The following list and accompanying links access a series of documents that have been prepared by the RV Industry Association’s Government Affairs Department. They are intended to be used by member companies as summary reference guides to state (or Canadian provincial) laws and regulations that impact the RV industry. Although these documents are periodically checked and updated on a rotating schedule, the legislative and regulatory processes in state governments are working continuously to change, amend or create new requirements.
These documents are not legal advice and the information they contain should never be used or relied upon as definitive statements of what the law is in any jurisdiction. Member companies and other users are urged to consult with their own, individual business attorneys on any questions involving the applicability or interpretation of laws or regulations.
State Guide
A guide to doing business in all 50 states, this publication provides links to state websites, state agencies, elected officials and highlights several items of interest when establishing a business presence in a state. The guide includes a chart for each state which provides licensing and bonding requirements for both RV manufacturers and RV dealers.
View the 2018 State Guide
Canadian RV Standards
In the same way that states can have different laws and regulations on any number of issues, Canadian provinces have different laws and regulations when it comes to RV standards. Some of the provinces allow RVs which are built to the American NFPA 1192 RV standard while others only allow RVs to be built to the Canadian Z240 RV standard. This chart states what standard is accepted in each of the Canadian provinces.
View the Canadian RV Standards Chart
Special RV Drivers' License Requirements
Ten states have specific additional requirements for drivers of certain RVs, such as a knowledge test or skills test. This chart states the requirements in each of those states and to which RV the additional requirements apply.
View Special RV Drivers' License Requirements
License Plate Placement Requirements
This chart states the license plate requirements for both trailers and motorhomes, including how many plates are required, where they must be placed and how far above the ground they may be located.
View License Plate Placement Requirements
Maximum RV Width Restrictions
This chart states the legal maximum widths for motorized and towable RVs, including appurtenance exceptions.
View Maximum RV Width Restrictions
Maximum RV Length Restrictions
This chart outlines length restrictions for motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheel travel trailers, RV/tow-vehicle combinations and the number of vehicles permissible in a combination.
View RV Length Restrictions
Maximum RV Height Restrictions
This chart lists height limits for all loaded and unloaded RVs.
View Maximum RV Height Restrictions
RV Noise and Exhaust Requirements
This chart covers that maximum allowable noise level for motorhomes over a certain GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) as well as state requirements for motorhome exhaust systems.
View RV Noise and Exhaust Requirements
Riding in Towed RVs and Truck Campers
This chart specifies which states allow passengers to ride in travel trailers, fifth wheels and truck campers while the vehicles are in motion.
View Riding in Towed RVs and Truck Campers
Safety Chain Requirements for RV Trailers
This chart details the strength and length required for safety chains which connect towable RVs to the tow vehicle.
View Safety Chain Requirements for RV Trailers
Seat Belts and Child Restraint Use Requirements
This chart details the seat belt system requirements in motorhomes. The chart also details the child restraint system requirements, including rear-facing child restraints requirements, which affect seating arrangements in motorhomes.
View Seat Belts and Child Restraint Use Requirements
Trailer Brake Requirements
This chart details the requirements for RV trailer brakes, including the service brake stopping distance for trailer combinations, automatic brake application upon breakaway and whether surge brakes are permitted.
View Brake Requirements
Truck Camper Title and Registration
This chart details requirements in the 11 states that title or register truck campers.
View Truck Camper Title and Registration
Television-Type Equipment Requirements
This chart details the prohibitions placed on the viewability of a television screen by a motorhome driver, including where a screen can be placed and which types of screens are exempt from the prohibition (e.g. GPS).
View TV Equipment Requirements
Window Light Transmittance and Reflectivity
This chart details the minimum percent of visible light transmission required for vehicle windows as well as the maximum percent of reflectivity allowable on these windows.
View Window Light Transmittance and Reflectivity