Is it illegal to sleep in your car?
If you can't afford your auto insurance rates, is it illegal to sleep in your car? No, it isn't, but you must have an active insurance policy if you drive it anywhere at all. Sleeping in your car isn't illegal, but different states have different rules about where you can sleep. Is it illegal to sleep in your car at a campsite? No, and a campsite also allows you to cook food, shower, and use the bathroom.
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Written by
Leslie Kasperowicz
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Reviewed by
Daniel Walker
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UPDATED: May 5, 2022
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- When it comes to sleeping at rest stops, each state has different laws
- Walmart parking lots and campsites typically allow drivers to sleep in their cars
- It is crucial to turn off your car when you are sleeping
Driving long into the night can be dangerous, but what can you do if you don’t know where to find a motel or don’t have anywhere to go? Most drivers in this situation must resort to sleeping in their car, but doing so isn’t always as simple as you think.
Is it illegal to sleep in your car, even if you have affordable auto insurance? It can be in certain areas of your state. Of course, driving while sleepy is very dangerous. So, before you head out for the day, make sure that you know the answers to questions like, “is it illegal to sleep in your car in California?” or “is it illegal to sleep in your car at a truck stop?”
Luckily, if you find yourself asking, “where can I get auto insurance quotes?” and, “is it illegal to sleep in your car?” you can find both free auto insurance quotes and pertinent information about sleeping in your car with the push of a button.
If you are wondering, “is it illegal to sleep in your car?” enter your ZIP code to obtain free car insurance quotes right away.
Table of Contents
Where is it illegal for drivers to park overnight?
Planning a road trip or finding yourself without traditional housing can leave your mind spinning with all sorts of questions like these:
- Is it illegal to sleep in your car in Texas?
- Is it illegal to sleep in your car in Florida?
If you’re not sure what your state rules are for parking somewhere throughout the night, review this extensive chart to determine if your state allows for overnight parking in areas like rest stops.
| State | State Parking Rules |
|---|---|
| Alabama | -Parking overnight at rest stops is prohibited -Parking on highways is not allowed -Intoxicated drivers can be arrested for sleeping in their cars - Various cities have bans on sleeping in the car |
| Alaska | -Laws are city specific |
| Arizona | -Overnight parking is allowed at rest stops -Drivers can be arrested for sleeping in their cars while intoxicated |
| Arkansas | -Overnight parking at rest stops is allowed |
| California | -Over parking at rest stops is prohibited -Overnight parking is only allowed in certain parking lots |
| Colorado | -Parking overnight at rest stops is prohibited -Overnight parking in certain lots is allowed -Intoxicated drivers can be arrested for sleeping in their cars -Parking on a highway is prohibited |
| Connecticut | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is prohibited |
| Delaware | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is prohibited |
| Florida | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is prohibited -Intoxicated drivers can be arrested for sleeping in their cars |
| Georgia | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is prohibited |
| Hawaii | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is prohibited -Sleeping in your vehicle is prohibited -No overnight parking on private property without permission |
| Idaho | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is allowed |
| Illinois | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is prohibited |
| Indiana | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is prohibited |
| Iowa | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is allowed for one night only |
| Kansas | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is allowed for one night only |
| Kentucky | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is prohibited |
| Louisiana | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is prohibited |
| Maine | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is prohibited |
| Maryland | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is prohibited |
| Massachusetts | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is prohibited |
| Michigan | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is prohibited |
| Minnesota | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is prohibited |
| Missouri | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is allowed |
| Montana | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is allowed |
| Nebraska | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is prohibited |
| Nevada | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is allowed |
| New Hampshire | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is prohibited |
| New Jersey | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is allowed at some rest stops |
| New Mexico | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is allowed |
| New York | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is prohibited |
| North Carolina | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is prohibited |
| North Dakota | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is allowed |
| Ohio | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is prohibited |
| Oklahoma | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is allowed |
| Oregon | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is prohibited |
| Pennsylvania | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is prohibited |
| Rhode Island | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is prohibited |
| South Carolina | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is prohibited |
| South Dakota | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is prohibited |
| Tennessee | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is prohibited |
| Texas | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is allowed |
| Utah | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is prohibited |
| Vermont | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is prohibited |
| Virginia | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is prohibited |
| Washington | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is allowed |
| West Virginia | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is allowed |
| Wisconsin | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is prohibited |
| Wyoming | -Parking overnight at a rest stop is prohibited |
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Educating yourself on the rules of where you can and can’t sleep overnight can help reduce the number of headaches you endure while out on the road. Now, let’s examine some areas where you can legally sleep in your car.
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Where can drivers legally sleep in their cars?
Drivers looking for a place to catch some shut-eye can find some unexpected solace in a Walmart parking lot. While you won’t be allowed to set up a full campsite, you won’t have to worry about being kicked off the premises while in the midst of getting your beauty sleep.
If you’re looking for a spot that will allow you to cook food and get clean, you should consider reserving a spot at a campsite. While you will have to pay a fee, most campsites are incredibly affordable and provide showers, bathrooms, and cooking amenities.
How can drivers safely sleep in their cars?
Your safety is essential, so when sleeping in your car you should keep it ventilated and insulated. Two windows should be slightly cracked open so that you can access fresh air without having to worry about someone attempting to reach inside your vehicle to open it.
Most likely, you’ll wake up to find that condensation has formed on your windows, so you should keep a cloth in your car to clean them and to improve your driving visibility.
In order to keep warm on chilly nights, pack extra clothes and a thick blanket or a sleeping bag. You may be tempted to keep your engine running during the night, but you should never do so as it can be dangerous for you and also draw attention to your car.
Do drivers need auto insurance to sleep in their cars?
If you can’t afford your auto insurance rates, is it illegal to sleep in your car? No, it isn’t. However, if you drive the vehicle at all — even just down the street — you must have an active insurance policy.
While you won’t ask your auto insurance company if it’s illegal to sleep in your car, you should ask them about obtaining proper coverage, particularly if you sleep in your car regularly. Your insurance can help you get a tow or even replace your vehicle if you suffer a total loss.
Those features may sound costly, but most major insurance companies offer discounts that can make such coverage affordable. If you think you need to reduce your insurance rates, review this list of discounts the next time you examine your insurance policy:
Commonly Available Insurance Discounts
| Vehicle Discounts: | Driver/Customer Discounts: | Personal Discounts: |
|---|---|---|
| Active Disabling Device | Claim Free | Emergency Deployment |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Continuous Coverage | Family Legacy |
| Adaptive Headlights | Defensive Driver | Family Plan |
| Anti-Lock Brakes | Driver's Education | Federal Employee |
| Audible Alarm | Driving Device/App | Further Education |
| Automatic Braking | Early Signing | Good Student |
| Blind Spot Warning | Full Payment | Homeowner |
| Daytime Running Lights | Good Credit | Life Insurance |
| Economy Vehicle | Loyalty | Married |
| Electronic Stability Control | Multiple Policies | Membership/Group |
| Farm/Ranch Vehicle | Multiple Vehicles | Military |
| Forward Collision Warning | New Customer/New Plan | New Address |
| Garaging/Storing | Occasional Operator | New Graduate |
| Green/Hyrbid Vehicle | Online Shopper | Non-Smoker/Non-Drinker |
| Lane Departure Warning | On-Time Payments | Occupation |
| Newer Vehicle | Paperless/Auto Billing | Recent Retirees |
| Passive Restraint | Paperless Documents | Stable Residence |
| Utility Vehicle | Roadside Assistance | Student Away |
| Vehicle Recovery | Safe Driver | Student or Alumni |
| VIN Etching | Seat Belt Use | Volunteer |
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When you properly utilize car insurance discounts and follow safe driving practices, you’ll find that your insurance rates can be quite affordable. That will allow you to get the insurance you need to drive safely on the roads.
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Sleeping in Your Car: The Bottom Line
Where you can legally sleep in your car will vary from state to state, as each one has its own approach to overnight parking laws. Before you set out on the road, make use of free online resources to confirm where you can legally and safely park for the night.
Campsites are great spots that allow you to cook food, shower, and use the bathroom. You will need to pay a fee to park at these sites; however, the cost is usually less than staying at a motel.
If you cannot find a place to stay indoors, you should keep your car in a safe area, well ventilated, and warm.
If you’re wondering, where can I purchase auto insurance? and, is it illegal to sleep in your car? you can shop online to find a policy to protect you while you’re out on the road.
If you’ve ever thought, is it illegal to sleep in your car? enter your ZIP code to begin comparing free quotes from car insurance companies near you.