Is it illegal to sleep in your car?

Catching a snooze in your vehicle may or may not be allowed, depending on the state or city’s laws. Even in areas where it’s legal, you might not be allowed to park on city main streets, the highway or public property not designated for parking. However, you can find a few locations that are commonly open to overnight visitors.

Is sleeping in your car legal?

You won’t find a nationwide law banning people from sleeping in their cars. However, you must follow the state’s and city’s parking laws and any specific laws against sleeping in your car. In general, it’s best to find designated overnight parking areas ahead of time.

Sleeping in your car laws by state

State	Overnight parking at rest stops	Sleeping in car laws
Alabama	Not allowed	No parking on highways You can be arrested for having control of a vehicle while intoxicated, even if the car isn’t moving. It’s banned in some cities like Fairhope
Alaska	Nothing specified	Parking and sleeping in car laws vary by city You may not be allowed to park on public property not marked as official parking In Anchorage, you cannot park on a street, public parking space or public way for over 24 hours, except from Friday noon to Monday noon.
Arizona	Allowed, but no camping outside the car	Some cities like Phoenix ban camping, including car camping You can be arrested for having control of your vehicle while intoxicated.
Arkansas	Allowed for safety purposes only, no camping	Parking laws vary by city. In general, obey street parking signs and time limits.
California	8-hour limit at rest stops, no overnight parking or camping	Many cities ban sleeping in cars in undesignated areas You may find designated overnight parking lots No parking on freeways, except for emergencies
Colorado	Not allowed	There are designated overnight parking areas in the state. You can be arrested for having control of your vehicle while intoxicated. You can’t park on controlled-access highways.
Connecticut	Not allowed	Parking laws vary by city Some cities prohibit overnight parking on city streets between certain hours
Delaware	4-hour limit for parking, no overnight parking or camping	Parking laws vary by city
Florida	3-hour limit for parking, no overnight parking or camping	Highway shoulders are reserved for emergency vehicles Some cities or counties ban sleeping in cars entirely, including The Keys You can be arrested for having control of your car while intoxicated, even if it’s not moving.
Georgia	Not allowed	Highway shoulders are reserved for emergency vehicles. Make sure you’re not violating city or county parking laws or signs.
Hawaii	Not allowed	You can’t sleep or live in your vehicle on any public roadway between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. You can’t use private property without the owner’s consent.
Idaho	Allowed with a 10-hour limit, no camping outside the vehicle
Illinois	3-hour limit for parking, no overnight parking or camping
Indiana	Not allowed
Iowa	Allowed for one night under special circumstances, such as emergencies, no campingo utside the vehicle
Kansas	Allowed for one night only, no camping outside the vehicle
Kentucky	4-hour limit for parking, no overnight parking or camping
Louisiana	Not allowed
Maine	Not allowed
Maryland	3-hour limit for parking, no overnight parking or camping
Massachusetts	Not allowed
Michigan	4-hour limit for parking, no overnight parking or camping
Minnesota	4-hour limit for parking, no overnight parking or camping
Mississippi	Allowed, but no camping outside the vehicle
Missouri	Allowed, but no camping outside the vehicle
Montana	Allowed, but no camping outside the vehicle
Nebraska	10-hour limit for parking, no overnight parking or camping
Nevada	Allowed with a 24-hour limit, camping allowed
New Hampshire	4-hour limit for parking, no overnight parking or camping
New Jersey	Overnight parking may be available in some areas, no camping
New Mexico	Allowed with a 24-hour limit, no camping
New York	3-hour limit for parking, no overnight parking or camping
North Carolina	4-hour limit for parking, no overnight parking or camping
North Dakota	Allowed, but no camping
Ohio	3-hour limit for parking, no overnight parking or camping	RVs are allowed overnight parking along some areas of the Turnpike.
Oklahoma	Allowed, but no camping
Oregon	Allowed with a 12-hour limit, no camping outside the vehicle
Pennsylvania	2-hour limit for parking, no overnight parking or camping
Rhode Island	Allowed, but no camping
South Carolina	Not allowed
South Dakota	4-hour limit for parking, no overnight parking or camping
Tennessee	2-hour limit for parking, no overnight parking or camping
Texas	Allowed with a 24-hour limit, no camping outside the vehicle
Utah	Not allowed overnight, extended stays are allowed at the police’s discretion
Vermont	Not allowed
Virginia	Not allowed
Washington	Allowed with an 8-hour limit, no camping outside the vehicle
West Virginia	Allowed, but no camping
Wisconsin	Not allowed
Wyoming	Sleeping in vehicles is allowed for those who need rest to drive safely, no camping outside the vehicle or extended stays

When is it illegal to sleep in your car?

It’s illegal if you’re sleeping in a city with ordinances specifically against sleeping in your car. Otherwise, you need to follow parking signs at rest areas, parking lots and on main streets to determine whether extended parking is allowed.

Laws for overnight parking and sleeping in your car may vary by city because they have different consequences depending on where you are. For example, overnight parking on main city streets could lead to a bottleneck in traffic flow.

But regardless of city or state laws, sleeping in your car while intoxicated is illegal in most states. Many states’ DUI laws include provisions against having control over your vehicle, even if it’s off and parked. This may include any intoxicated person being in the driver’s seat, with keys in the ignition or otherwise with the capability of driving the car. That means you could get a DUI even if you’re only sleeping in your car and don’t intend to drive it.

Where is it legal to sleep in your car?

While many cities have specific laws for car camping, you have several options for doing it legally. Those include:

Rest areas. Many rest areas let you park to rest for a few hours, although many prohibit parking for a full night’s sleep.
Campgrounds. This option won’t cost as much as a full-blown hotel but gives you the freedom to camp in your tent or car.
24-hour retailers. Some stores are known for their graciousness toward overnight visitors, such as some 24-hour Walmarts. You should ask for permission at stores or other private areas before spending the night there.

Private property with permission. If you know someone with private land and get permission, you should be in the clear to stay overnight.
Truck stops. Most truck stops are considered private property, so you might stay if the store allows overnight car or RV parking.
Your own private property. You shouldn’t have a problem with car camping on your own property. However, follow residential parking laws if you’re parking in the street.

Is it illegal to sleep in other vehicles?

Parking laws and sleeping in car laws tend to apply to vehicles in general, which includes unconventional vehicles, such as an RV, bus, van or camper. Be aware of any additional parking rules for oversized vehicles in cities and protecting yourself from the risks that accompany living on the road.

RV. You may be allowed to sleep in your home on wheels at truck stops or designated parking areas, just be sure to check the signs. Consider purchasing an RV insurance policy so you’re protected for accidents, liability and any damage to your personal belongings.
Popup camper. If you’re sleeping in a camper you tow, you might still be able to sleep at truck stops and designated parking areas. You may consider a combination of trailer insurance coverage to protect your trailer for physical damage and liability.
School bus conversion. In most states, you can park your bus at rest stops and designated parking areas for free, like a Wal Mart. Just be sure to check the signs, or ask the specific location if RV parking is allowed. Insuring your bus conversion may be a tricky feat. Your bus has to meet many specifications to qualify for insurance, such as living quarters similar to an RV. Some skoolies suggest they’ve had the most luck with State Farm.
Bus conversion. A non-school bus conversion has the same parking rules, you might be able to find parking at rest stops, designated parking areas and even campsites or national parks. However, if you’re insuring a bus you live in — that wasn’t a school bus in a past life — you may have an easier time finding bus conversion insurance. In most cases, your bus conversion must be completed by a professional to qualify.
Van. If you’re a van dweller full-time, it’s easy to find legal parking at campsites, designated parking areas and rest stops. As always with oversized vehicles, check the signs and posted rules for parking. The combination of van insurance and add-ons you need will depend on which type of van you drive, and if you want protection for your belongings. You’ll need to meet the same insurance requirements as other vehicles on the road with liability coverage. Some states may also require uninsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection.

Is sleeping in your car safe?

Sleeping in your car offers less security than a locked home or private hotel room because of the car’s open view and fewer locks than a home.

Where you park your car matters

If you choose to get a night’s rest in your trusty vehicle, take care when choosing where you park. Some areas have higher crime rates than others, so you might stay away from alleys, or deserted or poorly lit sections of town. To pick a safe place to park, search for online crime maps or call the local police station to ask about crime in the area.

Don’t leave the engine running

Letting your engine run while you’re sleeping can be dangerous if carbon monoxide levels start to rise. This is especially risky if the car is parked in an enclosed area like a garage.

Carbon monoxide levels can rise:

If the exhaust pipe gets blocked.
If you open your SUV or truck’s tailgate without opening the car’s vents or windows.
If a car malfunctions and blocks airflow.

Hide your belongings in the car

Passers-by can see your belongings in full view when items are packed inside your car. If an experienced thief sees valuables, they may break into your car while you’re distracted or away.

Get a good night’s sleep

Consider the health implications of sleeping in your car, such as aggravating back or neck problems. Also, many avid car campers attest they don’t get as good a night’s rest as they do in a bed. Over time, these issues could take a toll on your health.

Resources to help you get back in a home

If you’ve lost your home and need help while you get back on your feet, explore resources that offer assistance during this time. Look to local and national programs for help:

Dial 2-1-1 to speak to someone in your area who can assist you in finding help.
Search for state-based assistance on your state’s community or housing department sire.
Find local help by choosing Need housing assistance? from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website.

How does sleeping in your car affect car insurance?

Car insurance should still pay out whether you’re sleeping in your car or not. However, you may need extra coverage in some situations.

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Coverage for your belongings

Keep in mind that standard car insurance policies don’t cover your belongings inside the car. A few companies may offer a personal effects add-on for these situations.

However, your home policy or renters insurance might cover stolen belongings if you have that coverage. If not, you could opt for a separate personal property insurance policy.

Collision with a parked car

Car insurance should cover you for these collisions as long as the driver has the proper coverage.

If you collide with a parked car: You would need property damage liability to cover that car’s damage and collision coverage to repair your car.
If someone collides with you: That person’s property damage liability should cover your car while bodily injury liability should cover any injuries you received.
Uninsured or underinsured motorists: You might need uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage to pay for your repairs if you’re hit by an underinsured driver.

Bottom line

If you choose to sleep in your car, make sure to abide by all local laws and pick safe areas to stay overnight. While car insurance should cover you the same wherever you lay your head, you might need extra car insurance coverage to protect against car damage. Consider multiple coverage and car insurance options to find what suits you best.

Frequently asked questions about sleeping in your car

What should I do if I’m restricted from sleeping or living in my car?
If you find out your local area doesn’t allow this practice, you may have a few options:

If it’s not banned entirely, stop at designated parking areas for the time allowed, like two or four hours.
If only banned on public property, find private parking like a Walmart or truck stop that allows it.
Find paid lodging like a motel or campsite.
Try a community shelter.
Relocate to a city that doesn’t include specific laws against it.

How can I find out which areas I’m allowed to park in?
You can ask an owner, manager or local police about overnight parking guidelines. Or you can look up sites ahead of time. Apps like AllStays or Hipcamp can help you find the best parking spots or land available.

Are there specific parking lots for homeless people?
It depends on the city. Some cities have safe parking lot programs with lots set aside specifically for the homeless. However, you might check with the local police department or online for details.

Thank you for your feedback!

Sarah George

Sarah George is a personal finance writer at Finder who’s spent the last four years wielding her digital pen on all things banking and insurance. Her know-how has been featured in such publications as CBS, CNET and Reviews.com, and she was a panelist in Finder’s 2020 money-saving webinar. Sarah earned an English education degree and is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance.

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