The open road beckons as you prepare to embark on your first road trip in the new RV. But before you hit the highway, you’ve got to know the rules of the road.
Navigating state and local regulations can be daunting, but fear not, this guide is your jumping-off point for learning all the essential information you need to avoid any potential pitfalls while on your travels.
From licensing and registration requirements to towing regulations and campground rules, let’s walk through the ins and outs of RV laws in 2023 — starting with how to navigate local and state laws for recreational vehicles.
How to Navigate Local and State Laws for RVs
First, the go-to resource for up-to-date laws, rules, and regulations is everyone’s most joyful place on earth: the DMV.
Luckily, you don’t need to go in. You can find most of the information you need online through your local DMV’s website.
Here are some rules and information you need to know:
- What is the maximum combined length, width, and height of RV that’s allowed?
- What are your state’s license and registration requirements?
- Where can I park my RV, and for how long?
- Do I need to store my RV when I’m not using it?
- What safety equipment is required?
As you travel from state to state, various RV rules and regulations may affect your experience. From state-specific driving rules to local parking and storage regulations, staying up to date on these laws will help you navigate the country safely and legally.
State-Specific Driving Rules
Driving an RV comes with its own set of challenges and state-specific driving regulations. Seat belt laws, for example, vary by jurisdiction.
According to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association, passengers in a Class A, B, or C motorhome may be required to remain seated and secured with a seat belt during the ride, depending on the jurisdiction. More on this later.
And I know the all-important question burning in every parent’s mind: Can we use the RV toilets while driving?
Good news! Yes, in most states, you can. Although some states require that all passengers be seated while the vehicle is in motion.
Also, some states, like West Virginia, have specific routes for vehicles or trailers that are over 45 feet long.
Knowing these specific laws and regulations is key to a safe, enjoyable journey.
Local Parking and Storage Regulations
When it comes to parking, it’s not just the state laws that you need to know, but the local city ordinances and homeowner association rules for parking your RV on your property.
To find this information, you can call your local DMV or Code Enforcement to clarify where you can or can’t park your RV and for how long.
Some locations allow overnight parking. Local ordinances also dictate whether overnight parking or residential parking of RVs is permitted on specific properties.
Pro Tip: A good way to stay compliant, keep your RV safe, and prolong its life is to find covered storage for it. There are many RV storage options to choose from through peer-to-peer storage marketplaces like Neighbor.
Local laws and county regulations are important, but you also want to confirm your parking arrangements with campground managers or property owners to verify that their parking setup accommodates your RV’s dimensions.
RV Licensing and Registration Requirements
Where do you find information on RV licensing and registration? You guessed it: your local DMV. Requirements vary by state, with some requiring a Commercial (CDL) or Non-Commercial Driver’s License for certain RVs.
Registration is a simple process as long as you have the Vehicle Identification Number and title to your RV. Many states even allow you to register your RV online now.
As for the license type you’ll need, don’t sweat it! Most states only require your standard driver’s license.
In most cases, you won’t need to worry about acquiring a special license—unless you’re operating a larger travel trailer and/or Class A RV.
Essential RV Safety Equipment and Features
RV owners like yourself do need to have some specialized safety equipment on hand, such as fire extinguishers, flares, and reflective signs, in case you have to pull over in the event of an emergency.
But what about standard safety features, like seat belts? Surprisingly, these are — sometimes — optional.
Seat Belts and Child Restraints
Seat belt rules for RVs vary by state, but there are two absolutes. Everyone state agrees on a few things:
- No, you may not ride in a travel trailer while it’s being towed.
- Front-seat riders must always wear a seatbelt.
States do have differing opinions about back-seat drivers, however. Usually, there’s an age restriction that requires children to buckle up, so that means you need to have seat belts or child restraints in your RV seating areas.
While you can get up to use the bathroom in most states, it’s just smarter to pull over really quickly.
Breakaway Switches and Safety Chains
The breakaway switch activates the trailer’s brakes if it detaches from the tow vehicle, while safety chains are a secondary attachment to prevent the trailer from separating from the tow vehicle if your hitch fails.
Breakaway switches and safety chains are required for towing travel trailers, with specific regulations varying by state.
These safety chain requirements keep a bad situation from becoming worse and can prevent potential accidents or damage to your RV.
RV Rules for Overnight Parking and Campgrounds
As you venture into the great outdoors, familiarize yourself with overnight RV parking options. Having a plan keeps you from getting anxious about your next stop.
Store Parking Lots and Local Ordinances: Living in your RV full-time can feel like an endless search for your next parking spot. Some stores, like Walmart, allow overnight RV parking at locations nationwide. But just because Walmart as a corporation allows it, doesn’t mean the city allows it.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about whether you can legally park in a store parking lot (but don’t want to sift through city ordinances), call and ask the store manager. They’ll know what they can and can’t allow.
National Parks, State Parks, and Private Campgrounds: Each park or campground has its own set of rules, so it’s important to research each location you plan to visit. (Note that, typically, campgrounds have a helpful list of dos and don’ts online or as a part of their check-in process).
For all of your long-term parking needs, consider Neighbor—a storage marketplace offering enclosed and covered RV storage options.
Summary
Understanding the various RV laws and regulations across the U.S. is a lot of prep work. But once you’ve taken a deep dive into the license requirements, seat belt laws, ordinances, and general RV rules, you’ll never have to do it again.
You’ll need to update your knowledge as laws change. But that’s not so bad.
Now you’ll be cruising down the highway without any fear of the highway patrol. So buckle up and enjoy the ride as you embark on your next great RV adventure!
