Parking is one of the biggest challenges of owning an RV. Depending on the size, it can be a challenge to find a suitable spot to park your motorhome. This is especially true when you’re in a private neighborhood. Hence, you may wonder – is it legal to park an RV on the street?
There’s no easy way to answer this question. It depends. Several factors will come into play, such as the size of the RV and the location. Local laws may differ from one place to another, so it’s best to do your research, depending on where you are.
Read on as we talk about RV parking rules, with a particular focus on street parking. Let’s look at the laws in some cities or states, as well as the factors affecting the answer to the question and the corresponding penalties.
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Local Laws and Regulations for RV Parking
While we can’t provide an exhaustive list of laws in every city or state, we’ll highlight the regulations in some key areas to give you a general idea of RV parking requirements on the street.
1. Los Angeles, California
Parking an RV on a residential street in Los Angeles is allowed but with restrictions.
For instance, from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm, the RV must be at least 500 feet away from parks, daycare facilities, preschools, and schools. If there are no such facilities, parking is allowed.
2. New York City, New York
- You can park your RV on a residential street in New York, but it is limited to a maximum of 24 hours.
- There are also some restrictions to remember. For instance, you should not park your RV 20 feet away from a crosswalk or 15 feet away from a fire hydrant.
The regulations are even tighter if you’re planning to park in commercial spaces, especially downtown. In most cases, you won’t be allowed to do so overnight. Nonetheless, the policies can vary from street to street.
3. Las Vegas, Nevada
- For residential street parking in Las Vegas, you are required to obtain an RV parking permit.
- This permit is free of charge and available online, making the application hassle-free. With a permit, you can park only for 48 hours.
You may apply for an additional permit, but you can only do so after at least 72 hours from the expiration of your last license. Within three months, you cannot apply for more than six permits.
Factors That Affect the Legality
Let’s take a look at some factors that will impact the legality of street parking for your RV or motorhome.
1. Location
This is perhaps the most important factor to look at.
- The laws can vary when it comes to parking an RV in a neighborhood. In most cases, an RV is not considered a standard vehicle or a permanent home.
- Aside from the city’s state, the RV parking rules are also set by zoning laws and homeowner’s associations. Some may allow RV parking for a short term, such as 24 to 48 hours.
2. Permits
- In most cases, local laws do not allow the parking of RVs along the streets of residential areas.
- However, if there’s an exception, it would be when the owner secures a permit. The costs can vary depending on the location.
3. Duration
You might also ask, how long can a motorhome be parked on the street? It also depends. In most cases, you can park only for a limited time, even when you have a permit. This is one way by which authorities prevent people from living on the streets in their RVs.
4. Size or Type of RV
This is another factor that can vary depending on where you live.
- In most cases, Class B RVs are allowed on the streets with the right permits, provided that it’s allowed in the area. Their compact sizes make them suitable for street parking.
- More so, the higher clearance of the RV is another crucial consideration. It’s critical that you’re familiar with the dimensions of your motorhome, so you’ll easily know where you’re allowed to park legally.
Penalties for Violating the Regulations
The penalties can vary depending on your location. The best thing to do is check the local laws. In most cases, you’ll need to pay a penalty fee for violating the rules regarding the street parking of RVs.
The impoundment is also possible. The local police may have the right to impound an RV on the street, especially when it has been parked for a long time. Your RV might be towed.
The Alternatives to Parking on the Street
If you’re not allowed to park a camper or an RV on the street, no worries! Several alternatives are available, including those we’ll talk about below.
1. In your private property
Streets are public properties, so it makes sense that there are RV parking restrictions. To bypass these restrictions, move your RV away from the street and take it to your property. In most cases, you’re allowed to park it in your driveway or the backyard.
2. Casinos
Those looking for overnight parking solutions should consider casinos. Make sure to first check the front desk or reception if you’re allowed to park. It can be free, while some facilities may charge a minimal fee.
3. Truck stops
As the name implies, truck stops are where trucks stop overnight to fuel up or for drivers to rest. These spaces are designed to accommodate large vehicles, so that they can also be suitable RV parking alternatives. The best thing is that these stops may also have facilities like showers.
4. Campgrounds
These are especially great if you’re looking for long-term parking. There are online platforms where you can easily find campgrounds that can accommodate your RV. Choose one nearest your location. Don’t forget to check the parking rates as well.
Conclusion
So, is it legal to park an RV on the street? It depends. You might be allowed to, but only for a limited time and when you have the right permit. Otherwise, you’ll be an inconvenience to people around the street and you may also end up suffering from legal consequences.
You should familiarize yourself with the rules in your area. Keep in mind that alternatives to street parking, such as private property parking, casinos, truck stops, and campgrounds, offer viable solutions for RV owners.
“Hi, I’m Francis’ husband—Calvin. Our story began with our shared passion for traveling. I have had a career journey for over 11 years at Ford Motor Company, where I took on the role of BMS SW Process Engineer.
Together with my wife, I have dedicated countless hours to exploring every nook and corner of the world. Ten years living in an RV may seem long, but time seems to fly by when I’m doing what I love with the person I love.
FMCA’s 103rd International Convention & RV Expo in Gillette, WY,
Like my wife, I hope to help you see the beauty of traveling off the beaten path by sharing insights into this lifestyle. In addition to my corporate roles, I also launched our website – Outdoorbits, in 2015 and continue to contribute my knowledge and skills to the present day. And I’ll be completely honest with you—no hiding the truth or sugarcoating the possible challenges.
So, if you want to run away from the busy lifestyle to embrace nature, I’m your guy.”