Can You Ride In A Moving Camper Van?

Whether or not you are allowed to ride in a camper while driving depends on where you are. In the US, each state has its own laws regarding the size of your trailer, your speed when pulling one, and the passengers and where they can sit. In some places, that fantasy of the family playing a card game in the back while cruising along Interstate 70 can never legally become a reality.

Even if it is legal in your state, it is not necessarily safe. Most campers lack seatbelts and other safety features, so riding in one could result in significant injury or death in the event of an accident.

Laws vary by state

The laws on riding in a camper while driving vary from state to state. Some states, such as California, Georgia, Hawaii, and Kansas, have specific requirements for riding in a camper. For example, in California, passengers must be able to communicate with the driver, have access to a working exit, and safety glass in the windows. In Georgia, passengers must have free access to the driving compartment. Hawaii and Kansas have age restrictions, with passengers required to be at least 13 and 14 years old, respectively.

Some states may also have more general seat belt laws that apply to campers. These laws can vary, with some states requiring all passengers to be strapped in, while others only mandate seat belts for the driver and front passenger. It is important to note that travel trailers and fifth-wheel campers typically don't have seat belts because they are not designed to be occupied while moving.

While some states permit riding in a camper while driving, it is important to consider the safety risks. Campers are not subject to the same crash testing standards as cars and trucks, and they lack the same safety features. Therefore, riding in a camper while driving is strongly discouraged unless it is properly equipped with seat belts and other safety features.

Seat belt laws

In addition to the front seat, some states also require adults and children in the back seat of vehicles to wear a seat belt. These laws apply to the cab area of RVs, and many RVers also buckle up additional passengers in the dinette or jump seat areas.

• Alabama: Those in the back seat are not required to wear seat belts, but it is recommended to be safe while travelling.
• Alaska: All passengers in the vehicle are required to wear a seat belt.
• Arizona: Children under 15 need to wear a seat belt in the back seats.
• Arkansas: All passengers in the vehicle are required to wear a seat belt.
• California: All passengers in the vehicle are required to wear a seat belt.
• Colorado: All passengers in the vehicle are required to wear a seat belt.
• Connecticut: Passengers in back seats who are under 16 are required to buckle up.
• Delaware: Every passenger in the vehicle must wear a seat belt.
• Florida: Passengers in the back who are under 18 are required to buckle up.
• Georgia: Passengers in the back under 18 are required to wear seat belts.
• Hawaii: Everyone in the vehicle is required to buckle up.
• Idaho: Everyone in an RV must wear a seat belt, but vehicles over 8,000 pounds are exempt from the rule.
• Illinois: All passengers 15 and under are required to wear seat belts in the back of a motorhome.
• Iowa: All passengers must wear a seat belt when riding in an RV.
• Kansas: Children under 14 need to have a seat belt when riding in the back of an RV.
• Kentucky: Everyone is required to wear a seat belt when the RV is moving.
• Louisiana: Children under 12 are required to buckle up in the back seats of an RV.
• Maine: Everyone in the RV is required to wear a seat belt.
• Maryland: Adults in the backseat do not have to be buckled up, but children should still wear seat belts.
• Massachusetts: Everyone in the RV is required to wear a seat belt.
• Michigan: Children riding in the back who are under 15 are required to buckle up.
• Minnesota: Children ten and under are required to wear a seat belt in the back seats.
• Mississippi: Children ten and under are required to wear a seat belt in the back seats.
• Missouri: Children under 15 need to buckle up if they’re riding in the back seats.
• Montana: Everyone riding in an RV is required to wear a seat belt.
• Nebraska: Those under 18 need to buckle up in the back seats.
• Nevada: Everyone is required to wear a seat belt in an RV unless it is travelling at less than 15 miles per hour.
• New Jersey: Children 17 and under are required to buckle up in the back seats.
• New Mexico: All passengers must wear a seat belt.
• New York: Children under 15 are required to wear seat belts in the back seats.
• North Carolina: Children under 16 are required to wear seat belts in the back seats.
• North Dakota: Children under 17 are required to wear seat belts in the back seats.
• Ohio: Only front-seat riders need to buckle up, but it’s safer to be buckled in regardless of where you’re sitting.
• Oklahoma: Children 12 and under are required to wear seat belts in the back seats.
• Oregon: Everyone is required to wear a seat belt in a moving RV.
• Pennsylvania: Children under 18 are required to wear seat belts in the back seats.
• Rhode Island: Everyone is required to wear a seat belt in a moving RV.
• South Carolina: Everyone is required to wear a seat belt in a moving RV.
• Tennessee: Children under 16 are required to wear seat belts in the back seats.
• Texas: Children 17 and under are required to wear seat belts in the back seats.
• Utah: Everyone is required to wear a seat belt in a moving RV.
• Vermont: Everyone is required to wear a seat belt in a moving RV.
• Virginia: Children 16 and under are required to wear seat belts in the back seats.
• Washington: Everyone is required to wear a seat belt in a moving RV.
• West Virginia: Children 17 and under are required to wear seat belts in the back seats.
• Wisconsin: Children 15 and under are required to wear seat belts in the back seats.
• Wyoming: Everyone is required to wear a seat belt in a moving RV.

Safety concerns

Riding in a camper while driving is a highly controversial topic. While some people believe that it is safe to do so, others argue that it is extremely dangerous and should be avoided. One of the main concerns is the lack of safety features in campers, such as seat belts and airbags. Most campers are not designed with these features, which means that in the event of an accident, passengers in the camper could be seriously injured or even killed.

Another concern is the potential for the camper to tip over or roll in an accident. This is especially true for travel trailers and fifth-wheel campers, which are not securely attached to the towing vehicle in the same way that a motorhome is. In the event of a sudden stop or a collision, the camper could detach from the vehicle and roll over, putting anyone inside at risk of serious harm.

Even if a camper is properly secured, the risk of injury during a sudden stop or accident is still high. Items inside the camper can become projectiles and cause injury, and passengers can be thrown around or even ejected from the camper if they are not properly restrained. This is why it is crucial for anyone riding in a camper to wear a seat belt at all times, even if it is not required by law in that particular state.

In addition to the risk of injury, there are also legal implications to consider. While some states may permit riding in a camper while it is moving, others have strict laws prohibiting this practice. These laws can vary depending on the type of camper and the age of the passengers, and they can change frequently. As a result, it can be difficult for drivers to stay up-to-date on the legal requirements of each state they are travelling through.

Furthermore, walking around inside a moving camper can be extremely dangerous, even for experienced drivers. The movement of the vehicle can cause a person to lose their balance and fall, potentially resulting in serious injuries. This is why it is generally recommended that passengers remain seated and refrain from using the bathroom or kitchen facilities while the camper is in motion.

Overall, while riding in a camper may be legal in some states, it is important to carefully consider the safety risks involved. The lack of safety features, the potential for the camper to tip over or roll, and the risk of injury during a sudden stop or accident are all compelling reasons to avoid riding in a camper while driving.

Age limits

In some states, there are no age limits, but there are other restrictions. For example, in Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and South Dakota, passengers are allowed in the back of a camper while driving, but there must be two-way communication between the driver and passengers.

Hitch requirements

Some states may not have rules regarding trailer brakes, while others require them on all trailers. For trailers with more than one axle, some states mandate brakes on every axle, while others only require them on a single axle.

When towing a vehicle behind an RV, it is essential to consider the extra weight and ensure that the motorhome can handle it in all conditions, such as climbing steep hills. The hitch weight ratings are usually stamped on the hitch assemblies, and safety chains are typically required for tow bar attachments.

It is worth noting that hitch requirements are just one aspect of the regulations surrounding campers and trailers. Each state has its own laws regarding trailer size, speed limits, passenger age limits, and more. It is important to familiarize yourself with the specific rules of the states you plan to travel through to ensure compliance and safe driving.

Frequently asked questions