COVID Restrictions Impacting The RV Industry Continue In California And New Mexico

As the coronavirus crisis continues to run rampant across nearly every state, only two states, California and New Mexico, have thus far imposed new restrictions which impact any segment of the RV industry. In all other states, RV manufacturing, RV sales and service, and RV parks and campgrounds remain open, although some have restrictions as noted in the accompanying members only chart.

In California, the state remains under Regional Stay-at-Home orders which limit activities in those regions where intensive care unit (ICU) capacity is less than 15 percent. Presently, only one of the five regions of California has greater than 15 percent capacity in its ICUs – the Northern California region consisting of Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lake, Lassen, Mendocino, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama, and Trinity counties.

Under the regional closure orders, vehicle manufacturing and servicing are considered essential businesses and may remain open if following strict CDC and state guidelines on social distancing and hygiene. Dealerships in the regions with less than 15 percent ICU availability may stay open, but the allowable customer levels cannot exceed 20 percent of maximum capacity. Private campgrounds and RV parks in these regions may continue to operate but only to residents, rentals of 14 days or more, full-time RVers who require shelter, and people traveling for essential business. Public campgrounds in these areas are closed to overnight camping.

In New Mexico, the restrictions implemented in November have been extended until further notice, at least through January 29, 2021. Under the order, vehicle manufacturing and servicing are also considered essential and are allowed to remain open. All other segments of the RV industry fall under the state’s “Red to Green” framework, which severely restricts activities in counties designated as Red. Only one county, Catron County in west central New Mexico, is not designated as Red in the current map. For dealerships in all other counties, sales visits by appointment are permitted, as long as capacity is limited to 25 percent. Completely online sales are also permitted.

New Mexico state parks are open for day use by residents only, while overnight camping in state parks is prohibited. Private RV parks and campgrounds are limited to 40 percent capacity if the owner/operator has completed the NM Safe Certified training and 25 percent if they have not.

The government affairs team will continue to monitor state activities in response to the COVID crisis and advocate for the critical role of the RV industry within the state.

View the Members Only Chart