What is allowed: “Overnight stay to restore fitness to drive”
According to the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO § 12), it is generally permitted in Germany to spend one night in your car or camper in public parking areas, as long as there is no explicit prohibition at that location.
The crucial point is that the purpose is:
“Restoring fitness to drive” (zur Wiederherstellung der Fahrtüchtigkeit) – in other words, resting until you are able to drive safely again.
Conditions:
Only one night in the same spot.
The driver must not create a camping situation (no tables, chairs, awning, tent, etc.).
The vehicle must not cause disturbance or occupy an excessive amount of space.
What is forbidden: “Permanent or repeated camping”
In public areas, it is not allowed to:
Camp or stay overnight for extended periods, even in a closed motorhome.
Stay for more than one night or return to the same place regularly.
Set up awnings, cooking equipment, tables and chairs outside the vehicle.
Camp within city limits without explicit permission from the local authorities.
Possible fines:
| Type of offence | Possible fine |
|---|---|
| Camping in a prohibited area | €10–100 |
| Causing nuisance or leaving litter | up to €500 |
| Using private land without permission | Complaint + civil action |
| Camping in nature reserves or forests | major environmental offence |
Private land, forests and nature reserves
Private property: You need written permission from the landowner before staying overnight.
Forests: Camping or overnight stays are generally forbidden (subject to each federal state’s forest laws).
Nature reserves: Camping or staying overnight at all is strictly prohibited and can lead to high environmental fines.
Legal alternatives
Stellplätze für Wohnmobile (motorhome parking areas): Special parking spaces explicitly designated for motorhomes, some of them free of charge.
Campingplätze (campsites): Official camping sites with full facilities (sanitary blocks, electricity, waste disposal, etc.).
Apps like Park4Night (P4N) or similar, offering reliable information on legal overnight locations.
Conclusion
A single overnight stay in your vehicle for the purpose of regaining your fitness to drive is usually allowed, as long as there is no camping behaviour.
Camping outside designated areas – especially in cities, forests and nature reserves – is prohibited and subject to fines.
To avoid penalties, you should always make use of official motorhome pitches and campsites.
The editorial team of this website makes every effort to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors or incomplete details may occur. Please treat the information in this article as an initial point of reference and always consult the relevant authorities for binding and up-to-date information.
