Police Issues While Van Dwelling? Off Grid Van Life

Police Issues While Van Dwelling? Off Grid Van Life | BecauseiVan

Рет қаралды 9,114

8 жыл бұрын

I've had a lot of questions about police encounters while van dwelling here in Australia so I decided to make this video to fill you guys in on my experience so far and what i think in regards to police being a van life issue.
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Пікірлер: 75

@JimmyBlimps 5 жыл бұрын

In the second month or so of living in my car I pulled up on a beautiful country road and fell asleep while the sun was setting, thinking; I can leave my window covers off tonight it'll be ok. Sure enough I was woken up at 4 in the morning by a torch in my eyes and a knock on the window, some cops had stopped to investigate. Thankfully they were really nice, asked me how I was going and if everything is alright and if there's anything they can do for me before saying goodbye. They didn't even ask me to move, they just wanted to make sure everything was ok. Really a positive experience and one that's left me encouraged by Australia's police force. The window covers always go up now though, wherever I am 😂

@FreedomInMindtv 5 жыл бұрын

I love positive stories like that 🙂 thanks for sharing!

@CaravanCarolyn 8 жыл бұрын

Retired cop here. Perfect answer. Just don't answer the door. That is how I will handle it when I become a van dweller in a few months, when the police come knocking. And you're right, they really don't care. Either answering a call of a suspicious vehicle, or just patrolling and curious. Don't answer, they'll go away.

@FreedomInMindtv 8 жыл бұрын

Awesome :) Good to hear from someone who's been on the other side :) Thanks Carolyn!

@GrantTravels23 6 жыл бұрын

Its a consensual encounter for which you simply choose not to consent in. Just because a phone rings, doesn't mean you have to answer it. Same for a door knock.

@TheLeatheryman 4 жыл бұрын

The rented movie is actually crucial. Those things operate 24 hrs. You’ve spent money at the location, so technically you’re not trespassing as a customer. You have a reasonable excuse to stay there watching the movie before you return it. If security or police tell you to leave, then park in the bus stop out on the road. Where you can legally park outside hours, as long as the vehicle is not left unattended.

@Edogawa1117 8 жыл бұрын

Cool video,mate. Totally agree with your sentiments. Glad you are living the dream. Thanks for sharing your vids with us!

@FreedomInMindtv 8 жыл бұрын

+Edogawa1117 Hey, thanks for the supportive comment friend! I'm glad you're enjoying the vids :)

@MarkWilliams-wp8kc 3 жыл бұрын

I scored some good work so was going to hang around fo about 6 months . I advertised and rented a garage with access to shower , toilet , washing machine , power cord to my van all for $50 per week. Trick is think outside the square lol

@susankline7366 6 жыл бұрын

Good point about people worrying too much, they also can't mind their own business anymore prudes! I can't wait to get my #vanlife started.

@FOASQUAD 8 жыл бұрын

Man. I totally agree. I will be living in my minivan in a couple of weeks and my attitude is that "It's not a problem, until it becomes a problem" I am going to go about my business like normal. A little common sense goes a long long way.

@FreedomInMindtv 8 жыл бұрын

+Anthony Amen dude! I think if you're not hurting anyone by doing something then go for it and make the most of your life! I hope it all goes well for you.

@jazzinthefield 7 жыл бұрын

love ur vids man

@FreedomInMindtv 7 жыл бұрын

+jasmine elizabeth thanks bud 😁

@XDM50 8 жыл бұрын

Good talk. You are very logical and reasonable. Thanks for sharing. Cheers from USA! Duane

@FreedomInMindtv 8 жыл бұрын

+XDM50 Hey Duane! Thanks for the kind words mate, you're most welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

@angiepie111 8 жыл бұрын

Great insight.

@FreedomInMindtv 8 жыл бұрын

+angiepie111 Thank you :)

@Into_The_Mystery_13 8 жыл бұрын

Well said man!

@FreedomInMindtv 8 жыл бұрын

+Into The Mystery 13 Hey thanks man! How is everything going now you got rid of the mould? You feeling better?

@Into_The_Mystery_13 8 жыл бұрын

+BecauseiVan of course! much better! climbed a giant mountain today and saw some epic landscapes. thanks for asking

@RVerFrank 8 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing. Liked.

@thumpergman 7 жыл бұрын

the legality is most towns do not permit free camping of any sort because the caravan parks will lose money so the council protects there interest, in western Australia its within 35kms of a caravan park you cant camp also the protection of the environment of campers going to the toilet outdoors and leaving rubbish behind also in WA towns its generally the council ranger that checks for illegal campers

@FreedomInMindtv 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the info mate!

@thenoworriesnomad 8 жыл бұрын

Great video mate and I'm the same over here in Blighty, i think before i park so i don't draw attention to myself etc...Oh and iv just had a 200watt solar panel fitted to my T5 and so far so good...

@FreedomInMindtv 8 жыл бұрын

+Mark Wright Thanks Mark! Yea usually your gut will give you the answers you need. If it feels off it usually is.. Awesome news on the solar panel, I hope you're getting some sun! :)

@thenoworriesnomad 8 жыл бұрын

Well its our nearly our summer over here but it will charge in just daylight so it will be ok...and ye iv stopped somewhere and things don't feel right so i just move on down the road etc...

@justinlinnane8043 8 жыл бұрын

interesting story . I sometimes think having a big RV can be an advantage on occasions like that . I have a 30ft vintage RV in the UK and europe when the police can see from a distance its obviously an RV, they nearly always leave you alone . Vans can look suspicious parked up at night in commercial areas .

@FreedomInMindtv 8 жыл бұрын

+justin linnane Yea i agree, there are times when more obvious is better! I find as long as I'm somewhere where it looks like a van could be left overnight or there are other cars around i'm fine.. Thanks for watching Justin!

@jaymiddleton772 6 жыл бұрын

I know this is an old video, but my understanding is that there are no federal laws prohibiting sleeping in your car. Brisbane and a few small towns in Vic apparently made it illegal. I read somewhere that a suburb in Sydney created parking restrictions because NSW state gov admitted that sleeping in a vehicle was not illegal. Have you found any more concrete info since this video?

@dano11000 7 жыл бұрын

if you ever in perth ,,,,I been van living for 2 years south perth near royal perth golf course good spot ,,,or hilarys boat harbour ,,,Busselton or margeret river great place loads back packers just park in bush parking and no idiots to annoy u,,,any tips where you know good spots I to know the rules just blend in

@FreedomInMindtv 7 жыл бұрын

I'll check it out if im ever in the neighbourhood!

@coolcatcarolena4951 8 жыл бұрын

Good video!

@FreedomInMindtv 8 жыл бұрын

+CoolCat Carolena Thanks! :)

@richuncletim 6 жыл бұрын

Wow, Australia! What an absolute blast! I am surprised to hear police would be a problem, and that seems to be your experience, as well. Great strategy, they won't bitch if they don't know you are there!

@FreedomInMindtv 6 жыл бұрын

+Tim Paynter haha I know right :) yea I just keep out of sight out of mind

@nonamedlish 6 жыл бұрын

Where are some good places to stealth park a van (Hiace) when traveling around?

@FreedomInMindtv 6 жыл бұрын

Anywhere! 🙂

@MrMaksuz 6 жыл бұрын

hi mate thx for video, i am planing to buy hiace 1999 lwb, any advice or what should i look at ? cheers

@FreedomInMindtv 6 жыл бұрын

Not really mate, just get one with low k’s and one that’s looked after 👍🏻

@MrMaksuz 6 жыл бұрын

thx, all of them are 300-500k anyway cant find any with low ks

@NoMortgageNomad 8 жыл бұрын

Great van, great channel and info. Thank you for sharing. What's it feel like driving on the wrong side of the road :)

@FreedomInMindtv 8 жыл бұрын

Thanks friend! Haha it feels.. right, or left but right in a way!

@danzeman4520 8 жыл бұрын

You get over it when you live on the right side of the world :)

@NoMortgageNomad 8 жыл бұрын

Haha I suppose so.

@dlg5485 7 жыл бұрын

I don't think concern about police is worrying too much at all, especially in certain places in the USA...and even more so for certain 'kinds' of people. This would be my only concern with full-timing here. It shouldn't be an issue, but many communities, particularly wealthy ones, are enacting ordinances to keep urban campers out of their towns, altogether, and they enforce. Of course, van dwellers should be courteous enough not to foul up an area in any way or be otherwise disrespectful, but I suspect that rarely happens. In any case, I think these kinds of laws are rather elitist.

@FreedomInMindtv 7 жыл бұрын

Yea it's definitely important not to impact on your surroundings

@drunkvegangal8089 8 жыл бұрын

I had a disagreement with my partner - so I thought it best I relegate myself to the van for a night and let things cool off. Grin. They'll understand ;)

@FreedomInMindtv 8 жыл бұрын

Hah nice :)

@noevilea624 7 жыл бұрын

If your van is registered as a camper then they may have got all the info they needed. As long as there is no history of issues attached to your registration then they may have just exercised a decent judgment and left you alone. Rare but I was also trained about my rights by an ex-cop so I`m well aware of how I can cause them a few issues just as I have for a few people on the side of the road with cameras. Most are arseholes so the occasional experience with a good cop is somewhat refreshing. Especially when you show them you know your rights. Just as the 2 cop that came to my door November 2016 found out when a man 4 doors up had been using mine and a few other addresses in the street to import stuff that customs nabbed.

@vasel208 7 жыл бұрын

Is it illegal to live in your camper in Australia?

@FreedomInMindtv 7 жыл бұрын

+Vas El sort of..

@thumpergman 7 жыл бұрын

@MyLifesVentures 8 жыл бұрын

I been working/dwelling if you will, over the road for near 9 months now? All over the U.S. & I have yet to run into law enforcement yet. Call it lucky or just intelligent thinking when I pick my resting locations, havent had to deal w/ the police yet. good day man!

@FreedomInMindtv 8 жыл бұрын

+Tim Xpedites I definitely think it more down to intelligent thinking man. Good to hear it's smooth sailing for you too! Thanks for watching Tim.

@MyLifesVentures 8 жыл бұрын

+The Jade And John Show Aww, Hi there folks! Hope all is well w/ yall!! = )

@coolcatcarolena4951 8 жыл бұрын

I've never had any problems either and my tiny house is not stealth by any means, but i try to be seen as little as possible

@FreedomInMindtv 8 жыл бұрын

+The Jade And John Show I love that everyone knows each other on here :)

@FreedomInMindtv 8 жыл бұрын

+CoolCat Carolena Yea it's more about how people around you are impacted by you being there hey :)

@ItssBriann 8 жыл бұрын

Is it illegal to live in a van?

@FreedomInMindtv 8 жыл бұрын

I'm not entirely sure, depends who you ask haha

@thumpergman 7 жыл бұрын

@garvintimmann 8 жыл бұрын

Is it illegal? Vagrant, loitering laws seem to the first in mind. I understand the police would just move people onwards. it is illegal to be homeless,so if you were approached at night what would say? Passers by can call the police if they see someone sleeping in their vehicle. Do you have to stay as stealth as possible?

@FreedomInMindtv 8 жыл бұрын

The laws/regulations are different everywhere but as i'm not hurting anyone doing what i'm doing i'd rather not deal with people or police so i keep it stealth.

@danzeman4520 8 жыл бұрын

I live in a 22' caravan. When I'm on the road I park near mechanics or caravan yards. If questioned I say I'm waiting for the business to open for repairs. Driver fatigue management is a solid argument too. As you're aware Police in Aust are under staffed and overworked so they don't usually bother with victimless crimes

@FreedomInMindtv 8 жыл бұрын

Thats a great idea man!

@nomadelad 5 жыл бұрын

You sir are a f***ing genius!

@blobby273 8 жыл бұрын

unless its illegal to live in a van i would open the door to them welcome them answer any questions and move if they asked me too your not doing anything wrong why hide from the police they are just doing their job checking on things out of the ordinary your camping there is no law against recreation and camping , as long as your not trespassing and your vehicle is legal you should have nothing to worry about . if those police had seen you earlier and were 100% sure you were in there then you would have a problem because by ignoring them your then acting suspiciously and they might then real want to speak with you .

@FreedomInMindtv 8 жыл бұрын

This is just what i do, you're more than welcome to handle it any way you feel is necessary friend. Thanks for checking out the video :)

@GrantTravels23 6 жыл бұрын

Parking on a public street, I usually ignore the police. Most likely on a public street the cop is just being curious, nosey etc. Parked in a shopping mall I usually give them the courtesy of responding to them because odds are better that they received a call about you and are following up on it. Which means that someone else doesn't like your presence there.

@vasel208 7 жыл бұрын

I have noisy neighbours that's why I sleep in my van. As for security I've got my dog. 😊

@FreedomInMindtv 7 жыл бұрын

+Vas El awesome 🙂