@Steveand Jannie there are many places along the Norte where it is a crime to bivouac.
We carried a tent on the Norte and used it legally in designated spots, camping grounds and, with permission, in the grounds of albergues. We became very aware that there are areas of national parks and natural beauty spots where it is strictly forbidden to camp, in any form. In particular, in Asturias. In those places, to camp is a crime. Rangers go looking for people breaking this law.
On the
Camino Frances, in La Rioja, you must first give notice to the local authorities of your intention to bivouac and your itinerary (i.e. where you intend to stop). To camp, without giving notice as required, is forbidden by law and therefore a crime.
Overnight bivouacking is allowed, apart from in La Rioja, in some places along the
Camino Frances, but not all. For example if you are in a place considered one of natural beauty (such as the mountains), then local laws will probably prohibit it. Even when bivouacking overnight is allowed, there can be restrictions - not near watercourses or within several kilometres of a town.
If you are thinking of camping, then please, find out the laws that apply, and obey them.