 50km/h
- Country roads: 80km/h
- Motorways: 130km/h (reduced in rain)
Spain:
- Built-up: 50km/h
- Country roads: 90km/h
- Motorways: 120km/h
Germany:
- Built-up: 50km/h
- Country roads: 100km/h
- Motorways: Often no limit (recommended 130km/h)
For vans over 3.5t: Usually limited to 80-100km/h on motorways across Europe.
Common Myths and Misconceptions
Myth 1: “If I convert my van to a camper, it’s automatically a motor caravan”
False.
Your vehicle classification is what’s on your V5C, not what you’ve built inside. You need to apply to DVLA to change classification.
Myth 2: “I can sleep anywhere as long as I’m not causing a problem”
Partly true, mostly false.
While many places tolerate overnight parking, there’s no automatic legal right to sleep in your vehicle on public roads in England/Wales. Scotland has better access rights, but even there you can be moved on.
Myth 3: “Speed limits don’t apply to me because I’m in a converted camper”
False.
Speed limits are based on vehicle type and MAM, not interior fitout. If you’re classified as a van, van limits apply. If motor caravan, car limits apply. Check your V5C.
Myth 4: “I don’t need to declare my conversion to insurance”
False and dangerous.
Undeclared modifications can void insurance. Always declare conversions, upgrades, and modifications.
Myth 5: “Police can’t make me move if I’m legally parked”
False.
Police have powers to move vehicles causing obstruction, likely to cause danger, or in anti-camping bylaw areas. Technically legal parking doesn’t prevent being moved on.
Myth 6: “Motor caravan classification reduces my insurance”
Sometimes true, often false.
Some insurers charge MORE for motor caravans (higher theft risk, higher value). Check before changing V5C classification.
Enforcement: What Actually Happens
DVSA Roadside Checks
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency run roadside checks, especially for commercial vehicles.
They check:
- Vehicle condition (tires, lights, brakes)
- Load security
- Driver hours (if applicable)
- License validity
- Insurance and MOT
- Emissions compliance
Penalties range from:
- Verbal warnings
- Fixed penalties (£100-£300)
- Prohibition notice (van impounded until fixed)
- Court summons for serious offenses
My experience: Never been stopped by DVSA (yet). But I’ve seen them operating on A-roads, mostly checking commercial vans and lorries. Campervans less commonly targeted, but they can stop anyone.
Police Traffic Stops
Reasons police stop campervans:
- Random checks
- Suspicious behavior/location
- Traffic offenses (speeding, running lights)
- Intelligence (vehicle reported)
- ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) hits
What they check:
- License validity
- Insurance
- MOT
- Vehicle condition
- Driver sobriety
- Load security (sometimes)
Your rights:
You must provide:
- Name and address
- License (or take test within 7 days)
- Insurance details
- MOT details
You don’t have to:
- Let them search without grounds
- Answer questions about where you’ve been/going (though being cooperative helps)
- Consent to vehicle search without reasonable grounds
My approach: Polite, cooperative, honest. I’ve never had a problem because I keep everything legal and don’t give them reasons to investigate further.
Parking Enforcement
Council wardens can:
- Issue tickets for parking violations
- Arrange for vehicle removal (if causing obstruction)
- Enforce parking restrictions
They can’t:
- Force you to move immediately (unless police present)
- Enter your vehicle
- Demand to see inside
Private parking companies can:
- Issue parking charges (not fines – legally different)
- Pursue charges through courts
- Clamp in some circumstances (rare now)
They can’t:
- Physically stop you leaving
- Demand payment on the spot
- Tow your vehicle (usually)
Regional Differences: England vs Scotland vs Wales
Scotland
Most van-friendly region:
- Scottish Outdoor Access Code permits wild camping
- Less enforcement of overnight parking
- More tolerance generally
- Camping management zones in popular areas (Loch Lomond, etc.)
My experience: Spent 4 months touring Scotland. Moved on once (camping bylaw area). Otherwise completely hassle-free.
Wales
Middle ground:
- Similar rules to England technically
- More rural, less enforcement
- Some areas very van-friendly
- Popular spots (Snowdonia, Pembrokeshire coast) have more restrictions
My experience: Wales is generally tolerant. Coastal car parks often have “no overnight” signs but enforcement varies.
England
Most restrictive:
- Technically no right to wild camp
- More enforcement in popular areas
- Many car parks have explicit overnight parking bans
- Urban areas least tolerant
My experience: England requires more careful spot selection. I’ve been moved on 3-4 times in England vs once in Scotland.
Penalties Reference Table
Quick reference for common offenses:
| Offense | Penalty | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Driving without correct license category | £1,000 | 3-6 |
| No insurance | £300 fixed / Unlimited court fine | 6-8 |
| No MOT | £1,000 | 0 |
| Speeding (minor) | £100 | 3 |
| Speeding (major) | £1,000-£2,500 | 3-6 or ban |
| Insecure load | £100-£5,000 | 3 |
| Parking violation | £70-£130 | 0 |
| Towing overweight | £300 | 3 |
| Obstructing highway | £1,000 | 3 |
| Using phone while driving | £200 | 6 |
| No seatbelt | £100 | 0 |
Practical Tips for Staying Legal
1. Keep Physical Documents Accessible
In my van I keep:
- Driving licence (always on me)
- Insurance documents (folder in cab)
- MOT certificate (folder in cab)
- V5C photocopy (original stored safely)
- Breakdown cover details (phone number essential)
Police can check most of this electronically now, but having physical documents makes stops quicker.
2. Know Your Van’s Vital Stats
Memorize or have written down:
- MAM (maximum authorized mass)
- Actual unladen weight
- Payload capacity
- VIN number
- License plate
- Insurance policy number
You’ll need these for:
- Weighbridges
- Police checks
- Border crossings
- Insurance claims
- MOT bookings
3. Regular Checks
Weekly:
- Tire pressures (critically important when loaded)
- Lights (all of them – brake, indicators, reverse, fog)
- Number plates visible and clean
Monthly:
- Tire tread depth (legal minimum 1.6mm, I replace at 3mm)
- Screen wash topped up
- Coolant and oil levels
Before long trips:
- Full vehicle walk-around check
- Load security check
- Document check (insurance, MOT current)
4. Weight Management
Get your van weighed fully loaded. Weighbridges cost £5-£20 for a weigh-in.
Why this matters:
- Confirms you’re under your MAM
- Shows actual payload remaining
- Evidence if ever questioned
I got my van weighed at a quarry weighbridge. Fully loaded with water, food, gear: 3,280kg. My MAM is 3,500kg. That gives me 220kg buffer, which is reassuring.
Where to weigh:
- Public weighbridges (Google “weighbridge near me”)
- Some council sites
- Quarries and agricultural suppliers
- Truck stops
5. Join a Van Community
Facebook groups, forums, or local meetups provide:
- Real-time updates on enforcement changes
- Warnings about parking crackdowns
- Advice on legal grey areas
- Support if you get into trouble
I’m in three UK vanlife Facebook groups. The community has warned me about parking crackdowns, shared legal updates, and helped when I had insurance questions.
What to Do If Stopped by Police
Stay calm. Most interactions are routine.
Be polite. “Good morning officer” goes a long way.
Be honest. Lying or being evasive makes things worse.
Provide requested documents: License, insurance, MOT.
You can ask: “Am I suspected of an offense?” and “Am I free to go?”
You don’t have to: Answer questions about your trip, where you’re staying, or personal details beyond name/address.
If they want to search your van:
- They need reasonable grounds (suspicion of crime/drugs/weapons)
- You can refuse consent
- They can search anyway if they have grounds
- Ask for their name, badge number, and reason for search
My experience: I’ve always been cooperative and honest. One officer asked if he could look inside (checking I wasn’t a drug dealer). I said yes, showed him my tidy camper conversion, he laughed and left. Being defensive would have made it worse.
If you receive a ticket or penalty:
- Get details in writing
- Note officer’s name/number
- Take photos if relevant
- Don’t argue at the roadside (deal with it later)
Future Changes to Watch (2025 and Beyond)
Clean Air Zones (CAZ):
More cities implementing CAZ (London, Birmingham, Bristol, Bath, others following).
What this means:
- Older vans (pre-Euro 6 diesel, pre-2006 petrol) pay daily charges
- Charges vary: £8-£12.50 per day typically
- Some CAZ zones exempt motor caravans (check local rules)
My van: Euro 6 compliant (2019), so CAZ-exempt currently.
Road pricing:
Government considering road pricing schemes (pay per mile). May affect vans differently than cars.
Status: Proposed, not implemented yet. Watch this space.
Electric van requirements:
As electric vans become common, expect infrastructure for charging and regulations for electrical installations in conversions.
Updated wild camping legislation:
Some councils pushing for stricter overnight parking bans. Scotland considering changes to access rights in over-visited areas.
Trend: Generally getting stricter, not more relaxed.
Resources and Useful Contacts
DVLA:
- Website: gov.uk/browse/driving/drivers-licences
- Phone: 0300 790 6801
- For V5C changes, license queries, vehicle classification
GOV.UK:
- gov.uk/driving-laws-uk
- Official source for all UK driving law
DVSA:
- gov.uk/government/organisations/driver-and-vehicle-standards-agency
- Vehicle standards, MOT, roadside enforcement
Camping and Caravanning Club:
- campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk
- Legal advice, site database, insurance services
Scottish Outdoor Access Code:
- outdooraccess-scotland.scot
- Wild camping rules and guidance for Scotland
Park4Night app:
- User-generated database of parking spots
- Shows legal status (often user-reported, verify independently)
Final Thoughts: It’s Easier Than It Looks
UK driving laws for campervans seem complicated at first. License categories, weight limits, speed limits, classifications — it’s a lot.
But in practice, if you:
- Check your licence covers your van’s MAM
- Keep insurance, MOT, and VED current
- Drive at appropriate speed limits
- Park considerately and move when asked
- Secure your load and keep vehicle maintained
You’ll be absolutely fine.
I’ve done three years full-time, driven thousands of miles, parked hundreds of places, and been stopped three times with zero fines or penalties.
The key: Don’t try to game the system. Just follow the rules, keep documents current, be respectful to authorities and local residents.
Most police, wardens, and officials are reasonable. If you’re legal, cooperative, and not causing problems, they’ll leave you alone.
And on the rare occasion something goes wrong? Deal with it calmly. Pay the fine if it’s fair, appeal if it’s not, and move on with your life.
Vanlife in the UK is absolutely doable within the law. You just need to know the rules and follow them.
Got specific legal questions about your situation? I’m not a lawyer (obviously), but I’ve been through most scenarios. Drop me a message through the contact page and I’ll share what I know.