Full Time RVer

You’ve got a state-issued driver license, right? So you’re “OK” to drive your rig in any state, right? That’s a qualified, “Maybe.” Each of the 50 states have an understanding with one another: Lawfully licensed drivers from other states may drive in everyone else’s state. But there are quirks that can affect RVers–and other motorists–that you may not readily recognize.

Got a radar detector? Legal in most states, except outlawed in Virginia and in Washington D.C. But, as many drivers in Arizona have ruefully discovered, while legal for use in motor vehicles, radar detectors mounted on the windshield can get you a traffic stop–even a ticket–at the discretion of law enforcement.

But let’s narrow the focus to RV specific issues. How long is your motorhome? Once you hit 40′ your motorhome is considered “over length” in California–unless you hit over 45′–then you’re really in hot water. Motorhomes 40 to 45 feet in length are restricted to specific roadways and the interstates. If your motorhome tows a trailer, even if you’re less than 40′ if in combination with a trailer your legal length is a maximum of 65 feet.

Other states have their own “take” on RV regulations. In Oregon your maximum tow length combination is 50 feet. After that you’ll need a special permit–to a maximum of 60 feet. In Alaska you can build a triple combination–say your pickup towing a fifth wheel, and the fifth wheel towing yet another trailer. Don’t try it several states including South Carolina. While a number of states do allow triples, but have peculiar restrictions on the matter.

While these may be the United States, each state has its own view of its sovereign rights–including mandating a wide variety of laws that can be confusing–and expensive to the one who falls into the hands of the constabulary. Before traveling you may find it helpful to contact the DMV or state patrol of states you’ll be passing through if you have any questions about what might be legal or not about your rolling estate.

photo: R&T DeMaris