Car Sleeping Laws: What You Can and Can’t Do When Sleeping in Your Vehicle

When you’re on the road and need to rest, car sleeping, the act of sleeping in a vehicle for rest or shelter. Also known as vehicle camping, it’s a practical solution for travelers, truckers, and people facing housing instability. But just because you can do it doesn’t mean you’re always allowed to. overnight parking rules, local regulations that control where and how long you can leave your vehicle parked vary wildly—from city to city, state to state, and even between rest areas. Some places welcome it; others treat it like a violation. And roadside rest stops, designated areas along highways meant for driver breaks are often the only safe, legal option—but even those have time limits.

There’s no national law about sleeping in your car. Instead, it’s all local. In some towns, you can park overnight at Walmart or a 24-hour grocery store with no trouble. In others, police will wake you up, issue a ticket, or tow your car just for being inside your vehicle while parked. Cities like Los Angeles and New York have strict ordinances against sleeping in vehicles, especially in residential zones. Meanwhile, states like Colorado and Oregon have passed laws protecting the right to rest in your car if you’re not causing a disturbance. The key isn’t just legality—it’s knowing where you’re allowed to be, how long you can stay, and what behavior might trigger trouble. Even if you’re not drunk, not panhandling, and not blocking traffic, you can still get cited if you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Many people rely on car sleeping because they have no other choice—whether they’re between homes, saving money, or traveling on a tight budget. But the rules don’t care about your reason. What matters is whether the local government permits it. That’s why knowing the difference between public land, private property, and designated rest areas is critical. Some counties allow it only if you’re parked in a marked parking lot. Others ban it entirely unless you’re at an official campground. And while national parks and federal lands often have their own rules, state parks usually require a fee or reservation—even if you’re just sleeping in your car. There’s no single answer, but there is a way to find the right answer for your location. Below, you’ll find real examples of how people navigate these rules, what mistakes to avoid, and where you can legally rest without risking a fine or worse.