The VW Wave

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This experience is the unique and heart-warming phenomenon known as the VW Wave!

If you are new to the VW Transporter/Camper life of any year and model you may be wondering why random people are waving at you when you are out and about on the UK roads! The VW Camper wave is exactly what you might imagine it is.

Whether you’re a devoted VW enthusiast or simply curious about the camaraderie on open roads. There are no written rules! If you are in a Transporter of any year and model it is perfectly acceptable to wave at another fellow VW enthusiast providing the road conditions are safe for you to do so.

There aren’t any rules as such. However! As a rule of thumb if you, or they are sat at a junction or roundabout it is reasonable to not wave. When on the open road a polite wave or thumbs up is almost always returned with the same.

We tend to limit our waves to those VW’s that are clearly owned by enthusiasts, rather than work vans or delivery drivers. The trigger point for us to let loose a wave is if the Transporter has the giveaway side windows or pop-top roof. This is a loose rule, as if the Transporter has tasteful modifications such as alloys or body kits/ unique spray job then you can be certain it is an enthusiast that will wave back. Having said all that, if a work van or delivery driver waves, we do wave back! 

It is acceptable to not wave, there’s always reasons that you cannot return a wave and fellow VW owners will understand so don’t stress!

• Wind screen glare meant you missed the wave completely
• Adverse weather conditions makes identifying a wave very hard. If visibility isn’t clear, a wave probably isn’t your priority.
• Motorways are a no wave zone. You can’t see over the barrier and travelling too fast to identify every VW that passes.
• Junctions, roundabouts or in town where a wave maybe misinterpreted by pedestrians or other road users. You do not want to cause an accident.
• Commercial vans with ladders on the roof. If they wave first, definitely wave back as it is      polite to do so. Generally speaking I wouldn’t wave at a panel van as they are unlikely to be similar enthusiasts and are just off to work.

If you don’t get a return wave from what you thought was an enthusiast, we tend to put it down to the owner most likely either being new to the enthusiast club so simply doesn’t understand the meaning of a wave, or completely missed you due to reasons above.

The VW wave is a sign of comradery and appreciation that you share the same hobby as another fellow dubber! It's as simple and as fun as that!

An odd question I know! However, it has been discussed many times before. Some enthusiasts stick to a thumbs up or a casual hand wave. Occasionally I have seen owners use the VW hand gesture when you make the “V” and “W” with your hands.

If you have your windows down it is also acceptable to hold your arm out casually to exchange a wave to an oncoming dubber. Don’t hold back!

Yes! Of course, this is a really important part of being a passenger in front of a VW Transporter. It is also their job to spot fellow Dubbers. It is a great way to enjoy the comrade that exists within the VW circle.

So, should you wave at a fellow VW Transporter owner? Absolutely!

The VW wave is more than just a friendly gesture on the road—it represents a connection that transcends geographical boundaries and vehicle models. By embracing this tradition, we become part of a larger community that celebrates the joy of driving and the passion for all things VW.

So, next time you see a fellow VW driver on the road, don’t forget to give them a wave and share in the camaraderie.