State RV Rules: Utah

For international travellers hiring an RV in the United States, state-level rules can affect what you can drive, how you insure it, and where you can legally stay overnight. Utah is a popular RV destination because of its national and state parks, wide highways (often called freeways), and well-developed campgrounds, but its rules may differ from what you are used to in Europe. Measurements are in miles and feet (not kilometres and metres), fuel is sold by the gallon, and insurance and licensing systems are US-specific. Understanding Utah’s RV regulations in advance helps you avoid fines, plan realistic driving days, and choose the right vehicle for your route. This guide focuses on practical, real-world requirements that matter when driving and camping an RV in Utah, especially for first-time visitors to the USA.

Driving licences and age rules in Utah

Visitors are generally allowed to drive an RV in Utah using a standard car driving licence issued by their home country.

You usually do not need a special RV or heavy vehicle licence for rental motorhomes, even larger models, but acceptance ultimately depends on state law and the rental provider.
Your licence should be in English or accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP); some rental companies strongly recommend an IDP even if it is not legally required in all cases.
Most RV rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 or 25 years old, depending on the vehicle type and insurer.

Unlike parts of Europe, Utah does not normally apply different licence categories based on vehicle weight for private rental RVs, but rental company conditions always apply.

RV size, weight, and road limits in Utah

Utah sets general legal size limits for vehicles, including RVs, although exact allowances can depend on configuration and road type:

Maximum RV width is typically 8.5 feet (about 2.6 metres).
Maximum vehicle height is commonly up to 14 feet (about 4.3 metres).
Standard rental RVs usually operate within these limits and do not require special permits.

Bridges, tunnels, and main highways are generally suitable for large vehicles, but mountain roads, older routes, and national parks may have additional restrictions or lower clearances. Always check posted height and length warnings and campground suitability information.

Speed limits and driving culture

Speed limits are posted in miles per hour (mph) and can vary by road and vehicle type:

Freeways: posted limits can be as high as 75–80 mph in rural areas.
Urban roads: commonly 25–45 mph, depending on location.

Although Utah allows higher speeds than most European countries, RVs may be subject to lower posted limits in certain areas and always require longer stopping distances. Distances between towns can be long, and services limited, so conservative driving and fuel planning are important.

Insurance requirements for RVs in Utah

Insurance is mandatory when driving in Utah.

Rental RVs include at least basic liability insurance, which covers damage or injury to other people and vehicles, as required by law.
Collision and damage protection for the RV itself is usually optional but strongly recommended for visitors.
Personal travel insurance from Europe rarely covers damage to RVs or third-party liability while driving.

You can read more about how cover works for visitors in the insurance FAQ. Always confirm exactly what is included before pickup.

Campground rules and overnight stays in Utah

Utah offers several types of places to stay overnight in an RV:

State parks: Managed by Utah State Parks, usually with designated RV sites and specific length limits.
Private RV parks: Commercial campgrounds with paid sites and varying service levels.
Boondocking: Camping without hookup services, typically on public land.

Full hookups means water, electricity, and sewer connections at your site. A dump station is a designated facility to empty wastewater tanks.

Rules for boondocking and overnight parking vary by land agency (state park, national park, Bureau of Land Management, or city). Overnight street parking is usually restricted unless clearly signed as permitted. Always check local and park-specific regulations before staying overnight.

Towing and extra vehicles

Towing a car or trailer behind an RV is generally legal in Utah if the rental company allows it.

Total length limits apply and can vary depending on RV and trailer combination.
Reversing with a towed vehicle (“toad”) is generally not possible and can cause damage.

Towing rules are less restrictive than in many European countries, but visitors should always follow rental company instructions and state road rules.

Additional safety and compliance points

All occupants must wear seatbelts where provided. Utah enforces strict drink-driving laws, and the legal alcohol limit may be lower for some drivers. Wildlife crossings, winter snow, and sudden weather changes are common outside cities, so seasonal driving conditions should be considered when planning routes.

Planning your Utah RV route

Many international visitors collect RVs in major gateway cities before driving to Utah. Common starting points include Los Angeles and Denver. Allow extra time for long desert drives, refuelling stops, altitude changes, and weather conditions.

Once you understand Utah’s RV rules, you can plan your trip with confidence. Check current RV availability and vehicle options on USARVRentals.com to match your route and travel style.

State RV Rules: Utah