Ignorance is no excuse for the law

We RVers get around, traveling through many states in our travels. And for every state we enter there are new and different traffic laws that we need to learn to avoid a ticket.

Here is a quick check list of what you will need to know when entering a new Department of Transportation jurisdiction:

• What is the highway speed limit for both towing and not towing?
• What is the GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) Allowance?
• Are any special licenses required for towing or high GVWs?
• What are the trailer brake requirements?
• Is triple towing allowed and if so, on what highways?
• What is the maximum allowable total length when towing for motorhomes and trailers?
• What is the maximum allowable height and width of an RV?
• Are safety devices like breakaway chains and flares required?
• What are the laws governing cell phone use and texting while driving?
• Must propane systems be turned off when crossing bridges or entering tunnels?
• Are you required to remove your John McCain '08 bumper sticker when entering blue states?

The seriousness with which you take individual state driving laws may be determined by first checking how much the fines are if you get caught in an inadvertent infringement.