Recreational Vehicle Federal Safety Regulations

Recent signers:
Nanci Miller and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

End Self-Certification and Self-Regulation in Recreational Vehicle Manufacturing Industry Petition 

The RV industry is not federally regulated for several reasons:

Exemptions from Specific Regulations: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) exempted the RV industry from the Motor Vehicle Trade Regulation Rule, renamed the Combating Auto Retail Scams (CARS) Rule

This exemption was granted because RV dealerships operate differently from automobile dealerships, and RVs are considered discretionary purchases rather than essential ones1

HUD Clarifications: In 2018, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) clarified that RVs are exempt from manufactured housing standards. This decision was made to avoid unnecessary regulatory burdens on RV manufacturers, as RVs are already regulated as motor vehicles by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and adhere to nationally-recognized RV standards.
 
Industry Self-Regulation: The RV industry has established its own standards and practices, which are recognized nationally. This self-regulation helps maintain quality and safety without the need for additional federal oversight.
 
These factors contribute to the RV industry's unique regulatory status, allowing it to operate with a degree of flexibility while still ensuring consumer protection through existing standards and regulations.
________________________________________________________________

Recreational vehicles (RVs) are a staple of American travel and adventure, offering freedom and flexibility to millions of owners. However, beneath the excitement lies a troubling issue: the lack of independent oversight in the manufacturing of these vehicles. 

Currently, recreational vehicle manufacturers in the United States are permitted to self-certify and self-regulate according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a practice that compromises safety, quality, and consumer trust. Without accountability to independent standards, the risks to RV owners and other road users grow unchecked as we are all seeing so much of. 

We, the undersigned, urge the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to take immediate action to end the self-certification and self-regulation of recreational vehicle manufacturers. We call for the establishment of robust, third-party oversight to ensure that RVs meet strict safety and quality standards before they reach consumers. This change is not just necessary—it’s long overdue. With more Americans turning to RVs for travel and residence, the stakes have never been higher. Lives, property, and the integrity of the industry itself depend on this reform. Sign this petition today and join us in demanding accountability, safety, and a better future for RV owners across the country. Together, we can drive change.
#StrengthInNumbers

avatar of the starter
Pete WestPetition StarterFull-time RVer advocating for all RVers to petition for federal safety regulations for the RV industry. <a href="https://www.rvadvocacy.com" rel="nofollow">https://www.rvadvocacy.com</a>

1,024

Recent signers:
Nanci Miller and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

End Self-Certification and Self-Regulation in Recreational Vehicle Manufacturing Industry Petition 

The RV industry is not federally regulated for several reasons:

Exemptions from Specific Regulations: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) exempted the RV industry from the Motor Vehicle Trade Regulation Rule, renamed the Combating Auto Retail Scams (CARS) Rule

This exemption was granted because RV dealerships operate differently from automobile dealerships, and RVs are considered discretionary purchases rather than essential ones1

HUD Clarifications: In 2018, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) clarified that RVs are exempt from manufactured housing standards. This decision was made to avoid unnecessary regulatory burdens on RV manufacturers, as RVs are already regulated as motor vehicles by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and adhere to nationally-recognized RV standards.
 
Industry Self-Regulation: The RV industry has established its own standards and practices, which are recognized nationally. This self-regulation helps maintain quality and safety without the need for additional federal oversight.
 
These factors contribute to the RV industry's unique regulatory status, allowing it to operate with a degree of flexibility while still ensuring consumer protection through existing standards and regulations.
________________________________________________________________

Recreational vehicles (RVs) are a staple of American travel and adventure, offering freedom and flexibility to millions of owners. However, beneath the excitement lies a troubling issue: the lack of independent oversight in the manufacturing of these vehicles. 

Currently, recreational vehicle manufacturers in the United States are permitted to self-certify and self-regulate according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a practice that compromises safety, quality, and consumer trust. Without accountability to independent standards, the risks to RV owners and other road users grow unchecked as we are all seeing so much of. 

We, the undersigned, urge the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to take immediate action to end the self-certification and self-regulation of recreational vehicle manufacturers. We call for the establishment of robust, third-party oversight to ensure that RVs meet strict safety and quality standards before they reach consumers. This change is not just necessary—it’s long overdue. With more Americans turning to RVs for travel and residence, the stakes have never been higher. Lives, property, and the integrity of the industry itself depend on this reform. Sign this petition today and join us in demanding accountability, safety, and a better future for RV owners across the country. Together, we can drive change.
#StrengthInNumbers

avatar of the starter
Pete WestPetition StarterFull-time RVer advocating for all RVers to petition for federal safety regulations for the RV industry. <a href="https://www.rvadvocacy.com" rel="nofollow">https://www.rvadvocacy.com</a>

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Petition created on December 3, 2024