UK Vanlife: What You Need to Know About New Parking and ULEZ Laws and Europe changes to the Law.
Living full-time in a van remains legal in the UK, provided the vehicle meets all legal requirements—such as being taxed, insured, having a valid MOT, and being roadworthy. However, more and more local authorities are bringing in measures to limit overnight stays, particularly in high-traffic or picturesque locations. While there’s no blanket law against it, many well-loved areas now display warning signs and issue fines to deter overnight parking or wild camping.
✅ Vanlife Legal Update: UK & Europe Summary (2025)
Vanlife is still fully legal in the UK, as long as your campervan or motorhome is taxed, insured, MOT-certified, and roadworthy. But in practice, more councils are cracking down on overnight stays in laybys, beauty spots, and coastal car parks. Signs are going up, and fines are becoming more common.
Across Europe, the picture is even tougher. Countries like Greece, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic are introducing stricter rules—banning wild camping in forests, on beaches, and even in some private areas. Only official campsites or motorhome areas are now accepted in many regions.
If you’re planning a van trip in 2025 and beyond, compliance is key. You’ll need to carry country-specific safety gear (hi-vis vests, warning triangles, first-aid kits), display the correct UK stickers, and follow stay limits in the Schengen zone (90 days in 180).
