More than 10 million U.S. households own a recreational vehicle, and nearly 20 million households plan to acquire one. While so many of us are enthusiastic about RVing, we aren’t always aware of the rules and laws surrounding ownership and storage. While it’s nice to have a home on wheels, you need to know that RV laws are complex and vary from place to place, so you should always update yourself to avoid problems.
Whether you are a devoted camper or you only hit the open roads once in a while, below is a list of things you need to be careful about.
Living In a Camper in Your Backyard
Sure, your camper gives you the freedom to explore the world at a moment’s notice, and nobody will likely ask you questions about living this way. However, that doesn’t mean you can park your rig in your backyard and turn it into a permanent home. You might be wondering if it is legal to live in a camper in your backyard? Well, some local jurisdictions forbid RV owners from living in their home on wheels. And since some laws can be convoluted and difficult to decipher, it is always recommended you contact a lawyer to look into local zoning restrictions and regulations on your behalf.
Passing Under Low Bridges
When looking to buy or rent an RV, most of us think of comfort, amenities, space, and design but don’t carefully consider height. Just imagine passing under a bridge only to realize that the RV is too tall to go through. Your rig (and the bridge) could suffer from costly damages. The height of your motorhome or travel trailer can land you in trouble in some states as each one marks the height of their bridges differently.
Even if your RV’s height meets the requirements, make sure that you don’t have an installation above it, such as a solar panel or satellite dish that will violate the height requirements. To be on the safe side, know how tall your RV is, pay attention to all signs, drive slowly under any bridge, and use an RV route planner to avoid routes with low bridges and overpasses.
Overnight Packing
When you’re heading to a faraway destination in your RV, things might not always go according to plan. A mechanical problem or health emergency may delay you or leave you stranded, making it impossible to reach the campground on time. In these cases, you may wonder if you can park your RV at a local store or parking lot.
While small and major stores value travelers, not all of them will grant you permission to park overnight. Doing so without asking for permission can land you in trouble. Again, some jurisdictions have laws that forbid overnight RV parking even if the store manager gives you the OK. Before you look for a place to settle in after dark, check the local laws.
Driving Through Tunnels
RV owners need to be extra cautious when it comes to driving through tunnels. Apart from worrying about height restrictions, most tunnels are narrow, meaning a wide RV may intrude into the opposite lane, endangering oncoming motorists. And that’s not all. Even if your RV isn’t too tall or wide, some states still prohibit RVs with bottled propane tanks from using tunnels.
Propane can pool up and get trapped in the tunnel, causing a safety concern. In some places, you may be pulled over and someone may inspect your propane tanks to see whether they are turned off before granting you permission to continue. Other places impose a blanket ban on all vehicles with propane tanks. Research and plan your route in advance to avoid inconveniences, safety issues, and legal pitfalls.
Driving Licenses for Large Rigs
Generally, you can drive an RV with a standard driver’s license if it falls under 26,000 pounds. If your rig is more than that, you’ll need a commercial license. Larger vehicles need some practice to steer, and the authorities will want proof that you have the right skills before allowing you to take the wheel.
While some states will only require a commercial driver’s license, others require you to obtain additional special licensing for large and heavy RVs. To stay out of legal trouble, it’s wise to always confirm the license requirements of the state you are planning to visit.
Be Aware of RV Rules and Regulations
Outdoor enthusiasts and devoted travelers are now turning to RVs to explore the country more than ever before. But before you decide to live in your rig in your backyard or hit the open roads, educate yourself on the local, state, and federal laws and regulations regarding RVs.
