How long can a caravan be parked by the roadside? Why does a two-week limit apply to detached caravans, but not to motorhomes? And when do vehicle tax, main inspection, or gas inspection become due?
Owners of caravans and motorhomes face different regulations in Germany. Knowing these rules helps avoid fines, unnecessary costs, and trouble with authorities.
Confusion often arises over parking in public spaces. While a licensed motorhome can generally stay on an appropriate parking lot for an extended period, stricter rules apply to detached caravans.
Additional regulations cover vehicle technology, propane gas systems, and ongoing costs.
Here’s what you need to know.
Caravans: Why Is Only Two Weeks of Parking Allowed?
The well-known two-week rule is outlined in § 12 Absatz 3b of the German Road Traffic Act (StVO).
Under this rule, trailers—including detached caravans—may not be parked at the same location for more than two weeks.
This prevents public parking spaces from being used as permanent storage for trailers.
A caravan cannot simply remain parked for months by the roadside, even if it is properly registered and insured.
What Happens After 14 Days?
After the two-week period expires, the caravan must be removed from the location.
Shifting it a few meters to reset the clock is not sufficient. What matters is whether a new parking maneuver occurs at a different spot.
If you need to park your caravan longer, use a private storage space or a designated parking area.
Does the Two-Week Rule Apply When the Caravan Is Attached?
The special two-week rule applies only to detached trailers.
If the caravan is properly attached to a towing vehicle, the rule does not apply.
However, this does not mean a caravan tow can park indefinitely anywhere. Traffic signs, parking restrictions, local regulations, and general StVO rules still apply.
The tow must also not obstruct or endanger traffic.
Motorhomes: No General Two-Week Limit
Licensed and operational motorhomes are not subject to a two-week limit in public parking spaces.
They can stay on an approved public parking area for as long as the parking is permitted and no additional restrictions apply.
The vehicle must be parked within designated areas and must not block entrances. The total weight also plays a role.
Heavy Motorhomes Face Additional Rules
Vehicles with a total weight exceeding 7.5 tons face special nighttime and Sunday parking restrictions in certain areas (§ 12 Abs. 3a StVO).
These restrictions apply primarily to residential areas and other locations specified in the StVO.
They mainly affect large and heavy recreational vehicles.
For vehicles under 7.5 tons, this weight-dependent restriction does not apply.
However, traffic signs may still limit parking for smaller motorhomes.
Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, and Frankfurt: Where Do Special Rules Apply?
The nationwide two-week rule for detached caravans applies in Germany’s major cities as well.
There is no blanket exception, such as seven days in Munich or three weeks in Hamburg.
Differences arise from local parking regulations.
Berlin
In Berlin, caravan and motorhome owners must pay close attention to resident parking zones, parking management, and traffic signs.
Not every parking spot is suitable for larger recreational vehicles.
The Berlin environmental zone may also be relevant for certain motorhomes.
Hamburg
In Hamburg, the same nationwide parking rules apply.
Local parking restrictions, resident parking areas, and designated motorhome parking spots also apply.
In densely populated residential areas, owners of larger vehicles should ensure adequate clearance for passage.
Munich
In Munich, parking spaces are often limited.
Resident parking zones and local traffic signs may restrict the use of public parking.
The Munich environmental zone is also relevant for motorhomes.
Cologne
In Cologne, the nationwide two-week rule for detached caravans applies.
Resident parking areas and managed parking zones may have additional restrictions.
The Cologne environmental zone is relevant for certain motorhomes.
Frankfurt am Main
In Frankfurt, general StVO rules apply.
Local parking regulations and the Frankfurt environmental zone also apply.
Owners of larger motorhomes should check whether the parking spot is suitable for their vehicle.
Important: The city alone does not determine the allowed parking duration. The specific street, signage, and vehicle type are usually decisive.
Parking or Camping: What’s the Difference?
A parked motorhome is not automatically a campsite.
If you simply park your vehicle on a public lot, you are generally using the space for parking.
However, if you set up an awning, camping furniture, or other equipment outside the vehicle, the use of public space may extend beyond parking.
Overnight stays must also be distinguished.
A necessary rest stop to restore driving fitness may be allowed under certain conditions.
However, a multi-day camping stay on a regular public parking lot is not automatically permitted.
Caravans also follow general traffic rules and possible local usage restrictions.
If you want to stay longer, use a campsite or an approved parking area.
Vehicle Tax: How Much Does a Caravan Cost?
Caravans are taxed as trailers under German law.
A standard registered caravan is subject to vehicle tax.
The tax is based on the legally permitted total weight (§ 8 KraftStG, § 9 KraftStG).
For ordinary trailers, the tax is €7.46 per 200 kilograms of permitted total weight, up to a maximum of €373.24 per year.
A caravan with a total weight of 1,500 kilograms is taxed in eight increments of 200 kilograms, resulting in an annual tax of €59.68.
The tax obligation begins with registration and does not end simply because the caravan is stored unused for an extended period (§ 5 KraftStG).
If the caravan is properly deregistered, the tax obligation ends according to legal rules.
Vehicle Tax for Motorhomes: Weight and Emissions Class Decide
Motorhomes are taxed under special rules of the German Vehicle Tax Act.
The permitted total weight and relevant emissions class are decisive factors.
Unlike a standard car, CO₂ emissions are not the sole determining factor.
The tax is calculated based on legally defined weight brackets.
Depending on the emissions class, significant differences may arise.
For older motorhomes, it is particularly important to check the vehicle documents.
The tax obligation begins with registration.
If you use your motorhome only during the camping season, you can also consider a seasonal license plate to align the registration periods and costs with actual usage.
Gas Inspection: Mandatory Since June 2025
A key change affects propane gas systems in recreational vehicles.
Since June 19, 2025, there has been a separate inspection requirement for such systems in caravans and motorhomes, as outlined in § 60 StVZO.
The inspection must be carried out every two years.
This requirement applies to permanently installed propane gas systems used for cooking, heating, or operating an absorption refrigerator.
Gas Inspection Is Not the Same as TÜV
The gas inspection is legally separate from the main inspection.
A vehicle can have a valid main inspection while lacking the required gas inspection—and vice versa.
The inspection must be performed by a qualified professional.
It includes checking the condition and safety of the propane gas system.
Failure to comply with the inspection requirement can result in a warning or fine, depending on the duration of the violation.
Main Inspection: These Intervals Apply
The main inspection intervals differ between caravans and motorhomes (§ 29 StVZO).
Caravans
For standard caravans under 3.5 tons, the main inspection is required every two years.
Heavier trailers may have shorter intervals, depending on vehicle class and total weight.
Motorhomes
For motorhomes under 3.5 tons, the first main inspection is due after 36 months, followed by inspections every 24 months.
Heavier motorhomes may have shorter intervals based on weight and vehicle age.
Owners of larger recreational vehicles should verify the deadlines based on their vehicle documents or the last inspection certificate.
Safety During Extended Parking
Many caravans and motorhomes are not used for several weeks in autumn or winter.
Beyond legal requirements, practical vehicle safety is also important. For technical upgrades, see our article on technical upgrades for campers.
Batteries should be regularly checked and recharged if necessary.
Tires, seals, and interior moisture should also be inspected.
If parking on a public or private lot, ensure proper theft protection. For more details, see our article on preventing break-ins in caravans and motorhomes.
Electronic monitoring systems, such as an app-based alarm system like our overview of smartphone alarm systems for campers, can complement mechanical security—but always comply with data protection laws and avoid unauthorized surveillance of public areas.
The Key Differences at a Glance
| Regulation | Caravan | Motorhome |
|---|---|---|
| Parking in public road space | Detached: max. two weeks at the same location | No general two-week limit |
| Parking with towing vehicle | Two-week rule does not apply | Not applicable |
| Vehicle tax | Based on permitted total weight | Based on weight and emissions class |
| Main inspection | Up to 3.5 tons: every two years | Up to 3.5 tons: first after three years, then every two years |
| Gas inspection | Every two years (if equipped with propane) | Every two years (if equipped with propane) |
| Overnighting | No general permission for camping in public spaces | Necessary rest stop may be allowed |
| Environmental zone | No sticker required for the caravan itself; check towing vehicle | Relevant depending on vehicle and local environmental zone |
Conclusion: Caravans and Motorhomes Face Different Legal Treatment
The most important distinction is parking: a detached caravan may stay for no more than two weeks at the same location in public spaces, while a licensed and operational motorhome is not subject to this limit.
Additional differences apply to taxes, main inspections, and technical requirements.
The gas inspection, mandatory since June 2025, applies to both caravans and motorhomes with propane systems.
If you plan to park your recreational vehicle for an extended period or regularly in public spaces, always check local signage alongside national regulations.
Editorial Note: Legal bases and calculation rules were verified using the latest versions on gesetze-im-internet.de. This guide (as of October 2026) is for general information only and does not replace legal advice. Local parking rules and potential fines may vary and should be verified on-site or with the relevant authorities.