New RV Law Just Backfired

Sign for the Department of Motor Vehicles on a stone wall

California’s new policy on RV encampments raises concerns over enforcement gaps, leaving business owners frustrated and communities overwhelmed.

Story Highlights

LA’s new state law targets only abandoned RVs, not those actively driven by homeless individuals.
Businesses report long-standing encampments with little enforcement action.
Efforts focus on interim housing but face criticism for unmet promises.

New State Law Targets Abandoned RVs

In December 2025, the Los Angeles City Council directed city departments to enforce a new state law focused on removing abandoned RVs valued under $4,000. This law aims to clear streets of derelict vehicles, but it notably excludes actively driven RVs where many homeless individuals reside. The policy has sparked debate, as it leaves a significant portion of the RV-dwelling population unaffected, raising questions about the effectiveness of these measures in addressing the broader issue of RV encampments.

Homeless individuals driving these RVs continue to evade citations or towing, leading to frustration among local businesses and residents who have repeatedly complained about the encampments. These businesses argue that the presence of RVs obstructs commerce and poses safety risks. Despite the complaints, enforcement against these active drivers remains minimal, intensifying concerns over government responsiveness and accountability.

Efforts Towards Interim Housing

Alongside the new enforcement law, Los Angeles County has launched the Pathway Home RV Interim Housing Pilot program. Initiated in Crenshaw in November 2025, this pilot project offers a temporary solution by providing legal parking and services to RV residents. It aims to transition individuals from the streets to more permanent housing solutions. The program is seen as a step towards comprehensive solutions, but skepticism remains due to past unmet housing promises. Many RV residents fear displacement without sufficient alternatives.

The pilot currently accommodates 20 people, marking a small yet significant step towards addressing the RV encampment crisis. However, the scale of the problem requires more extensive solutions. Business owners express doubt about the long-term effectiveness of such programs, citing the recurrent nature of encampments and the lack of sustained enforcement even after cleanups.

Balancing Enforcement and Services

Los Angeles officials face the challenging task of balancing enforcement with the provision of services to the homeless population. The county’s approach involves leveraging emergency powers and partnerships with organizations like the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority to provide outreach and navigation services. This strategy aims to build trust with the homeless community, emphasizing a “full-circle” solution from streets to permanent housing.

Despite these efforts, the visible presence of RV encampments continues to be a contentious issue, straining resources and prompting public outcry. The political and social implications of these policies underline the urgency for sustainable, long-term strategies that address both the enforcement gaps and the housing needs of the homeless population.