For many, it is one of the most important things to remember: alcohol. Six packs, glasses of wine or cocktails are the perfect way to relax by the grill or campfire after a long day of RVing. The rules with alcohol and RVs can be strange because a RV is as much temporary housing as it is a vehicle. Let’s take a look at some of the cloudiness when discussing how to VR with alcohol.
Moving RV
Some people will grab a six pack when they get to camp. Some will stock the refrigerator with wine before even hitting the road. Regardless of how you store alcohol in your RV, there are a few rules that you must follow while traveling with alcohol.
Alcohol should never be opened in a moving RV or RV that is not in place. Understandably your passenger might want a cold one during a long road trip, the open container laws are the same on RVs as they are on regular cars. Any open container inside a moving RV or an RV that is not parked on a site is considered an illegal open container. Police can cite drivers for open containers, even if they haven’t touched a drop. In the worst case, a passenger could also be cited for an open container, even if they are not driving.
It is recommended that you do not even carry alcohol in the RV until it is in place. Although not illegal in and of itself, any alcohol in a moving vehicle can be suspicious and may cause a police officer to ask you more questions.
Never, under any circumstances, should the RV driver consume alcohol.
Camps
Privately owned camps can set their own rules when it comes to alcohol. It is always best to ask or consult the alcohol policy of your RV park. If a private camp says that alcohol is not allowed in their park, no matter what state or local law says, alcohol is not allowed in the park.
Public camps also have their own rules when it comes to alcohol. Some parks allow any amount of alcohol you want to bring, some only allow alcohol of a certain alcohol by volume, others may ban it altogether. Again, what the park says is the rule, regardless of local laws.
Dry Jurisdictions
Not all parts of the United States allow alcohol. There are still many municipalities, counties and other jurisdictions that remain completely dry. Consuming alcohol within these areas is illegal and even transporting alcohol through them could get you in trouble. You may not be jailed for transporting alcohol in a dry area, but you could be fined. Certain parts of the United States, such as the deep south and the mountains to the west, are more likely to have dry areas, so be sure not to do anything illegal before going through them.
Poisoning
Most parks and grounds allow alcohol consumption, but do not allow intoxication or overindulgence. Avoid indulging yourself in the RV park at all times or you could be thrown out of the park without a refund or even written by local police for public intoxication or disturbing the peace. When you are sitting around the campfire, you are sitting in a public space, so treat it as such and enjoy alcohol responsibly.
Across borders
You may want to bring your favorite brand of foam when you cross the border into Canada and Mexico or when you return to the United States, and it may actually be fine. You will need to follow all proper customs procedures and regulations which differ depending on where you are entering and where you are entering from. You won’t be able to transport an entire barrel of Canadian craft beer to the United States, but there is some leeway when it comes to alcohol, customers, and different containment. If you’re ever curious, just ask!
Better to ask than to have your goods seized through customs.
Alcohol is a respectable drink if you treat it that way. Be smart about your RV and alcohol for a safe and fun ride while enjoying a great adult beverage. However, if one thing bears repeating, it is this: never drink and drive.
