There are many reasons why you might want to sleep in your car over night. While it might not be the most comfortable place to sleep, especially if you have a small car, it can definitely be accomplished however the legality of spending the night in your car depends on state and city laws.
To be on the safe side always check local laws before planning on sleeping in your car over night, after all the last thing you want is to be woken up in the middle of the night be a police officer!
Is it Illegal to Sleep in Your Car at Walmart?
It is legal to sleep at most Walmarts around the country and if you might not find yourself alone. Camping out in Walmart parking lots has been popular for years with many different communities. While you might not find a welcoming committee when you arrive for your overnight stay it is free and you should not receive any trouble from law enforcement as long as you keep to yourself and do not cause problems.
There are many locations across the country that have designated RV parking especially in popular travel areas however many people spend the night in their car or the bed of their truck. For best results you should still focus on keeping a low profile and drawing as little attention to yourself as possible. Make sure to buy something in the store and use the restroom one final time before retiring to your car for the night.
| State | Legality |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Yes – Sleeping is legal! |
| Alaska | Yes – Be careful in the cold! |
| Arizona | Yes – Be careful in the Summer heat! |
| Arkansas | Yes! |
| California | Yes – Watch for private property! |
| Colorado | No - Check local campgrounds |
| Connecticut | Yes – In rest areas along the Illinois Toll Road |
| Delaware | No |
| Florida | No |
| Georgia | No |
| Hawaii | No |
| Idaho | Yes- 8 hrs. for Interstate rest areas; 16 hrs for Highway rest areas |
| Illinois | Yes – In rest areas along the Illinois Toll Road |
| Indiana | No |
| Iowa | No |
| Kansas | Yes - With limitations |
| Kentucky | No |
| Louisiana | No |
| Maine | No |
| Maryland | No |
| Massachusetts | No |
| Michigan | Yes – Sleeping in your car is legal |
| Minnesota | Yes – Sleeping in your car is legal |
| Mississippi | Yes – Sleeping in your car is legal |
| Missouri | Yes – Sleeping in your car is legal |
| Montana | Yes – Sleeping in your car is legal |
| Nebraska | Yes – 8 hour limit |
| Nevada | Yes – Sleeping in your car is legal |
| New Hampshire | No |
| New Jersey | Yes – limited overnight parking |
| New Mexico | Yes – Sleeping in your car is legal |
| New York | Yes – Beware of local laws! |
| North Carolina | No |
| North Dakota | No |
| Ohio | Yes- Beware of local laws! |
| Oklahoma | Yes – Sleeping in your car is legal |
| Oregon | Yes – Sleeping in your car is legal |
| Pennsylvania | No |
| Rhode Island | No |
| South Carolina | No |
| South Dakota | No |
| Tennessee | No |
| Texas | Yes – Sleeping in your car is legal |
| Utah | Yes – Sleeping in your car is legal |
| Vermont | No |
| Virginia | No |
| Washington | Yes – Beware of local laws! |
| West Virginia | No |
| Wisconsin | No |
| Wyoming | Yes – Beware of local laws! |
Is it Illegal to Sleep in Your Car in California?
It is safe and legal to sleep in your car in most places in California, as long as you are not trust-passing, on private property or causing a disturbance. Other things to keep an eye out for are No Overnight Parking, Reserved Parking and Handicap Parking signs which could cause additional legal or towing problems.
Many California cities have specific laws regarding the homeless so make sure to do your research before hand. While you might not consider yourself homeless sleeping in your car still might fall under some of these laws. If you are worried about finding a safe and legal place to stay there are many parks, RV parks and CALTRANS rest stops that have free or cheap overnight stays.
Is it Illegal to Sleep in Your Car in New York?
There are no standing laws against sleeping in your vehicle in New York but you may be subject to a number of other laws and local regulations. Laws against sleeping in your car were recently ruled to be unfair against the homeless and so you should not have any problem as long as you watch for road signs and private property.
Usually the worst thing that will happen is you will be asked move and find somewhere else to go. There are also many public and private parks and campgrounds that are available for overnight stay. If you are trying to stay in New York City and feel sneaky you can always try to find a place on top of a parking garage in warmer months.
Is it Illegal to Sleep in Your Car in Texas?
Sleeping in your car is legal in Texas, but beware of the heat! If you have to sleep in your car in the Lone Star State be sure to keep your windows cracked and have a bottle of water handy.
Most people elect to sleep in a tent, RV or even in a hammock if they have to sleep outside in Texas however your car is always a great option. Before choosing a spot to sleep in for the night check the area for No Parking Signs, Handicap Signs and Private Property Signs just to be sure you will have no trouble. Remember, sleeping in your car near the Gulf of Mexico is going to be much different than in the panhandle so make sure to plan ahead.
Is it Illegal to Sleep in Your Car in Michigan?
Camping in your car in Michigan is legal just be sure to stay warm during the winter. Unless it is snowing outside usually all you will need is a light blanket, a pillow and your car!
There are many free places to sleep with your car in Michigan. The most popular places to sleep in your car are Walmart parking lots, camp grounds, overnight shopping centers and inconspicuous areas.
Is it Illegal to Sleep in Your Car in Florida?
Florida is surrounded by miles of beautiful coastline – but that does not mean sleeping in your car is legal everywhere in Florida. While there are no specific state laws against spending the night in your vehicle there are local laws and restrictions on sleeping overnight. Make sure to park your car in a public area that does not have any rules against overnight parking, little foot traffic and overnight security that won’t mind an extra visitor. Keep in mind sleeping on the beach is illegal in many areas that are not designated camp sites and police will write you a ticket!
Is it Illegal to Sleep in Your Car in Ohio?
It is legal to sleep in your car in most place in the state of Ohio. Some places – like Wooster – have passed city ordinances that make it a misdemeanor if you get caught so be careful and check local laws!
Legal Places to Sleep in your Car
Finding a legal place to sleep in your car nearby might be easier than you expect. Most Walmarts will let you sleep in the back of the lot for a night but if that is not an option there are always alternatives. Campsites, RV Parks and other hidden away spots can provide a place to park and sleep for the night.
Remember to be careful! Many public parking lots, garages and parks may be public spaces and seem like overnight parking is legal but the local police might not welcome your presence! If the police or a security guard approaches your vehicle and ask to move it is best to hit the road!
Marie Seska
Marie Seska is one of the most trusted sources on the net for sleep information. She searches the web - as well as the latest medical journals to bring her readers the latest news and information.