Safety & Legal

Conversion rules, certification, weight limits, gas, electrical and wild-camping rights — by country.

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Netherlands

Kampeerwagen registration (RDW)

A camper van in the Netherlands is legally defined as a kampeerwagen and must meet RDW criteria: a fixed bed of at least 180×60 cm, a fixed table, seating area, storage space and cooking facilities — all permanently fixed (not removable). Registering as a camper (instead of a bestelbus) affects road tax (motorrijtuigenbelasting), insurance and toll/ferry charges.

BPM warning. When you buy a commercial van (bestelauto) and convert it, you may owe BPM based on CO₂ emissions and first-registration date. On a new Sprinter this can easily be €3,000–8,000. If you convert a used bestelauto yourself, you must report this to the Belastingdienst and pay BPM — failing to do so is tax fraud. If the vehicle was already registered as a camper by the manufacturer, no additional BPM applies. Open the official BPM calculator ↗

RDW kentekening

After conversion you must notify the RDW. The RDW may require a physical inspection (~€50–150). The vehicle category on the kentekenbewijs changes from N1 (commercial) to M1 (passenger) or a special camper category. Bring: proof of permanent fixtures, photos of the interior and a gas certificate if applicable.

APK (annual inspection)

Covers lighting, brakes, steering, emissions, tyres, bodywork. After conversion the inspector also checks gas tightness, presence of a CO detector for combustion heating, and that the vehicle is within registered weight. Tip: tell the APK station in advance it is a converted camper.

Useful links — Netherlands

RDW vehicle registration Belastingdienst BPM NEN gas/electrical standards Park4Night Campercontact

Always applies

General rules — all countries

Weight management

Always know your maximum load. Weigh fully loaded at least once. Overloading is dangerous, illegal and invalidates insurance everywhere.

Seatbelts & seating

Every person travelling must sit in an approved seat with a working belt. Travelling in the living area while moving is illegal unless seats and belts are fully certified.

Gas safety

Gas detector at floor level for LPG/propane. Never use gas appliances while driving. Never sleep with a gas appliance burning without ventilation. Annual check of hoses and connections.

CO safety

Carbon monoxide is odourless and kills silently. Fit a CO detector near the sleeping area. Never run combustion appliances in an enclosed space without ventilation.

Fire safety

Smoke detector and at least one fire extinguisher. Keep escape routes clear. Lithium batteries need a BMS with thermal protection.

Insurance

Always inform your insurer about the conversion. Failing to disclose modifications invalidates your policy. Specialist camper insurance is often cheaper.

Wild camping etiquette

Leave no trace, arrive late and leave early, don't block access, respect residents, take all waste with you, no fires where prohibited.