State of Maine May Ban Overnight RV Parking
I've Moved! The Boomer Chronicles has closed after 6 years, but you can keep up with me on my new blog at http://www.rheabecker.com
[UPDATE: Scores of RVers fought back and won. The state of Maine backed down. Read the whole RVs in Maine story here.]
For the RVers out there, did you know that Maine legislators want to ban overnight RV parking in parking lots — in any public parking lot in the state, even if the owners welcome RVs. The fine could be $100.
From the RV Travel.com story:
The fact is, most RVers, me included, don’t need hookups all the time. We don’t need to pay $30 for an RV park if we just want to pull off somewhere and nod off for awhile. Personally, on a typical RV trip, I stay in an RV park or public campground five nights out of seven. If I find a good place to stay for free, I stay. I like saving money. Sometimes I don’t feel like driving 20 miles out of my way to find an RV park and then discover it’s a dump or ten yards from the main line of the Santa Fe.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
The state probably gets part of the fee from the parks. There seems to be no end to government greed.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
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May 14th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
That is crazy legislation. But typical Maine attitude. After spending an entire summer in Canada where we would park in any open area, we were not hasseled any time. We crossed into Maine and parked at an abandoned service station. We were challenged by two “gentlemen”. We told them that it was dark, we were tired, and meant to do no harm. Wake up Maine. RVers spend a lot of money. You want to chase us away from your state. There are 49 other ones. Many are much friendlier.
May 14th, 2009 at 7:26 pm
After spending a year on the road in our motor home, I can tell you that rest stops and Walmarts were often a good alternative to spending WAY too much money in an RV site – when all you needed was to just simply stop for some sleep. Frankly this smacks of state greed on Maine’s part and I think the RVers should boycott the state.
May 15th, 2009 at 9:11 am
There is wisdom in the realization of fatigue from driving. Often it creeps up or there is a gradual realization that one is getting tired and may need a nap or time to retire for the day.
Yes, there are RV parks – doesn’t necessarily imply that one is near enough or that the RV’er needs more than an hour. So, if an area allows RV’ers to pull over – what is the harm? There is more sense to having drivers (autos included) pull over rather than continue. Safe driving should be applauded not penalized by a financial price tag.
I know States are hurting – budget cuts effect all of us in one area or another. However, this is one that they can pass on and find other ways to fund State Parks or whatever dept. they are looking to cover with this fee.
May 15th, 2009 at 9:35 am
Linda, you hit the nail on the head. Drivers are encouraged to pull over when they are tired, so why are RV-ers so suspect?
May 15th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
Sounds like a good way for the state of Maine to make some revenue. You may have to cover your Rv with some bush and try to blend in with nature.
May 15th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
Rich, not a bad idea. Camouflage kits for RVs.