By Cheri Sicard
Hitting the open road in an RV is an awesome way to see the country, but with each state having its own laws, it can sometimes feel like navigating a legal maze. You might be accidentally breaking the law just by crossing into another state!
To help keep your RV adventures fun and free of legal trouble, the team from The Camping Loop compiled a list of seven things you should never take across state lines without knowing the law first. Paying attention to these could save you from a costly ticket or worse.
RVing across state lines can be an amazing experience. But, it’s important to do your research and understand the laws in each state you plan to visit, especially in regard to the items on this list:
#1 Firearms and weapons
Gun laws in the U.S. can be as clear as a foggy windshield! It’s vital to check the specific laws of each state you’ll be driving through or staying in.
Generally, RVs are treated like other vehicles when it comes to firearms. Many states require firearms to be locked, unloaded, and stored away from ammunition. The Firearm Owner Protection Act does allow legal gun owners to transport firearms between states where it’s permitted. However, local and state laws vary widely, so doing your homework is essential.
Some states honor concealed carry permits from other states, while others don’t. Some might require a license just to have a gun in your vehicle. If you own a firearm, consider keeping a resource like this one that outlines gun laws in all 50 states. This is crucial for those unexpected detours.
# 2 Fireworks
Transporting fireworks across state lines is generally illegal, even if they were legal where you bought them. You could face criminal charges or a ticket.
For example, in some areas, you can buy certain types of fireworks, but just a short drive south, you can find a much wider variety. However, even smoke bombs and sparklers can be illegal in some state parks.
#3 Firewood
It might sound strange that some states let people buy flamethrowers but restrict firewood. Bugs and invasive species can devastate forests. The emerald ash borer, for example, has destroyed a huge percentage of ash trees, costing billions of dollars in damages. Some states prohibit importing firewood. Others restrict traveling with it over a certain distance unless it’s been heat-treated to kill the bugs.
It’s tempting to bring that old tree along for firewood, but it’s best to buy local.
#4 Marijuana
Even if you’re in a state where it’s legal, like Colorado or New York, can you pack some for your trip? Once you cross that state line, you’re potentially breaking federal law. While many states have legalized marijuana in some form, it remains illegal on a federal level. This means crossing state lines with it, even between two legal states, is still technically a crime.
#5 Alcohol
Transporting alcohol across state lines might not seem like a big deal, but different states have different rules. Some states allow open containers as long as they’re stored away in the RV. Others treat RVs the same as any other vehicle, requiring all containers to be unopened. Some states limit the amount of alcohol you can transport, while others prohibit it altogether. Also, remember that dry counties still exist. These areas don’t allow the sale or consumption of alcohol. If you’re crossing international borders, it’s best to declare any alcohol you have, even if it’s already opened. Failure to do so could result in delays and fines.
#6 Driver’s license requirements
This one might not apply to everyone, but depending on the size and weight of your RV, you might need a special license. Some states require a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or a special non-commercial license for RVs over a certain length or weight. You might also need a CDL if you’re towing a trailer that weighs more than 10,000 pounds.
It’s a good idea to make sure drivers can handle these large vehicles safely. For new RV owners or renters, it can be confusing. Learn more in this post.
#7 Driving laws
Driving laws vary from state to state. This includes speed limits, seat belt requirements, and rules about driving on certain roads. Some states require headlights on in the rain or in work zones. Others allow people to ride in a fifth wheel while it’s being towed, while others would send you to jail for it. Be sure to do some research for the state(s) you plan to visit.
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RVDT2897
Fruit & Produce. We were stopped coming from Oregon into California and asked if we were transporting any fruit or produce.
Because CCW gun laws are frequently under scrutiny, I prefer an online source that is updated as rulings are announced versus printed which can be obsolete to day its purchase.
This is a great resource for CCW laws and other gun-related information. The latest update came out today. I was going to mention it but saw that you did already. (I’m playing catch-up with email, so it’s almost Tuesday already.)
Because CCW gun laws are frequently under scrutiny, I prefer an online source that is updated as rulings are announced versus printed which can be obsolete to day its purchase.
Driving at dusk with the “parking lights” (not headights) on is legal in some states, illegal in others. It is legal in Texas, but illegal in Colorado where “headlights must be turned on 30 minutes BEFORE sunset”! Not a problem for cars with daytime running lights or an “automatic headlight on” feature. But a big problem with older vehicles without those features, especially black or dark gray ones that can be nearly invisible at dusk.
#6 about needing some special drivers license crossing state lines is false. The state YOU are from and licensed in controls your requirements. In my home state all I need is a normal class C drivers license to drive any non-commercial RV. Doesn’t matter if I go to a state that requires ITS RESIDENTS to have a CDL for the same rig.
“The Driver’s License Compact exceptions are Maine, Wisconsin, Georgia, Michigan, and Tennessee. Your license is still valid to drive in these states, but punitive action for traffic violations can only be taken if your home state shares the same conduct laws.”
https://www.drivesafeonline.org/traffic-school/is-drivers-license-valid-everywhere/
There is interstate reciprocity for drivers licenses. If your state doesn’t require a Class B to drive your GVWR 26,000+ pound motorhome, you won’t need one to drive it in Texas, which otherwise says it’s required for its own residents driving such a vehicle (even though it is not particularly enforced).
I take exception to #6. Each state recognizes drivers licenses from every other state, It’s called reciprocity and as long as the license is valid AND appropriate for the vehicle being driven then the other 49 states recognize and acknowledge that, The driver is still required to follow the laws in the state in or through the state they are driving.
Tip #8. Carrying large amounts of cash could lead to confisation as “suspected drug money”. Per US Treasury, about 80% of US 100 dollar bills carry traces of drugs. Dealers’ bill of choice.
I have now idea of “large amount.” We carry money for emergency repairs, etc.
I simply avoid traveling to, or spending one cent of my money, in any state that does not recognize my God-given, NOT state-given, right to protect myself and family.