Los Angeles RV Restrictions Blocked by Court Ruling

A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge has halted the city’s plan to dismantle and destroy recreational vehicles used as housing, citing a lack of legal authority. The ruling is a victory for advocates for the homeless, who argued the city overstepped its bounds in interpreting a state law designed to address abandoned and inoperable RVs.

Background on Assembly Bill 630

Assembly Bill 630, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in October 2025, initially granted Los Angeles and Alameda counties the power to dispose of RVs valued at up to $4,000 . This increased the previous threshold of $500, streamlining the process for disposing of these vehicles and avoiding the need for auctions. The intent was to address public health concerns and improve street safety.

The City’s Attempt to Expand Authority

The city of Los Angeles sought to extend the provisions of AB 630 to apply city-wide, allowing it to remove RVs within city limits. Judge Curtis A. Kin ruled that the bill does not grant this authority to the city, stating, “AB 630 provides no such authority to the City of Los Angeles” .

Advocates and Officials Respond

Homeless advocates celebrated the ruling, arguing that the city’s plan would have exacerbated the housing crisis by removing a vital, albeit imperfect, shelter option for unhoused residents. City officials expressed disappointment, stating that the decision would hinder efforts to address public health and safety concerns . Councilmember Traci Park voiced dismay, calling it “another example of activist lawsuits impeding our ability to address urgent public health and safety concerns while moving people indoors.”

The Growing Trend of RV Living

The number of people living in vehicles has increased in recent years due to rising rents and a shortage of affordable housing. Approximately 6,500 people reside in RVs across Los Angeles County . RVs are often purchased at auction and rented out by “vanlords,” sometimes leading to unsafe living conditions due to lack of maintenance and access to basic amenities.

Concerns About RV Safety and Harassment

While RVs can provide a degree of autonomy, they can also pose safety risks if not properly maintained. Issues such as leaking sewage, rodent infestations, and faulty wiring can lead to fires and health hazards. Individuals living in RVs often face harassment .

Looking Ahead

With the court’s decision, the city of Los Angeles must now either abandon its plan to dismantle RVs or demonstrate to the judge that its interpretation of AB 630 is valid. The ruling highlights the complex challenges of addressing homelessness and the need for comprehensive solutions that prioritize both public health and the rights of vulnerable populations. Advocates continue to emphasize the importance of providing adequate low-income housing as a more sustainable solution than criminalizing or displacing those living in vehicles.