Is it illegal to sleep in your car?
If you're wondering whether it is illegal to sleep in your car, you should know that it is not illegal to sleep in your car in most states. However, you should find rest stops because those are designated for drivers’ safety and comfort. It's also recommended that you have auto insurance.
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Brad Larson
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Brad Larson has been in the insurance industry for over 16 years. He specializes in helping clients navigate the claims process, with a particular emphasis on coverage analysis. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah in Political Science. He also holds an Associate in Claims (AIC) and Associate in General Insurance (AINS) designations, as well as a Utah Property and Casual...
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UPDATED: Feb 26, 2024
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Feb 26, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance providers please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- All but eight states allow you to sleep overnight at a rest stop
- States like California limit drivers who camp in their vehicles, and cities may have more limits on drivers who sleep in their cars
- Always have auto insurance to protect against theft and parked car accidents
Is it illegal to sleep in your car with auto insurance? Whether you can sleep in your car without breaking any laws depends on the state and the city where you are sleeping.
The good news is that most states will allow you to sleep in your car. States maintain rest areas for the safety and comfort of drivers. However, some states and cities put strict limits on where and when you can sleep in public.
Now, how does sleeping in your car affect your auto insurance? It depends on the coverage you have and if your car suffers any damage where you decide to park it.
Find out when and where you can sleep in your car with auto insurance and what you can do to stay safe if you get tired on the road. If you would like to see rates from top auto insurance companies where you live, enter your ZIP code into our free quote tool above.
When and where can you legally sleep in your car?
For example, is it illegal to sleep in your car at a truck stop?
In short, it is not illegal to sleep in your car if you are in a designated rest stop and know the rules.
Now, what about states? For example, is it illegal to sleep in your car in California? Is it illegal to sleep in your car in Texas? Is it illegal to sleep in your car in Florida or states like Washington or Minnesota?
Well, you can legally sleep in your car in all those states since they have resting areas. However, some of the states do have camping restrictions. Also, eight states do not allow overnight stays at resting areas. (For more information, read our “Where can i sleep in my car legally“).
States That Do Not Allow Overnight Sleeping at Designated Resting Areas
In all, eight states will not allow you to sleep overnight at a rest stop: Colorado, Hawaii, Maryland, Nebraska, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Hawaii is the only state without designated rest areas. However, it does not put a limit on how long someone can rest in their car.
States That Have Parking Restrictions
Most states do have some sort of parking restrictions in place. In all, 31 states will either limit camping areas, put a time limit on sleeping at resting areas, or have some combination of both.
Is it illegal to sleep in your car with auto insurance? States With Parking Limits
State | Time Limit at Rest Areas (in Hours) | Anti-Camping Restriction |
---|---|---|
California | 8 | Yes |
Delaware | 6 (Smyrna Rest Area), None for 1-95 Welcome Center | Yes |
Florida | 10 for commercial vehicles, 3 for others | Yes |
Georgia | No limit | Yes |
Idaho | 10 for interstate, 16 on other highways | Yes |
Illinois | 3 | Yes |
Iowa | 24 | Yes |
Kansas | 24 | No |
Kentucky | 4 | No |
Maryland | 3 | No |
Massachusetts | No limit for most, 2 for some | No |
Minnesota | 10 for commercial vehicles, 4 for others | No |
Mississippi | 8 | Yes |
Missouri | No limit | Yes |
Nebraska | 10 | No |
Nevada | 18 | No |
New Hampshire | No limit | Yes |
New Mexico | 24 | Yes |
New York | 10 for commercial vehicles, 3 for others, 4 at service plazas | Yes |
North Dakota | No limit | Yes |
Ohio | No limit | Yes |
Oregon | 12 | Yes |
Pennsylvania | 2 in most areas, 24 at service plazas | Yes |
South Dakota | 10 for commercial vehicles, 3 for others | Yes |
Tennessee | 2 | No |
Texas | 24 | No |
Utah | No limit | Yes |
Vermont | No limit | Yes |
Washington | 8 | Yes |
Wisconsin | 24 | Yes |
Wyoming | No limit | Yes |
We should note that four states that don’t allow overnight parking at rest areas — Colorado, the Carolinas, and Virginia — seemingly have no other restrictions on resting drivers. However, that does not account for cities and municipalities.
City Ordinance Examples
California cities may have more restrictions than the state when it comes to sleeping in your car.
For example, a city like Los Angeles greatly restricts where people can sleep in their cars. It is hard to find a spot to do so legally in the city, and an August 2019 ordinance bans anyone from doing so in residential areas between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
San Diego passed a similar ordinance in the same year. That ordinance passed in March 2019, and it extended to the entire city.
Truck Stops
As the name suggests, truck stops are primarily for commercial trucks. However, some may allow you to stay there if there are spots available for truck drivers who need to rest. It’s best to ask the person or people who manage the truck stop if you can stay there for a time.
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How can sleeping in your car affect your insurance rates?
Should you be cited for illegal parking, it isn’t clear how sleeping in your car can affect your auto insurance rates. Your auto insurance company will likely increase your rates based on moving violations and their severity. However, if you are asleep in a parked car, you aren’t moving.
Insurance companies are always assessing risk, yet a citation for sleeping in your car doesn’t really speak to your risk as a driver. On the one hand, your decision to nap in your car instead of driving tired lowers your risk on the road. But by taking the time to sleep, you decrease the likelihood that you will cause a crash.
On the other hand, parking your car somewhere does not guarantee that you will not be involved in a collision or suffer any other car-related loss with full coverage auto insurance (which includes collision and comprehensive coverage). For example:
- Another vehicle may hit your car while it is parked, causing damage.
- A tree might fall onto your car, or an animal may bump into it.
- A thief might break into your car while it is parked and you are sleeping.
In the first scenario, you might need to make a collision auto insurance claim. If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you might need to file a claim for the other two scenarios. You might also like to have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage in the first scenario, as well.
How can you safely and legally sleep in your car?
To follow the law and remain relatively safe, here are a few tips if you need to pull over and sleep in your car:
- Find out where local rest stops are and if there are time limits. Keep abreast of city ordinances, as well.
- Park in well-light areas but do not have any valuables in plain sight. Thieves might want to break into your car if they see anything that appeals to them.
- Rest in some retail parking lots. Stores like Walmart are known for allowing drivers to rest for a time. Still, do not linger too long.
Ultimately, it’s best to get a good night’s sleep when you can. That way, you will not be drowsy on the road or need to pull over and rest.
Is it illegal to sleep in your car with auto insurance? The Final Word
In general, it isn’t illegal to sleep in your car based on state law, but you will need to be aware of local ordinances and parking policies for various businesses.
In any event, it is a good idea to have auto insurance. According to the Insurance Information Institute, you must always show that you have financial responsibility while on the road to protect against damages and liability. To that end, you must always carry auto insurance if you own a car and use it regularly.
If you have car insurance, that means you are following the law. You will also have extra protection if someone or something causes damage to your car while you have it parked, even at a rest stop.
Now that you know that it is not illegal to sleep in your car with auto insurance, are you ready to find rates from top companies in your area? Just enter your ZIP code into our free quote tool below and get started.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to sleep in your car?
The legality of sleeping in your car varies depending on several factors, such as the specific location, local laws, and regulations. It is important to check the laws of the jurisdiction where you plan to sleep in your car to ensure compliance.
Are there any specific instances where sleeping in a car might be illegal?
While sleeping in a car is generally not illegal, there may be specific instances or circumstances where it could be prohibited. For example, some cities or municipalities may have ordinances that restrict overnight parking or sleeping in vehicles in public areas. Additionally, parking in certain private properties or designated zones may also have restrictions.
How can I find out if it is legal to sleep in my car in a specific location?
To determine if it is legal to sleep in your car in a particular area, you should consult the local laws and regulations of that jurisdiction. This information can usually be found on the official website of the city or municipality, or by contacting the local law enforcement or city council.
What are some potential consequences if sleeping in a car is illegal in a specific area?
Consequences for sleeping in a car in areas where it is prohibited can vary. Common penalties may include fines, citations, or even the possibility of having your vehicle towed. It is essential to understand and adhere to the local laws to avoid any legal issues.
Can I sleep in my car in a rest area or designated camping area?
Rest areas and designated camping areas often have specific rules regarding overnight stays. While some rest areas may allow sleeping in your car for a limited period, others may have restrictions or time limits. It is advisable to check the regulations for each specific rest area or camping area before deciding to sleep in your car.
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Brad Larson
Licensed Insurance Agent
Brad Larson has been in the insurance industry for over 16 years. He specializes in helping clients navigate the claims process, with a particular emphasis on coverage analysis. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah in Political Science. He also holds an Associate in Claims (AIC) and Associate in General Insurance (AINS) designations, as well as a Utah Property and Casual...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.