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Ever been on a long motorhome road trip and thought, "Can I just get up and walk around while we're moving?" It seems harmless - you're not jumping, not dancing, just shifting your weight. But the answer isn't as simple as "yes" or "no." It depends on where you are, what kind of vehicle you're in, and even how old your motorhome is.
It's Not Just About the Law - It's About Safety
Walking around in a moving motorhome isn't illegal everywhere, but it's almost always unsafe. In Australia, where motorhome travel is popular, the road rules are clear: all passengers must be seated and wearing a seatbelt whenever the vehicle is in motion. This rule applies to every seat with a seatbelt, whether you're in the front, middle, or back. There are no exceptions for "just walking to the bathroom" or "grabbing a snack."
Why? Because motorhomes are heavy, tall, and top-heavy. They roll, sway, and brake harder than cars. If you're standing near the kitchen counter and the driver slams on the brakes, you'll go flying. A 2023 study by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau found that unsecured passengers in motorhomes were 8 times more likely to suffer serious injury in a crash than those belted in. That’s not a statistic you want to test.
Where You Can Walk - And Where You Can't
Not all motorhomes are built the same. Older models, especially those converted from vans before 2010, often lack seatbelts in the rear seating areas. Newer models, built after 2015, almost always have seatbelts at every sleeping or seating position. The law treats them differently.
In Australia, if your motorhome has seatbelts installed at a particular spot, you must use them. If there’s no seatbelt - say, in a rear bench that was never fitted with one - then technically, you’re not breaking the law by standing there. But you’re still putting yourself at risk. Insurance companies will likely deny claims if you’re injured while not belted in, even if the law doesn’t explicitly forbid it.
What about the US or Europe? In the UK, the rules are even stricter: all passengers must be seated and belted, no exceptions. In the US, laws vary by state. California, New York, and Florida require seatbelts for everyone in motion. But in some rural states, like Montana or Wyoming, rear passengers aren’t required to buckle up - but walking around? Still not advised.
What About the Driver?
The driver’s job is simple: stay seated, hands on the wheel, eyes on the road. No exceptions. Even if you’re the owner of the motorhome, you can’t stand up to reach the GPS or grab coffee while driving. That’s not just dangerous - it’s a ticketable offense in most places. Police don’t need to see you fall over to pull you over. If they notice you’re not properly seated, they can stop you.
Some drivers think, "I’m experienced. I can handle it." But experience doesn’t change physics. A sudden turn, a dog darting into the road, or a patch of gravel can turn a casual stretch into a hospital visit.
What If You Really Need to Use the Bathroom?
This is the most common reason people ask this question. "I’ve got to go - but we’re 200km from the next rest stop."
Here’s what you do: pull over. Find a safe spot - a rest area, a petrol station, a turnout. Turn off the engine. Lock the doors. Use the bathroom. It takes five minutes. That’s better than risking your life - or someone else’s - because you didn’t want to wait.
Many modern motorhomes have holding tanks and portable toilets. Use them. Plan ahead. Check maps for rest stops before you leave. Apps like Park4Night or iOverlander show you safe, legal places to stop across Australia and beyond. Don’t wait until you’re desperate.
What About Kids?
Parents often ask: "Can my kids walk around while we’re on the highway?" The answer is no. Children under 16 must be seated and belted in Australia. Even if they’re asleep, they need to be in a proper seat with a belt. If your motorhome doesn’t have enough seatbelts for everyone, you’re not legally allowed to carry that many people while driving.
Some families buy extra seatbelt kits or install aftermarket seats. That’s fine - if they’re certified to Australian standards (AS/NZS 1754). Don’t just strap a child into a regular chair with a belt. That’s not safe. And it’s not legal.
What If You’re Parked?
Here’s the good news: when your motorhome is parked - even if the engine is still running - you can walk around freely. That’s why so many people use their motorhomes as mobile homes. You can cook, dance, stretch, or do yoga in the middle of the living area. As long as the wheels aren’t turning, you’re fine.
Many people leave their engine idling to run the fridge or heater while parked. That’s okay. But if you’re moving - even slowly down a driveway - the rules kick in again.
What Happens If You Get Caught?
Penalties vary by region. In New South Wales, you could be fined $330 for not wearing a seatbelt. In Victoria, it’s $479. If a child is involved, fines double. Police can also issue demerit points. And if you’re in an accident, your insurance may refuse to pay out.
But most officers won’t pull you over just for someone walking around - unless they see you doing it dangerously. Still, they don’t need to see you fall. A quick glance in the mirror is enough. And if they do stop you, you’ll be asked to sit down - immediately.
Real-Life Example: What Went Wrong
In 2024, a family from Adelaide was traveling through South Australia. The parents were in the front. Two teenagers were standing near the rear kitchen, eating chips. The driver hit a bump, the motorhome swerved, and one teen was thrown into the overhead cabinet. He broke his collarbone and needed surgery.
Their insurance didn’t cover it. The police fined the parents for not ensuring all passengers were belted. The teen’s recovery took months. It wasn’t a crash. It was a moment of carelessness.
Bottom Line: Don’t Risk It
There’s no legal loophole, no "it’s okay sometimes," no "but we’re on a road trip." If your motorhome is moving, everyone inside must be seated and belted. It’s not just about following rules - it’s about survival.
Plan your trips. Use rest stops. Install extra seatbelts if needed. Teach your passengers - especially kids - that safety isn’t optional. The freedom of motorhome travel is amazing. But that freedom ends when you ignore basic physics.
Walk around when you’re parked. Stay seated when you’re moving. Simple. Safe. Legal.
Can I walk around in my motorhome if the engine is off but I'm still parked?
Yes. As long as the vehicle isn't moving - even if the engine is still running to power the fridge or heater - you're free to walk around. The law only applies when the motorhome is in motion. Many people use this time to cook, stretch, or relax. Just make sure you're not blocking exits or creating a fire hazard.
Are there any motorhomes where walking around is legal while driving?
No. Even in places with looser seatbelt laws, like some U.S. states, walking around while driving is never legal or safe. The law requires passengers to be seated and belted if seatbelts are installed. Walking means you're not seated. So even if the law doesn't fine you for not wearing a belt, you're still violating safety rules by moving around. There are no exceptions.
What if my motorhome doesn't have enough seatbelts for everyone?
You can't legally carry more passengers than there are seatbelts. If your motorhome has four seatbelts, you can only have four people on board while driving. Adding extra seats without certified seatbelts is dangerous and illegal. If you need to carry more people, consider renting a larger motorhome or splitting your group across two vehicles.
Can I install extra seatbelts in my motorhome?
Yes, but only if they meet Australian standards (AS/NZS 1754). You can't just bolt a seatbelt to the floor. It needs to be anchored to the chassis, not just the walls or cabinets. Hire a certified vehicle modifier to do it right. DIY installations won't pass safety checks and could void your insurance.
Do children need special restraints in motorhomes?
Yes. Children under 7 must use an approved child restraint (car seat or booster). Kids aged 7-16 must use a seatbelt that fits properly. A regular adult seatbelt may not protect a child correctly. If your motorhome doesn't have a way to secure a child seat, you need to install one - or don't bring the child on the trip.
