Andorra Police Issue First Fines for Illegal Motorhome Overnight Parking
Police launched fines Wednesday targeting motorhomes parked overnight outside approved campsites and zones, ending a grace period under new regulations. Designated areas and signage aim to direct users properly.
Key Points
- Fines of 600 euros (300 euros if paid on spot) for parking outside designated areas, with vehicle immobilization for non-payment.
- Enforcement by traffic officers, security specialists, and border agents; increased signage at hotspots.
- Designated overnight sites include Santa Creu, Xixerella, and Valira campsites.
- Motorhome users protest lack of facilities and economic discrimination; locals welcome order.
Police in Andorra began issuing fines on Wednesday for motorhomes, campervans, and similar vehicles parking or staying overnight outside designated areas, following agreement with the Ministry of Tourism and Commerce. The measure ends a grace period for users to learn about changes introduced in 2025 under the General Law on Tourist Accommodation, which classifies these vehicles as tourist lodging and bans overnight stays or camping outside approved campsites, camping zones, or motorhome areas.
Fines stand at 600 euros, halving to 300 euros if paid on the spot. Non-payment allows police to immobilise vehicles. Enforcement involves traffic safety officers, public security specialists, and border agents. Signage will increase at former hotspots to guide users to permitted sites.
Designated daytime parking includes Terres Primeres Alt, els Cortals d’Encamp, Feixes del Funicamp, Prat de Vilella d’Ordino, Borda de Torres in La Massana, and Canrodes in Andorra la Vella. Overnight options cover campsites such as Santa Creu, Casal, and Janramon in Canillo; Xixerella in La Massana; and Valira in Andorra la Vella.
Comuns in Ordino and Encamp welcomed the enforcement while stressing the need for balance between tourism and public space use. Ordino’s deputy consul Eduard Betriu noted months of talks with motorhome owners and associations. Residents can park in existing zones for 48 hours to a week via annual passes costing around 200 euros. The parish plans a basic overnight area near Ordino Arcalís ski station this year, close to Tristaina, Creussans, and the solar viewpoint, plus reserved spots with full services at the forthcoming plana dels Camps car park.
Encamp’s finance, sports, and economic reactivation councillor Nino Marot said the rules promote order for residents and visitors alike. Motorhome users, however, expressed frustration, arguing the restrictions lack enough alternatives and discriminate against a group that contributes economically through dining, shopping, and activities. They called for more facilities before penalties, better awareness for tourists, and distinction between residents and visitors, warning of potential summer tourism drops.
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