RV Street Parking: Can You Legally Park an RV on the Street?

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Nobody enjoys having an RV park on their street, but what can you do if one suddenly appears in your neighborhood? While it’s not always easy to get rid of an RV, there are some things you can do to try and make the process easier.

First, try talking to the owner and asking them to move it. If they don’t comply, you can call the police or your city’s code enforcement office and ask them to have the RV removed. Finally, if all else fails, you can try towing the RV yourself. However, be sure to check with your local rules and laws before doing so.

parking an rv on a residential street

In this blog post, we’ll outline some of the steps you can take to remove an RV from your street. Plus, you’ll explore parking rules for RVs or motorhomes and how to report an abandoned RV on your street. So, let’s get started!

Motorhome Parking Rules

Most people buy a Motorhome for enjoyment and adventure. But they are unsure about how and where to park their motorhomes. Here are some rules and regulations for where you can park an RV legally.

  • Know the dimensions and size of your motorhome
  • Get permission from the community or neighborhood before parking
  • Park at such a place from where you can easily take your RV out
  • Lock your RV when leaving for somewhere else to secure your belongings
  • Avoid leaving your RVs beside the road/street for over 72 hours
  • RV parking on the street is not allowed in some states
  • You require a permit to park legally on the street

What Size RVs Might Park On Your Street?

Class B RVs or Camper vans can easily be parked on the streets because of their compact sizing. However, it is still necessary to get a permit from the property owner or community before parking. As you might face police patrolling at night, you must prepare a good excuse, permission letter, property owner, ID card, license plate number, and RV documents to prevent inconvenience.

If you don’t have these documents, the police have the right to warn or charge you for suspicious activities. 

Things To Consider While Parking An RV

Here are a few things that you must consider while parking your motorhome:

Know The Height of Your RV

Some parking areas for campervans and motorhomes have height clearance issues. So, you must know your RV’s exact height and dimensions before parking it. 

Get The Permit

Some areas in the US allow you to park your RV for short or overnight periods, such as Walmart and private properties. But remember to get permission from the appropriate person before parking your RV. 

Choose The Right Place

Most places only allow short and overnight parking for RVs, so choose such a location from you can quickly get your RV out later. Before parking, ensure that the place is suitable to back out later.

Lock Your RV

When leaving your RV for even a few minutes, remember to lock all precious things inside the RV. When moving out of the parking area, remember to check that you have taken all your belongings.

The Don’ts of Parking An RV

When parking an RV, there are a few things you definitely don’t want to do. Here are some things that you should avoid while parking an RV:

  • Don’t park on grass or dirt – These surfaces can damage your RV’s undercarriage and make it more difficult to level. If possible, always park on pavement or gravel.
  • Don’t park too close to trees or shrubs – Overhanging branches can scratch your RV’s sides, and roots can damage your tires. Try to park in an open area away from any potential hazards.
  • Don’t park under power lines – Not only is this dangerous, but it can also damage your RV’s electrical system.
  • Don’t park in an unsecured area – If you’re not parking in a driveway or garage, make sure the area is well-lit and free of potential hazards like flooding or crime.
  • Always park on the side of the road to prevent inconvenience to ongoing traffic.
  • Never park on the slope because it will provide an uncomfortable angle for sleeping.
  • Don’t leave a mess at parking spots.

Following these simple tips will help you keep your RV safe and sound for many years to come.

Can You Park An RV On The Street?

Some cities allow RVers to park their RV on streets for loading, unloading, or maintenance of the motorhome. However, it is not permitted to park RV where it blocks public footpaths or sidewalks. 

Protip: You must check the parking laws of the city/state before considering parking your RV in the street because many cities don’t even allow you to park your RV on the street for an hour. 

In most cases, you can park your RV on the street without any issues. However, there are some things you need to be aware of before you do so.

  • For starters, you need to make sure that your RV is properly registered and insured. You also need to be mindful of local parking regulations. Some cities have restrictions on where RVs can be parked and how long they can stay in one spot.
  • If you’re planning on parking your RV on the street overnight, it’s a good idea to check with your local police department first. They may have specific regulations that you need to follow.
  • In general, as long as you’re following the rules and regulations, you should be able to park your RV on the street without any problems. Just be sure to use common sense and be respectful of your neighbors.

Check Out RV Parking: Can You Park an RV on your Property?:

How To Park An RV On Street?

Assuming you have a large RV and you want to park it on the street, there are a few things you need to do to ensure that you are following the law and not causing any problems. 

  • First, check with your local municipality to see if there are any restrictions on parking RVs on the street. Some cities have bans or limits on how long an RV can be parked in one spot. 
  • If there are no laws against it, find a spot on the street that is well-lit and away from traffic. You will also want to ensure that there is enough room for the RV and that it will not block pedestrian traffic or driveways. 
  • Once you have found a suitable spot, park the RV parallel to the curb and make sure that the wheels are within 18 inches of the curb. If you have to park at an angle, make sure that the RV is as close to the curb as possible.
  • Make sure that all of the lights on the RV are working and that the RV is properly secured before leaving it unattended. It is also a good idea to leave a note on the dashboard saying where you can be reached in case of an emergency.

How To Report RV Parked On Street?

If you happen to see an RV parked on the street, there are a few things you can do. You can call the police department non-emergency line, and they will come out and investigate. If the RV is blocking traffic or if it is in danger of being hit by a car, you can also call 911.

If the RV is not causing any problems, you can try to talk to the owner and see if they are willing to move it. If they are not willing to move, you can contact your city’s code enforcement office, and they will send someone out to investigate.

Here’s how to do it:

City Code Enforcement

You can simply call your city code enforcement and file the report for a suspicious RV parked on your street. Provide all possible details you noticed about the RV for quick processing. Another option is City Enforcement online system. 

With City Enforcement online system, you can file a complaint for a parked RV by simply visiting their official site and filling out the complaint form. The authorities will get back to you as soon as possible. 

According to City Code Enforcement, an RV is allowed to park on the street only after getting permission from the community or neighboring property owners. An RV can be parked only for 72 hour period. If it exceeds the limit, the residents can file the report to City Code Enforcement. You can download the application from their official site and file the report through a written application.

Law Enforcement

Law enforcement authorities of each city ensure the safety and convenience of citizens. Most city laws prohibit the parking of RVs on a residential street. If any RV is parked on the street too long, the RV owners will be charged the penalty fee.

Get Evidence

If there are no such ordinances, you’ll need to gather evidence that the RV is parked on the street illegally. This can include taking pictures of the RV parked on the street, as well as any signs or markings that indicate it’s not supposed to be there.

Once you have this evidence, you can then contact your local law enforcement agency or the city hall to file a complaint. Be sure to have all of your evidence with you when you do this so that they can take appropriate action.

Related Questions

How Long Can a Motorhome Be Parked on the Street?

The brief answer is it depends on the city laws. During peak camping days, owners can park their RVs beside their property or homes for up to three days. But if your RV is not moved for over 72 hours, it will be considered abandoned and required to be moved. If no one lives in the RV, you can legally park it on a residential street with the community’s consent.

What Size RV Can Park Anywhere?

Class B or smaller-sized RVs can be parked anywhere because of their small dimensions. If your RV is in Class B, you can park it anywhere. Californian laws allow any vehicle of 40 feet to be parked anywhere, including all Class A RVs. Some other states allow vehicles of a height of more than 30 feet to be parked anywhere.

Where Can I Park My RV to Live In?

There are many different places that you can choose to park your RV in order to live in it. One option is to find a spot at a campground or RV resort. Many of these places will have hookups for water and electricity, as well as other amenities like swimming pools or laundry facilities.

Another option is to look for a piece of property where you can park your RV. This could be a spot in someone’s backyard or even vacant land that you rent or purchase. If you go this route, you’ll need to make sure that you have all the hookups and supplies that you need in order to live comfortably.

Finally, some people choose to live in their RVs full-time by traveling from place to place. This can be a great way to see different parts of the country or even the world. If you plan on doing this, it’s important to make sure that your RV is fully equipped with everything you need to live on the road.

Is It Legal to Live in an RV on Your Own Land in California?

Yes, it is legal. According to California laws, living in an RV on your land is illegal street parking. Although, if you are a full-time RVer, you can legally live in an RV on your land in California. RVs are not designed for permanent dwellings. Therefore many states prohibit living in an RV on your land. 

The Bottom Line

If you are planning to park your RV on the street, be sure to check with your local law enforcement agency to find out if there are any restrictions in your area. Parking your RV on the street can be a hassle and is often not allowed. Be sure to check the rules and regulations before you park to avoid getting towed.

RVs are designed to be a continuous movement, so they shouldn’t be parked for days beside residential streets or areas. Also, it is illegal in most states to park an RV on the road without permission. Thus, to avoid any penalty or unnecessary inconveniences, it is necessary to check the city laws before parking your RV anywhere. 

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Written by William Perry
William was born and raised in the United States and currently lives in Utah. A retired police officer, he is the father of three and grandfather of six. Along with writing, he enjoys traveling, the outdoors, reading and spending time with his grandchildren.
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