The laws involved in taking your RV on a road trip are enough to give you a headache. You must follow highway laws—sometimes for a commercial vehicle—as well as camping laws. Hurdles can include making sure your license is valid for your rig, knowing where you can camp overnight, and state rules around firearms or cannabis. But there are two lesser-known laws that can trip up RV owners, and they could land you with a fine—or worse—before you even realize you’re breaking them.

Propane tank limitations

RV enthusiast Russ Hicks shares advice on his TikTok channel @WhereRV. He pointed out the “super-sized” propane restrictions and warned that it’s not even a state-specific law.

“If you have a super-sized propane tank, meaning 25 gallons or more, you may find restrictions on certain tunnels and bridges throughout the United States.”

This means if you carry extra fuel, you’ll need to research your specific route and keep your eyes peeled for signs prohibiting super-sized tanks.

Commercial vehicle limits and towing speed limits

How fast can you drive your RV on the highway? That depends on your setup—and the specific highway. Hicks explains, “there are speed limits for vehicles that are towing in different states.”

How many states? More than a dozen. “I believe there’s 13 different states that require you to drive 55 miles an hour if you are towing a vehicle.” If you are towing, you’ll definitely want to double-check the guidelines in every state you plan to cross. But that’s not all.

Hicks warns, “Different states and communities have size and weight restrictions on vehicles that use their road.” So you’ll want to know exactly what your rig weighs and watch for posted limits as you travel.

Where can you park your RV overnight?

So let’s say you’ve jumped through all the legal hoops, spent a long day on the road, and need some shut-eye. Can you pull into a rest area to sleep? Again, it depends. “Different states allow you to spend overnight in a rest area. Others limit it to two to three hours.”

Russ has found some chain stores that welcome RVs. “Our favorite is Cracker Barrel. Cabela’s Bass Pro Shops.” I’ve written extensively on places where you can park overnight to sleep. Learn more about casino parking lots, 24-hour gym parking lots, church parking lots, residential streets, and of course Walmart parking lots. You can also see Hicks original TikTok video embedded below. (MotorBiscuit has reached out to @WhereRV for comment).

@whererv What They Don't Tell You Part 5 Legal Issues With RVs #beware #rvtips #rvtipsandtricks #protips #rvlife #rvliving #rvfulltime #rvtravel #rvlifestyle #rvtiktok #legal #rv #vacation #rvfamily #traveltiktok ♬ Ukulele and Harmonica – Annanda Riyanti