The free library180 of 195 Anti-social behaviour

Residing on land without consent in or with a vehicle

s.60CCriminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994

An adult residing, or intending to reside, on land with a vehicle without consent, causing significant damage, disruption or distress, who fails to leave when asked or returns within the prohibited period.

Residing on land without consent in or with a vehicle · Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, s.60CCard 180 / 195

Points to prove

s.60C(1)(a)Aged 18 or over, and residing or intending to reside on land without the occupier's consent
s.60C(1)(b)Had, or intended to have, at least one vehicle with them on the land
s.60C(1)(c)At least one s.60C(4) condition was met (significant damage, disruption or distress)
s.60C(1)(d)The occupier, their representative or a constable asked them to leave and/or remove their property
s.60C(2)(a)Failed to comply with the request as soon as reasonably practicable
s.60C(2)(b)Or entered or re-entered the land within the prohibited period, intending to reside there without consent with a vehicle

Key definitions

The conditions – s.60C(4): significant damage or significant disruption has been, or is likely to be, caused by the residence or by the person’s conduct on the land; or significant distress has been, or is likely to be, caused by their offensive conduct on the land.
Damage – s.60C(8): includes damage to the land, to property on it not belonging to the person, and to the environment (excessive noise, smells, litter or waste).
Disruption – s.60C(8): includes interfering with access to services or facilities on the land, or with a supply of water, energy or fuel.
Land – does not include buildings, other than agricultural buildings and scheduled monuments.
Vehicle – includes a caravan, and any vehicle whether or not fit for the road, including a chassis or body.
Residing – s.60C(9): can be temporary, and a person may reside on the land even if they have a home elsewhere.

Defences

Reasonable excuse – s.60C(6): for failing to comply as soon as reasonably practicable, or for entering or re-entering the land.

Good to know

The prohibited period is 3 months from the day the request was made (s.60C(3)). It was 12 months until the Crime and Policing Act 2026 reduced it from 29 June 2026.
A constable who reasonably suspects the offence may seize and remove the vehicle and other property on the land (s.60D). The court may order forfeiture on conviction (s.60E).
Inserted by the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 and in force from 28 June 2022. Separate removal directions exist under ss.61 and 62A.

Legislation: Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, s.60C (opens legislation.gov.uk in a new tab)
Mode of trial: Summary only
Maximum penalty: 3 months' imprisonment and/or a fine not exceeding level 4 (£2,500)
Last checked: 2 November 2026, against the current law on legislation.gov.uk

Residing on land without consent in or with a vehicle: questions people ask

What are the points to prove for residing on land without consent in or with a vehicle?

1. Aged 18 or over, and residing or intending to reside on land without the occupier's consent 2. Had, or intended to have, at least one vehicle with them on the land 3. At least one s.60C(4) condition was met (significant damage, disruption or distress) 4. The occupier, their representative or a constable asked them to leave and/or remove their property 5. Failed to comply with the request as soon as reasonably practicable 6. Or entered or re-entered the land within the prohibited period, intending to reside there without consent with a vehicle

What is the maximum sentence for residing on land without consent in or with a vehicle?

3 months' imprisonment and/or a fine not exceeding level 4 (£2,500)

Is residing on land without consent in or with a vehicle a summary, either-way or indictable offence?

Residing on land without consent in or with a vehicle is a summary-only offence: it is tried in the magistrates’ court.

What Act and section is residing on land without consent in or with a vehicle?

Residing on land without consent in or with a vehicle is an offence under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, s.60C.

More anti-social behaviour offences

All anti-social behaviour offences