PARK LIFE
Can I be fined for parking a caravan on my driveway?
Find out about the little-known law that could land you in trouble
CARAVANS are a home away from home, making travelling the world feel a little more familiar for those who use them.
But where can you leave your caravan when you are at home? Here's everything you need to know.
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Are caravans allowed to be parked on driveways?
There is no specific law concerning parking your caravan on your driveway.
This means you can generally park your caravan there, just as long as it isn’t causing any obstruction and you have parked carefully and responsibly.
Owners should consider whether the way their caravan is parked poses any problem to their neighbours or other residents.
However, there are certain instances where parking a caravan on a driveway could lead to a heavy fine — or even a court summons.
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Can I be fined for parking a caravan on my driveway?
Caravan owners could be issued with a fine, or even face a court appearance, for parking on their own driveway because of a rather obscure law.
Some UK residences may contain clauses in their deeds prohibiting caravans from being parked on the driveways.
This means it is a good idea to check your property deed before assuming you can park it there.
Founder of Ripe Caravan Insurance John Woosey explained: “You can usually get hold of property deeds online via the Land Registry for a minimal fee.
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“You can be given access to the deeds for any property — not just your own — so you can check your neighbour’s deeds, too.
“This page on the Government website contains more information on how to access property deeds.
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“Caravan parking rules are also sometimes set by local authorities, so read up on the rules specific to wherever you live to ensure that you don’t get caught out.
“Ultimately, despite all the fun and excitement it can bring, owning a touring caravan is a big commitment.
“One of the many things you need to consider as a caravan owner is how and where to park your caravan when you’re not using it.
“As a sensible owner, you should consider the impact of your parking on others before picking a spot — just as you would when parking your car.”
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Can you park a caravan on the pavement?
You cannot park any vehicle on the pavement legally, never mind a caravan
As the Highway Code states: "You MUST NOT park partially or wholly on the pavement in London, and should not do so elsewhere unless signs permit it.
"Parking on the pavement can obstruct and seriously inconvenience pedestrians, people in wheelchairs or with visual impairments and people with prams or pushchairs."
Caravan driving laws
Check out our array of handy guides and explainers filled with caravan advice and laws:
- Can I be fined for towing a caravan on a motorway?
- Can you tow a caravan with an electric car?
- How to complain about your neighbour’s caravan
- Are passengers allowed to ride in a caravan that is being towed?
- Does my caravan need an MOT?
- Can I be fined for towing a caravan or trailer without taking a test?
Can I leave my caravan on the road outside of my house?
Parking a caravan on a residential road is not mentioned in the Highway Code.
The main considerations from a legal point of view are that it doesn’t cause an obstruction and isn’t parked dangerously.
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You must make sure you do the following:
- Ensure that the caravan is lit at night
- Park it with the nearside facing the pavement so the rear lights are at the rear and visible for approaching traffic
Ten things YOU should know as a car owner
To help you feel more confident as a car owner, here are ten things you should be familiar with about your vehicle:
- When is your MOT due? Find out here
- When is your car tax due? Find out here
- Is it illegal to drive barefoot?
- How many units can you drink and drive?
- What do dashboard warning lights mean?
- Is it illegal to drive without road tax?
- Can you be fined for breaking the highway code?
- How to change the address on your driving licence
- What does MOT stand for?
- Is it illegal to park across someone's driveway?
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