State RV Rules: California

Why California RV rules matter for international travellers

California is one of the most popular RV destinations in the United States, but its rules and travel systems can feel very different from Europe. Road sizes, vehicle measurements, licensing standards, campground access, and even everyday terms like “dump station” or “hookups” may be unfamiliar. Understanding California’s state-specific RV regulations helps you avoid fines, plan realistic driving days, choose suitable campgrounds, and feel confident behind the wheel.

For international visitors, the most important differences often involve driver licensing, speed limits, right-turn rules, camping restrictions, and how insurance and roadside assistance work in the USA. California is also known for stricter enforcement around overnight parking and environmental protection than some other states, although exact rules vary by city, county, and land manager. This guide focuses on the practical realities you are likely to face when driving and camping in an RV or campervan in California.

Driving an RV in California

Speed limits and road rules

Speed limits in California are shown in miles per hour (mph), not kilometres per hour. Many European visitors find US speed limits lower than expected, particularly for larger vehicles.

Passenger cars: often 65–70 mph (105–113 km/h) on major highways, where posted
Motorhomes and vehicles towing trailers may be subject to lower maximum limits, commonly 55 mph (88 km/h), depending on vehicle class and road type
Some roads post specific limits for “vehicles towing” or heavy vehicles

Unlike many European countries, drivers may turn right at a red light unless a sign says “No Turn on Red.” You must stop completely first and always yield to pedestrians and cross traffic.

Lane use and mountain driving

California has extensive multi-lane highways, especially around major cities. Slower traffic generally keeps to the right, but lane discipline is less formal than in much of Europe.

In mountain and rural areas, you may encounter:

Long downhill grades with posted “Truck Speed” or advisory warnings
Brake check areas, where drivers of heavy vehicles are encouraged to stop and ensure brakes are not overheating
Chain control signs in winter, meaning snow chains or approved traction devices may be legally required during snow conditions

Automatic gearboxes are standard in US rental RVs, which simplifies hill and mountain driving. Conditions can change quickly in winter or during wildfire season, so always check local road reports before travelling.

Driver licensing for international visitors

Most international travellers can legally drive an RV in California using a full driving licence from their home country, provided it is valid and either in English or accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP). Requirements can depend on licence language, vehicle type, and length of stay.

California generally does not require a special licence category for standard rental motorhomes or campervans below certain size and weight thresholds. However, licence rules can be interpreted differently, and rental companies may apply their own vehicle size, age, or experience requirements.

For current guidance and rental-specific rules, see the driving licence FAQ.

RV size, weight, and measurement differences

US rental RVs are often larger than European campervans, and all dimensions are given in feet and inches:

1 foot = 30.48 cm
1 mile = 1.61 km

Key California limits to be aware of (which can vary by road and vehicle type) include:

Maximum vehicle width: typically 8.5 feet (2.6 m)
Maximum height commonly accommodated on major roads: around 13.5 feet (4.1 m)
Longer or heavier motorhomes may be restricted or discouraged on certain scenic, coastal, or mountain roads

Always check campground vehicle length limits and road signage before booking or entering narrow or winding routes, especially in state and national parks.

Insurance and roadside assistance

RV rental insurance in the USA differs from many European policies and is governed by state law and individual rental contracts. In California:

Liability insurance (covering damage or injury to others) is legally required
Damage cover for the RV itself often includes a deductible, meaning you pay an agreed amount if there is damage
Windscreen, tyre, roof, or underbody damage may be limited or excluded, depending on the policy

Roadside assistance is strongly recommended due to long distances and limited services in some regions. Coverage commonly includes towing, jump-starts, and basic tyre help, but may exclude situations such as off-road recovery, driver error, or extreme weather closures.

Always review your rental’s insurance and assistance terms carefully. Additional detail is available in the USARVRentals insurance and roadside assistance FAQs.

Camping rules and overnight parking

Campgrounds explained

California offers several types of campgrounds, with rules and facilities set by different authorities:

Private campgrounds: usually offer electrical hookups and often full hookups (water, electricity, sewer)
State parks: state-managed parks with scenic settings; RV size limits and facilities vary by park
National parks: extremely popular, often require advance reservations, and may restrict RV length

“Full hookups” means you can connect your RV to fresh water, electricity, and a sewer drain. A “dump station” is a dedicated facility for emptying waste water tanks when hookups are not available.

Boondocking and parking restrictions

“Boondocking” refers to camping without hookups, often on public land. In California, rules are relatively strict and vary widely by location and land manager.

Overnight street parking is commonly restricted or prohibited in cities and towns
Beach areas, residential zones, and tourist centres often ban sleeping in vehicles
Enforcement and fines can be strict compared with many parts of Europe

Always check posted signs, local ordinances, and park regulations before parking overnight, and do not assume rules are the same across the state.

Fuel, tolls, and everyday logistics

Fuel is sold in US gallons, not litres (1 US gallon ≈ 3.8 litres). Petrol is called “gas.” Diesel is available but may be less common at smaller stations, particularly in urban areas.

Most California motorways do not use traditional toll booths, but some urban express lanes operate with electronic tolling. These lanes are typically optional, clearly marked, and may require a compatible transponder supplied by the rental company. Personal European toll devices will not work.

Popular RV pickup locations for California trips

Most international visitors collect their RV near major airports. Common starting points include Los Angeles. Some travellers combine California with neighbouring states by starting or ending their trip in Denver, depending on flight availability and trip routing.

Planning ahead

California rewards careful planning. Campgrounds often sell out months ahead, distances are longer than they appear on maps, and local enforcement is active. Seasonal factors such as winter snow, wildfire-related road closures, and wildlife on rural roads can also affect travel.

Understanding California’s rules in advance helps make your RV holiday safer and more relaxed. When you are ready, check current RV and campervan availability on USARVRentals.com and match your vehicle choice to California’s driving and camping requirements.