Irish people planning staycations warned of €5,000 fine as thousands convert vans

Thousands of Irish people are planning their holidays this time of year, including staycations around Ireland.

Over the last few years, there has been a rise in camper van culture thanks to facilities in tourist areas improving, as well as festivals where attendees can pull up in their camper van. Some have taken to buying second vans and converting them into campers on the cheap.

However, people are now being warned that improper modifications can lead to legal issues and potentially void your insurance. So, how can you ensure your van is conversion-ready and fully compliant to avoid costly fines this summer?

To help drivers considering a van conversion, Chill Insurance has shared key legal guidelines from Revenue, the Road Safety Authority (RSA), and the Irish Statute Book. They have also provided expert advice from their insurance specialists to highlight common and costly pitfalls.

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Declare Your Conversion to Revenue: Drivers must notify Revenue of any physical changes made to a van, including adding or removing seats or converting it into a camper. Penalties for non-compliance include a fine of up to €5,000 or 12 months in prison, and in serious cases, up to €126,970 in fines and 5 years in prison.

Adhere to the Legal Definition of a Motor Caravan: To be legally classed as a motor caravan, vans must meet specific criteria. This includes a table with seating, sleeping area, cooking equipment, fitted storage, standing room, side windows, and a valid gas safety cert (if using a gas cooker). Failure to meet these criteria could result in a €5,000 fine.

Stay Within Legal Weight Limits: Converted vans must meet Health & Safety Authority weight guidelines. Drivers should check the van’s GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) on the logbook or manufacturer’s label and use public weighbridges to avoid overloading. If a vehicle is overweight, the driver receives penalty points and a fixed charge, or may face fines up to €2,500 and possible prison time for the owner.

Vans Must Be Insured and NCT-Compliant: Under the Road Traffic Act 1961, all vehicles on public roads, including vans, must have insurance to be legally driven. Lack of valid insurance can result in a €100 fine, six months in prison, or both. Driving without an NCT certificate is also a criminal offence, carrying a €50 fine, up to three months in prison, or both.

For those thinking of converting a van themselves, Ian O’Reilly, Head of Personal Lines Sales at Chill Insurance, has offered expert guidance for anyone planning a DIY van conversion:

"To avoid fines, penalty points, or even losing your van, owners need to be careful when making changes like adding seats, converting to a camper, or carrying heavy loads. These modifications can affect your tax rate, insurance, NCT requirements, and safety regulations.

"The rules might seem overwhelming at first, but if you take the time to understand them, submit the right documents to Revenue, and make sure your van isn’t overloaded, you’ll stay on the right side of the law – and ready for the road."