Rules for Caravans

Many of the rules for caravan use are the same as we have explained in relation to motorhomes, but there are some extra requirements.

Like a motorhome, a caravan is considered “parked” when it is parked in a permitted place, without exceeding the road markings and without the activity inside transcending to the outside.

Camping is only permitted in designated areas, such as campsites or parking lots designated according to the regulations of each autonomous community.

Caravans are allowed to park and stay in any suitable place, but not to camp, i.e. no external elements can be deployed. In addition, they must remain attached to the towing vehicle.

All caravans, motorhomes and campers must be homologated, comply with tax requirements and respect the coexistence with other road users. Caravans with a weight of less than 750 kg are considered light trailers and only require the technical card from their first inspection. Those with a higher weight must comply with additional technical conditions and have independent insurance.

What if you’re traveling in a caravan or trailer?

Unlike motorhomes, passengers cannot be carried in the caravan when it is being towed.

The most important thing to keep in mind when traveling in a caravan or with a trailer is the need for additional driving licence categories, which depends on the Maximum Authorised Mass (MMA).

If the MMA is less than or equal to 750 kg, no additional permit is required, so a B driving licence is sufficient as long as the car and caravan do not exceed 3,500 kg. As regards registration, it is not necessary to register the caravan, it is only necessary to have the car’s registration number in a visible place on the back of the caravan, along with repeater lighting.

For its part, for a MMA greater than 750 kg, authorisation B96 is required, which allows the transport of trailers of more than said mass as long as the set (towing vehicle and trailer) does not exceed 4,250 kg. For those sets that exceed this limit, the B+E permit is required. In addition, the trailer must be registered and have its own number plate (red), as well as that of the towing vehicle on the back, and lights of course.

Unlike what happens when the MMA is less than 750 kg, in this case, with a MMA greater than said figure, it is necessary to take out extra insurance to travel with the trailer.

As regards speed limits, caravans have specific limits depending on the type of road they are travelling on. If they are on a motorway or dual carriageway, the maximum speed allowed is 90 km/h, and on open conventional roads the limit is 80 km/h.