Is It Legal to Ride in a Travel Trailer? State Laws & Safety

Owning an RV, be it a motorhome or a towable camper, offers incredible freedom and the ability to take your home (or a second home) on the road. However, for those considering or already owning a used travel trailer or fifth wheel, a critical question often arises: Is It Legal To Ride In A Travel Trailer while it’s being towed? This question isn’t straightforward, as the answer varies significantly depending on where you are traveling.

Navigating the laws regarding riding in a towable camper involves understanding regulations that differ from state to state. While some jurisdictions permit passengers in a travel trailer or fifth wheel under certain conditions, many others strictly prohibit it. Beyond legality, there’s the paramount issue of safety, which is a separate but equally important consideration. Even where laws allow it, inherent risks make it crucial to be fully informed before deciding to carry passengers in a towed vehicle. The dream of traveling across the US by RV safely requires adherence to both legal requirements and sound safety practices.

Can You and Should You Ride in a Travel Trailer or Fifth Wheel?

This situation is complex primarily because laws differ across states, and sometimes even between different types of towable RVs, like travel trailers versus fifth wheels. What is permitted in one state may be illegal right across the border.

Crucially, distinct from the legal aspect is the question of safety. Even if riding in a towable is legal in a particular state, it doesn’t automatically mean it is a safe or wise choice.

Most towable campers are not equipped with seat belts or other fundamental safety restraints, particularly smaller models. In the event of an accident, passengers riding in a travel trailer without proper restraints face a significantly increased risk of severe injury or fatality. Unlike motorhomes or passenger vehicles, travel trailers and fifth wheels typically lack airbags and other advanced safety features designed to protect occupants during a collision.

Due to the substantial lack of safety features, riding in a travel trailer or fifth wheel is strongly discouraged. Unless your trailer is explicitly outfitted with proper, professionally installed seat belts and other essential safety features, carrying passengers in the back should be avoided for their protection.

That being said, if you own the vehicle and it is “technically” legal in your specific state and you accept the risks, you do have the right to ride in a travel trailer or fifth wheel according to that state’s law. However, you must strictly operate within the legal confines of that state and any other states you enter while traveling. Taking necessary precautions to enhance safety, even when legal, is essential.

States Where Riding in a Travel Trailer or Fifth Wheel May Be Allowed

Multiple states across the U.S. permit passengers to ride in a travel trailer or fifth wheel while it is being towed. However, these regulations are subject to change and often come with specific conditions.

It is imperative to always double-check the current laws in your specific state before allowing anyone to ride in a travel trailer or fifth wheel. Laws can and do change, and staying informed about the latest regulations is crucial for compliance.

Furthermore, remember that you must abide by the laws of every state you travel through, not just your state of origin. When you cross state lines, the towing and passenger laws of the new state immediately apply. Planning routes and understanding the rules along the entire journey is vital when traveling across the US by RV. You may also want to explore travel plaza locations along your route for planned stops and breaks.

According to various reports from sources like the RV Industry Association (RVIA) and state DMVs (though laws change and require independent verification), the following states have historically permitted riding in a travel trailer or fifth wheel, often with specific conditions:

• Arizona
• California (typically fifth wheels only, often with restrictions)
• District of Columbia
• Idaho
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Maryland
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana (typically fifth wheels only, often with restrictions)
• Nebraska
• New Jersey
• New York (typically fifth wheels only, often with restrictions)
• North Carolina
• North Dakota (typically fifth wheels only, often with restrictions)
• Oklahoma
• Oregon (typically fifth wheels only, often with restrictions)
• Pennsylvania (typically fifth wheels only, often with restrictions)
• South Dakota (typically fifth wheels only, often with restrictions)
• Tennessee
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin (typically fifth wheels only, often with restrictions)

Note: This list is based on historical data and general reports. State laws are constantly reviewed and updated. You must consult the most current regulations directly from state official sources like the DMV or Department of Transportation for definitive legal information.

Tips for Safer Passenger Travel in a Travel Trailer or Fifth Wheel

For states that do permit passengers in towable RVs, particularly fifth wheels, there are often mandated requirements, such as a two-way communication device between the driver in the towing vehicle and the passengers in the trailer. Other common requirements or strong recommendations include having approved safety glass in windows and maintaining an unobstructed path to an exit at all times.

Rear view of a truck towing a travel trailer on a sunny day

Even if not legally required in a particular state, these measures and the following tips are highly recommended to enhance passenger safety:

• Maintain Communication: A reliable two-way communication system (like intercoms or even cell phones if signal is consistent) is vital for passengers to alert the driver immediately if an issue arises.
• Reduce Speed and Increase Following Distance: Drive slower than usual speeds (often recommended 55-60 mph) and significantly increase the distance between your vehicle and the one in front. This provides more time to react and brake smoothly, which is crucial when towing passengers.
• Utilize Towing Accessories: Consider using towing aids like sway bars or electronic brake controllers, which improve stability and braking control, contributing to safer towing conditions.
• Remain Seated or Lie Down: Passengers should stay in designated seating areas or lie down securely at all times while the trailer is in motion. Standing or walking around in a moving trailer is extremely dangerous.
• Ensure Proper Loading: Make certain your trailer is correctly loaded with weight distributed properly to avoid instability. All interior items should be securely stowed or fastened down to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles during travel or sudden stops.
• Professional Seat Belt Installation: The most significant safety enhancement is the installation of seat belts in the passenger area. However, this is not a DIY project. Seat belts must be installed by qualified professionals who can ensure they are anchored correctly to the trailer’s structure to meet acceptable safety standards and actually provide protection.

Final Considerations on Riding in a Travel Trailer

To reiterate, while some states may have laws that permit it, carrying passengers in a travel trailer or fifth wheel while it is being towed carries significant inherent risks and is generally not recommended. These towed units are fundamentally different from motorhomes or passenger vehicles and lack the built-in safety cages, airbags, and restraints designed to protect occupants in the event of a crash.

If you are determined to proceed where legal and willing to accept the associated risks, it is absolutely critical to thoroughly check and understand the current laws in your area and the areas you will be traveling to and through. State towing and passenger laws can change regularly, so do not rely on outdated information or assumptions based on past experiences. Always verify the latest regulations before embarking on your journey.