People all over the United States have different reasons that they may need to sleep in their car for one or multiple nights in a row. Knowing what states, where you can legally park your car in the United States, will help you rest easy at night. We have taken the time to research different states and what they allow when it comes to sleeping in your car.
We are not lawyers and this information is simply research we have done to help you narrow down where you can sleep in your car, not legal counsel.
States such as Arizona, Mississippi, and North Dakota allow you to sleep overnight in your car as long as you sleep inside your car. Other states such as Arkansas and Iowa only allow you to sleep in your car if there is an emergency that would cause you to have to sleep in your car and they only allow you to do so for one night.
While other states, including California or Florida, only let you sleep in your car for a few hours. Cities within each of these states also may have added restrictions so it is wise to check with the city you want to park your car and sleep in before you go.
In this article, you will uncover what states allow overnight parking, what states allow restricted parking, as well as safety tips for sleeping in your car.
We are not lawyers and this information is simply research we have done to help you narrow down where you can sleep in your car, not legal counsel.
Where can I sleep in my car legally?
You may choose to sleep in your car in order to travel the United States, uncovering new places to explore, trying new food and meeting new people, or sleeping in your car may not be a choice and something you had to do for financial reasons. No matter why you need to sleep in your car, knowing where you can safely and legally sleep in your car will help you get some good rest while leaving your mind at ease.
It is not recommended to park your car in neighborhoods, because it looks a little sketchy, especially when homeowners do not know who is sleeping in front of their house, causing them to call the cops. Another place where it is not recommended to park your car to sleep for the night is on a busy road, highway, or feeder, parking in any of these spaces puts yourself in danger and can cause many traffic issues.
Although there are some places where you want to steer away from, there are some places across the United States that are safe to stay at and get a restful night of sleep. Walmart parking lots and 24-hour stores typically allow you to sleep in your car in most cities as long as you are not a disturbance and do not cause traffic issues with where you park.
Another place where you can typically get some rest for the night is rest stops. Every rest stop differs in what exactly is allowed so you should read the signs around the rest stop before you decide to sleep there for the night. Some rest stops allow you to sleep for a couple of hours, while others allow you to sleep overnight safely and legally.
Which states is it legal to sleep in a car?
Every state and city is different when it comes to sleeping in your car. Some states allow you to camp or rest in your car for a few hours at rest stops while others do not allow you to sleep in your car at all.
No matter where you are traveling to and need to sleep in your car, it is always suggested to check in with the local office or storefront you are wanting to park. Here is a list of a few states where it is legal to sleep in your car…to an extent.
| State | Sleeping in your car allowed? | Parking Limit | Overnight Parking Allowed? |
| Arizona | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Arkansas | ✔, only for emergencies | One night only | One night only |
| California | ✔, with restrictions | 8 hours | X |
| Delaware | ✔, with restrictions | 4 hours | X |
| Florida | ✔, with restrictions | 3 hours | X |
| Idaho | ✔, with restrictions | 10 hours | X |
| Iowa | ✔, only for emergencies | One night only | One night only |
| Kansas | ✔, with restrictions | One night only | One night only |
| Mississippi | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Missouri | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| North Dakota | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
When it comes to each of these states, the states that allow you to camp overnight typically only allow you to sleep in your car. That simply means you cannot sleep outside your car in a tent.
While many of these states allow you to sleep in your car for a certain amount of time, different cities within the state may have more restrictions that you should always double check.
How can I safely sleep in my car?
If you are deciding to sleep in your car in a place where it is legal, it is wise to take certain steps to ensure you and your family are safe throughout the night. Choosing the space you park for the night is a big decision and will help determine if you will get a restful night sleep or not.
When choosing a site, there are a few items to look for to make sure you and your family are well taken care of.
Well Lit
You always want to make sure you choose a spot that is well lit and located in an area that allows you to sleep well but also have enough light to feel safe. Choosing a spot that is dark and away from busy areas will set you up to be victimized by thieves and put you in a dangerous situation.
Medium Traffic
You may be thinking, why would I want to park where people frequent? Finding a space that people go regularly will reduce your chance of people trying to mess with you or commit crimes because there are too many people that will see.
Dangerous situations usually happen when you are off by yourself where no one will see a thief approaching you. Safety in numbers even applies to where you want to park your car for the night.
Legal
You definitely don’t want to go park in areas that are illegal to park in, causing you to be woken up in the middle of the night by law enforcement. It is also recommended to stay out of neighborhoods, because of how uneasy it makes people because they don’t know who you are.
Carbon Monoxide
Running your car while you sleep at night can quickly fill your car with carbon monoxide which will emit fumes that has the potential to kill you. It is wise to have a way to ventilate your car and never carry cans of gas that can tip over in the back of your car.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not recommended to sleep in your car in a Hotel parking lot because it is technically private property and if you are caught you can get into trouble with law enforcement and the hotel.
Research has shown that running your AC overnight can emit harmful Carbon Monoxide fumes that are not safe to breathe in.
More often than not, truck stops allow overnight parking for RVs, Trucks, as well as cars.
Conclusion
Sleeping in your car allows you the freedom to move to new destinations and travel cross country without having to get a hotel room. Although sleeping in your car seems simple, there are rules and restrictions in each state and city you visit.
Doing your research before your trip or before you get to your next stop will ensure you have a safe place to sleep while still knowing that you are not doing something illegal. States such as Mississippi and Missouri allow sleeping in your car, but you should always check with the city you are visiting as many cities have different restrictions than states.
In many states, Walmart parking lots, rest stops, and truck stops will allow you to find a spot to sleep overnight where you are safe and can leave your mind at ease throughout the night.
If you have had good or bad experiences sleeping in your car or you have tips and tricks for sleeping in your car all over the country, we would love for you to comment with any advice you have in the comment section below.