Motorhoming to Spain this year? 

Embarking on a Spanish road trip by car, camper, or motorhome is an exhilarating experience, but like any popular travel destination, it pays to stay sharp. While the vast majority of your journey will be trouble-free, it is wise to be aware of common deceptive practices that occasionally target international travelers.

Here is a guide to help you recognize and avoid these situations so you can keep your adventure focused on the scenery rather than the stress.

1. The Manufactured Vehicle Emergency

This is a classic ruse. You may be driving along when someone in another vehicle—often a car or a motorbike—starts gesturing frantically, honking, or pointing at your tires or the rear of your camper. They are attempting to coerce you into pulling over.

The goal is to get you to stop in an isolated area. Once you exit your vehicle, they may offer "assistance" while an accomplice uses the distraction to slip into your motorhome or car to steal valuables.

• How to stay safe: If your vehicle is handling normally and you haven't received any dashboard warnings, keep driving. If you feel uneasy and want to check your vehicle, wait until you reach a secure, busy, and well-lit location, such as a fuel station or a staffed service area. Always ensure your cabin and habitation doors are locked the moment you step out.

• Pro Tip: While these distractions are often malicious, keep a level head. If you have genuine mechanical concerns, the safest approach is always to continue to the next official service station to inspect your vehicle in a secure environment.

2. Impersonation of Law Enforcement

You might occasionally be approached by individuals in plain clothes who display a badge or official-looking insignia, claiming to be police. They may demand to see your identification, passport, or wallet, and often attempt to levy a "fine" on the spot.

• How to stay safe: Authentic Spanish police officers rarely conduct random stops in this manner. If you are stopped, remain inside your vehicle with the doors locked. Ask to see official identification through a slightly opened window. If you remain skeptical, politely inform them you will follow them to the nearest police station to resolve the matter. If they are imposters, they will typically leave immediately. In any emergency, call 112.

3. Service Station Distractions

When stopping for fuel, it is easy to let your guard down. A common tactic involves one person initiating a conversation or pointing out something on the ground to distract you while an accomplice attempts to access your passenger door or the rear of your camper to snatch bags or electronics.

• How to stay safe: Establish a routine of locking your vehicle doors every single time you exit, even if you are just walking a few meters to the payment kiosk. Keep high-value items out of plain sight and be particularly vigilant at busy motorway service areas where perpetrators can quickly blend into the crowd or make a rapid exit.

4. Coerced Parking Fees

In certain urban areas, you may be approached by individuals wearing high-visibility vests who claim to be official parking attendants. They will demand payment to "watch" your vehicle, even in public, free-parking zones, and may threaten to damage your car if you refuse.

• How to stay safe: Always check for official signage confirming parking regulations. If in doubt, prioritize using designated parking machines or official, gated car parks. When possible, stick to recognized, secure motorhome stopovers (Aires).

A Note on General Security (Pickpockets)

Beyond road-specific schemes, be mindful of pickpockets in crowded tourist hubs, busy markets, and festivals. These individuals are highly skilled at bypassing zippers and pockets.

• Prevention: Use secure, cross-body bags with locking zippers. Keep wallets and passports in internal, zipped pockets or a dedicated money belt. Be aware that even if a bag is worn on your front, determined thieves may use blades to cut the bottom of bags to retrieve items without you feeling a thing.

Final Advice for a Smooth Journey

While it is important to be prepared, do not let these warnings dampen your excitement for Spain. Most of these issues are universal challenges found in major cities across the globe.

• Trust Your Instincts: If a situation feels wrong, simply drive away. Genuine police stops involve flashing lights, official uniforms, and highly visible vehicles.

• Dash Cams: These are a fantastic tool for documentation and added security. They are perfectly legal in Spain.

• Gibraltar Update: If your travels take you near Gibraltar, note that recent agreements clarify that while it remains outside the Schengen Zone, time spent there by non-residents will contribute toward your 90/180-day travel allowance. Additionally, if you are not a Spanish resident, you are not required to carry a V16 emergency beacon.

• Spanish V16 Emergency Light: 

• Spanish-registered vehicles: Yes, a connected V-16 beacon is mandatory. Traditional warning triangles are no longer legal.
• Foreign-registered vehicles: No, you are only legally required to carry what your home country's laws require (e.g., a warning triangle).
• Rental cars: Rental companies in Spain are required to provide a compliant V-16 beacon in the vehicle.

Stay alert, keep your doors locked, and enjoy the beautiful Spanish landscape!

 If you found this guide helpful and want to dive deeper into the world of motorhoming, I’d love to have you along for the ride! You can follow my latest adventures and tips over on my YouTube channel, Johnny Burr, or keep up with my daily travels on Instagram @johnnyburr3. As a content creator for Caravan Radio, I’m always sharing new insights, and I’d love for you to join our growing online family. We have a fantastic community where we share routes, technical advice, and the best hidden spots—so come join the conversation in my Facebook groups, Motorhome Touring Scotland and Motorhome Touring The UK and Europe, or hop over to my Motorhome Touring Discord server to chat with me and the rest of the crew!

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