The practical and legal basics of living or travelling in a campervan in the UK: licences and weight limits, speed limits, insurance and conversions, where you can park overnight, power and internet for remote work, safety and costs.
Travelling in a campervan or living in one part-time is popular, and it can be a cheaper way to see the UK. But there are legal and practical issues that catch people out, from driving licence weight limits to where you can actually sleep. This guide covers the basics. It's general information, not legal advice.
Licences and weight
A standard car licence (category B) lets you drive vehicles with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of up to 3,500 kg. Many larger motorhomes exceed this. If you passed your test before 1 January 1997, you usually also have category C1, covering vehicles up to 7,500 kg, though you need to renew it with a medical from age 70. Drivers who passed later need to take a C1 test for heavier vehicles.
Don't overload: once you add water, gas, bikes, people and kit, a van can exceed its MAM. Use a public weighbridge to check. Driving overweight is an offence and can affect insurance.
Speed limits
Motor caravans with an unladen weight of up to 3.05 tonnes have the same limits as cars. Heavier ones have lower limits on single carriageways (50 mph) and dual carriageways (60 mph), and 70 mph on motorways. Check your vehicle's figures.
Conversions and insurance
- If you convert a van yourself, tell your insurer. Standard van insurance may not cover conversions, fitted equipment or living in the van.
- Specialist campervan or self-build insurance is available, and may require photos and evidence of the conversion.
- The DVLA can change a vehicle's body type to "motor caravan" if it meets certain criteria. This can affect insurance, speed limits and ferry or toll prices.
- Gas installations should be fitted and checked by a qualified engineer. Fit carbon monoxide and smoke alarms.
- Electrics, especially mains hook-up and inverters, should be installed safely, ideally by someone qualified.
Where can you sleep?
This is the biggest question, and the answer is less free than social media suggests.
- Campsites and certificated sites are the legal, straightforward option, with water, waste disposal and hook-up.
- Private land with permission: farms, pubs and some attractions host vans overnight, sometimes through membership schemes.
- Public roads and laybys: there's no general right to camp overnight, and local rules vary. Some councils use parking orders or Public Spaces Protection Orders to ban overnight sleeping in vehicles in certain areas. Look for signs.
- Car parks: many prohibit overnight stays or camping; some charge for overnight motorhome parking.
- Scotland: the Scottish Outdoor Access Code doesn't cover motorised vehicles, so wild camping rights don't extend to vans.
If you do stay somewhere informal, arrive late, leave early, don't set up chairs and awnings, and leave no trace.
Water and waste
Empty grey water and toilet waste only at proper disposal points, such as campsites and service stations with motorhome facilities. Dumping waste in drains or laybys is illegal and harms the environment.
Power and internet for remote work
- Leisure battery, charged by driving (via a split-charge or DC-DC charger), solar panels or mains hook-up.
- Internet: mobile data coverage varies, particularly in rural and upland areas. Check coverage maps for your route and consider a 4G/5G router with an external antenna. Satellite internet is an option where mobile signal is poor.
- Plan important video calls from places with good signal or a campsite with Wi-Fi.
Living in a van full-time
You'll still need an address for your driving licence, V5C, bank accounts and insurance. Using a friend or family member's address may be possible, but tell your insurer. Think about GP registration, voting and post. Full-time living can affect insurance and some financial products.
Costs to budget for
- fuel, which is usually the largest running cost;
- insurance, tax, MOT and maintenance;
- campsite fees, even if you only use them occasionally;
- gas, water and laundry;
- breakdown cover suited to heavier vehicles.
Frequently asked questions
Is it illegal to sleep in my van?
Not in itself, but where you park may be restricted by local rules or private land conditions.
Do I need special breakdown cover?
Some policies exclude larger or heavier vehicles, so check before you travel.
Sources and further reading
- GOV.UK: Driving licence categories
- GOV.UK: Speed limits
- GOV.UK: Change your vehicle's details (body type)
- Scottish Outdoor Access Code
- Ofcom: Mobile coverage checker
Facts checked on 20 October 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.
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Tom has visited 47 countries on a shoestring budget. He specialises in flight hacking, hostel reviews, and off-peak travel.
Last updated: 2026-04-25 · Fact-checked by editorial team
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