Is it possible to sleep in a camper while driving?

Traveling in a campervan also involves overnight stays, but is sleeping while driving allowed? In this article we will dispel all your doubts.

Let's start with the fact that the most important thing when traveling is safety. Therefore, the traffic rules clearly state that when driving on public roads, each passenger and driver is subject to the same rules as when driving a passenger car. Every adult must wear a seat belt. If we are planning a trip with children, we should equip the camper with car seats. Traveling in child seats with seat belts fastened is subject to traffic regulations, so all passengers, including the driver, must remain in their seats while driving.

Passengers can sleep during the trip only while sitting on the seats and wearing seat belts. If you decide to sleep in the driver's compartment while driving, be aware of the situation in which you may make it difficult for the driver to control the vehicle. In such a situation, it is best to switch to another chair.

Is it possible to sleep in a van while driving?

The provisions of Section 63 of the Road Traffic Act provide that persons cannot be transported in a van and therefore cannot sleep in it. Although there are exceptions where people can be transported in a trailer, caravans do not qualify for these exceptions. This is for a very simple reason - trailers do not have seat belts that can save lives in a collision.

Is it possible to sleep in the living room of a camper while driving?

Many people probably think about taking a nap on a comfortable bed while traveling. Unfortunately, this is strictly prohibited while driving. When driving a campervan, passengers must sit in the designated seating areas. Seat belts must be fastened correctly. A correctly fastened seat belt should go over the shoulder, because only in this position can it increase our safety. A small child must also sit in a seat wearing a seat belt. Restrained people should rest with their feet on the floor. This situation will minimize the risk of loss of health in the event of an accident.

Beds in a camper lounge are definitely more comfortable than chairs when it comes to lounging. This is an extremely tempting option, but sleeping in bed while driving is extremely irresponsible. By doing this, we endanger not only our own safety, but also the safety of other passengers. Their safety should be as important to us as our own. Remember that you can only sleep in a camper when parked or while driving, but only on seats with seat belts fastened.

Can I sleep in a bed while driving if I don't have to wear a seat belt?

What about people who are not required to wear seat belts? Are people like this allowed to sleep in bed while driving? In our opinion, people who decide to take such a step pose a threat not only to themselves, but above all to other people. One can only imagine what will happen to a person not wearing a seat belt during an accident. Such an event most often means irreparable damage to health.

What else can you not do while driving a campervan?

Sleeping in a comfortable bed while traveling isn't the only thing we can't do. There are also many dangerous situations that arise during travel that should be avoided:

• It is strictly forbidden to walk around the cabin while driving on the road,
• you are also not allowed to be in the kitchen, shower or even toilet,
• you cannot travel in a camper with the bedroom windows open,
• All luggage must be secured against free movement - this is especially important during sudden braking. Objects moving during braking can damage, for example, the head;
• You cannot transport more people than indicated in the registration certificate. A driver who violates this rule may have his driver's license revoked and receive a large fine. Each additional person above the number indicated on the registration certificate increases the fine. If there are three more people in the camper than required, the driver’s license will also be revoked for a period of 3 months.

What are the risks of driving a campervan if passengers don't follow the rules?

According to current legislation, the driver must ensure that all passengers are wearing seat belts. If checked, he will pay a fine and receive penalty points. Each passenger who violates the requirements of the law is also subject to an individual penalty in the form of a fine.

Why is it important to wear a seat belt?

Wearing seat belts while sleeping will keep our body in the seat while turning. A person who is not wearing a seat belt is a living battering ram for the passenger sitting in front of him. This is irresponsible behavior. The unprotected body is hit with great force, which can result in a situation in which a person can pull out the chair in front of him.

How to ensure comfort while sleeping in a camper?

In Poland there is no ban on overnight stays in a campervan or caravan. However, we must keep in mind the place where we want to stay. This will not be allowed everywhere. Entry into the forest is prohibited, so it is impossible to spend the night there. We recommend MP (traveler service areas) as a vacation spot. Any parking lots, for example on motorways, can also be a good solution. The outside temperature should also be taken into account. It would be unwise to stay overnight in cold winter or hot summer. Fortunately, our campers have the ability to regulate the temperature inside. Temperature control and air filtration devices allow you to relax in comfortable conditions.

Our campers are equipped with many amenities such as: bathroom, beds, kitchen, dining room with all the space to relax. All these amenities should be used while parked, when we are 100% safe. Before your trip, also make sure that all items in the kitchen and other rooms are secured against movement. Moving objects are not only dangerous, but they can also distract you while driving or passengers who decide to sleep.

Summation

You should always wear your seat belts while driving. Failure to comply with this rule may become grounds for the insurer to refuse to pay compensation for civil liability or accident insurance. Failure to wear a seat belt may also result in a benefit reduction. Before you get into the camper, make sure everyone is wearing a seat belt. Sleeping in a camper is only allowed when parked and while driving, but you must wear seat belts correctly. We should also remember not to do anything in the kitchen, such as cooking, in the toilet or in the living room while driving. In a campervan, you can sleep in a chair, but it is also very important to position your legs correctly. If your feet are on the floor, the passenger is less likely to injure their feet.

Campers are designed to provide us with a home on wheels. However, remember that once the engine is started, the camper becomes a full-fledged participant in traffic, so it is subject to rules aimed at ensuring our safety.