Traveling abroad with a motorhome: These rules do not apply everywhere as they do in Germany.

Traveling abroad in a motorhome promises freedom, but also brings new legal risks. What is permitted in Germany can be expensive or even illegal across the border. Anyone exploring Europe should be familiar with the most important national regulations to avoid fines, problems with authorities, and an early end to their trip.

Why German rules don't apply abroad

Traveling through Europe or neighboring regions in a motorhome promises adventure and a sense of independence, but hidden legal pitfalls often lurk beyond the borders. What is taken for granted in Germany can quickly become expensive abroad or even bring the trip to an abrupt end. Motorhome travelers navigate a patchwork of regulations that sometimes differ significantly from those at home.

Anyone who wants to stay legally on the safe side while traveling should take their preparations for a trip abroad seriously and think far beyond just packing suitcases and food supplies. Often, it's seemingly minor things like a full spare fuel canister that can lead to unpleasant situations abroad.

While German laws often allow some leeway for "restoring fitness to drive" or permit generous amounts of fuel, other countries show no such leniency. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the subtle differences in the fine print of the respective traffic regulations before turning the ignition key.

The reserve canister: A dangerous supply

In Germany, it is perfectly legal to carry larger quantities of fuel in suitable containers, as long as safety is guaranteed. Up to 240 liters (distributed among smaller containers) are theoretically permitted for private use in a vehicle, although experts usually recommend a maximum of 10 to 20 liters. This leniency, however, can quickly become a problem abroad.

In Greece, Bulgaria or Luxembourg, carrying fuel in canisters is generally prohibited, often for fire safety reasons on ferries or to combat fuel smuggling.

The situation is particularly tricky in countries like Poland or Switzerland. While small quantities are permitted, they must be declared to customs once a certain number of liters is exceeded. Entering a country with a 20-liter canister without declaring it can result in hefty fines for tax evasion.

In Italy and Spain, however, exactly 10 liters are permitted. Ignoring these details can lead to the fuel being disposed of under supervision at the border, incurring hefty fines.

The after-work beer and the "drunk in charge" trap

In Germany, there's a clear distinction: the blood alcohol limit applies while driving, but you can enjoy the evening in a safe parking area. Abroad, however, these lines become blurred. In countries like the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia, a strict 0.0 blood alcohol limit applies.

Many campers underestimate the legal situation when their vehicle is parked, especially in the UK. The offense of "drunk in charge of a motor vehicle" means that anyone sleeping in their campervan while intoxicated is legally considered "responsible for the vehicle." Even if the engine is cold and the curtains are drawn, the mere presence of the vehicle keys inside can be enough to justify an arrest. In such cases, the police assume that the intention to drive could arise at any moment.

Similarly strict rules can apply in public parking lots in Italy or Croatia, where "camping" is strictly separated from mere parking. A glass of wine in front of a camper van in a regular parking space can violate both alcohol bans in public spaces and camping bans.

Infrastructure in focus: When the camera becomes a danger

Photography is as essential to travel as water is to cooking. But while freedom of panorama allows almost anything in Germany, this freedom ends abruptly in many southern and eastern European countries when it comes to strategic infrastructure.

Taking a mobile phone photo of a historical building while traveling in Germany is legal and can be done without legal problems. The prerequisite is that the photo is taken from public land and does not include any interior spaces or private property. However, abroad, a seemingly harmless vacation photo can have unexpected legal consequences.

Extra caution is advised in Greece and Turkey. Outside of the main tourist areas, bridges, tunnels, port facilities, or even military border posts can quickly arouse suspicion of espionage if photographed. Warning signs are not always present or are easy to miss, but the authorities take this very seriously.

Even in countries like Romania, holding up a camera at train stations or highway overpasses can lead to lengthy police questioning. It's advisable to keep your lens down if in doubt, especially around official structures. This isn't just a matter of courtesy, but a necessary precaution.

Technical aids as an expensive risk

Radar detectors are a well-known legal gray area in Germany, while abroad the situation is often crystal clear and draconian. In Switzerland or Austria, simply carrying a ready-to-use radar detector can lead to fines in the four-figure range.

The legal situation is even more extreme in France. In the worst-case scenario, the vehicle can even be confiscated. Dashcams are also effectively banned in some countries due to strict data protection laws.

Wild camping and the legend of fitness to drive

In Germany, overnight stays in motorhomes are permitted for the purpose of "restoring fitness to drive" and are used by many campers as a last resort. However, this concept cannot simply be transferred to other countries. In the Netherlands, overnight stays in vehicles outside of official campsites are generally prohibited. Strict controls ensure that violations rarely go unnoticed. In Austria, even visible signs of occupancy, such as extended awnings or open windows, can lead to sometimes hefty fines.

Conclusion: Preparation is the best travel companion.

Traveling through foreign countries in a motorhome requires a high degree of personal responsibility. Those who inform themselves about the respective rules beforehand and respect local customs can travel more relaxed and avoid unpleasant surprises. Knowledge of national regulations not only protects against high costs and problems with authorities, but also ensures that the holiday remains truly carefree.