Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you've had to catch some Zzzzzs but you’ve had nowhere to go? In some cases, you might find sleeping in the car to be your only option.
If you’ve never had to sleep in cars before, you may be wondering if it’s safe. You also might be questioning whether or not you’d be breaking the law.
Get yourself comfy, because we’re diving into the ins and outs of sleeping in the car in this article!
Why Would You Be Sleeping In the Car?
If you’re wondering why you may end up sleeping in the car, you’re probably not alone. When there are things like AirBNB, hotels, motels, and tents, why would you need to use your car as a bed?
It’s a good question, and you may find that sleeping in the car is a more common occurrence than you realize. By the end of this article, you may also feel that knowing the right and wrong way to do it is a good idea in case of an emergency car-sleeping sesh!
Road Tripping
Taking a road trip in the car is one of the most common reasons for sleeping in the car. Depending on where you’re headed, you could be in the car for a long time. But, as we mentioned above, why sleep in your backseat when there’s comfier options out there?
Here are some possible reasons you may find yourself catching a nap in the backseat on your road trip instead of in a hotel room:
- Cost: hotel rooms can be pricey, and the car costs nothing!
- Convenience: why go to all the hassle of parking, checking in, and traipsing around to find your room when you can just pull over and bed down?
- Location: road tripping isn’t always in urban areas. You may be getting sleepy and there’s no hotel or motel in sight. Your backseat could be the only choice.
Remember, driving while you’re sleepy can be deadly! Road trips can be the prime opportunity for falling asleep behind the wheel, even if you aren’t predisposed to it.
Stay safe and get enough sleep! (for your own sake and others’)
Car Camping
Love camping? Me too! But who hasn’t had a creepy experience with a bug in their sleeping bag, or frozen their toes because the groundsheet just isn’t quite keeping the cold out?
Car camping could be the way to go. If you’re a frequent camper you may already have a car that’s geared towards this kind of adventure. Vehicles with plenty of space and the ability to fold the backseat flat are helpful. But that doesn’t mean you can’t camp successfully in a little car!
Also, you know, tents can be super pricey. You’re already using your car to get to your camping spot, so why not double it up as a vehicle and a tent-substitute?
This may not work great if you’re packed into the car with your spouse and three kids. But if you’re camping as a couple, the car could be a cosy and fun way to spend your nights.
Locking Yourself Out of the House
I’m pretty sure that has happened to most of us… At least once. I know I’ve found myself in the situation where my keys have gone AWOL and I’ve arrived home to an empty house only to be stranded in the driveway.
It’s not a problem if you’ve got a roomie who can let you in, or a locksmith you can call. But if it’s night time, you live alone, roomie works night shift, or an irate spouse has locked you out… You’re kinda stuck.
In this case, sleeping in the car may be your only option for a warm night’s rest!
There may be many more instances that could lead to a car-nap, and you might never be forewarned of them. With that in mind, it’s a great idea to be prepared for sleeping in the car at any time.
Before we get to your “Sleeping-In-The-Car Survival Kit”, let’s delve into the legalities of car-napping. Nobody wants to be awoken from a cosy car-Zzzz session by an annoyed cop!
Sleeping in the Car: Is It Legal?
The answer is… It depends. Different states have different laws, and this is what makes all the difference when it comes to sleeping in your car legally.
Sleeping in itself is not an offense. It all depends on where, when, and how you’re doing it.
If you’re taking a long drive, it’s close to impossible to avoid having at least a short nap in your car. As long as you follow the rules of the state you’re driving in, you’ll be A-okay.
Do Your Research
It’s great knowing the rules of your own state, but don’t assume it’s the same everywhere. If you’re doing a bit of cross-country road tripping, make sure you’re very clear on the laws of every state you’ll be driving through.
“I didn’t know” won’t get you out of trouble! In some places, rest stops could be a safe place to stay overnight, but in other areas it’s not allowed. Make sure you’re very clear on the rules before you get to the state.
Here’s a quick reference list of the laws, by state. Most refer to rest stops, but some make mention of parking on shoulders or freeways. Some laws vary by city, but in all cases, it’s best to obey the local parking signs.
Alabama
- No parking overnight at rest stops
- No parking on highways
- Can be arrested for sleeping in a car if intoxicated
- Double check on specific cities, as sleeping in the car is banned in some
Alaska
- Laws vary by city
Arizona
- May park overnight at rest stops, but no camping outside vehicle
- Can be arrested for sleeping in a car if intoxicated
Arkansas
- May park overnight at rest stops, but no camping outside vehicle
- Obey parking signs and time limits
California
- No parking overnight at rest stops - 8 hour limit
- No parking on freeways
- May only park overnight in designated parking lots
Colorado
- No parking overnight at rest stops
- May only park overnight in designated parking lots
- No parking on highways
- Can be arrested for sleeping in a car if intoxicated
Connecticut
- No parking overnight at rest stops
- Parking laws vary depending on the city
Delaware
- No parking overnight at rest stops - 4 hour limit
- Parking laws vary depending on the city
Florida
- No parking overnight at rest stops - 3 hour limit
- Can be arrested for sleeping in a car if intoxicated
- Laws vary by city, so check carefully
- Highway shoulder reserved for emergency vehicles
Georgia
- No parking overnight at rest stops
- Highway shoulder reserved for emergency vehicles
- Obey parking signs and time limits
Hawaii
- No parking overnight at rest stops
- No sleeping in vehicle
- Can’t park on private property without owner’s consent
Idaho
- May park overnight at rest stops - 10 hour limit, no camping
Illinois
- No parking overnight at rest stops - 3 hour limit
Indiana
- No parking overnight at rest stops
Iowa
- May park overnight at rest stops in emergencies, one night only
Kansas
- May park overnight at rest stops for one night only
Kentucky
- No parking overnight at rest stops - 4 hour limit
Louisiana
- No parking overnight at rest stops
Maine
- No parking overnight at rest stops
Maryland
- No parking overnight at rest stops - 3 hour limit
Massachusetts
- No parking overnight at rest stops
Michigan
- No parking overnight at rest stops - 4 hour limit
Minnesota
- No parking overnight at rest stops - 4 hour limit
Mississippi
- May park overnight at rest stops, but no camping outside vehicle
Missouri
- May park overnight at rest stops, but no camping outside vehicle
Montana
- May park overnight at rest stops, but no camping outside vehicle
Nebraska
- No parking overnight at rest stops - 10 hour limit
Nevada
- May parking overnight at rest stops - 24 hour limit, camping allowed
New Hampshire
- No parking overnight at rest stops - 4 hour limit
New Jersey
- May parking overnight at rest stops in some areas, no camping
New Mexico
- May parking overnight at rest stops - 24 hour limit, no camping
New York
- No parking overnight at rest stops - 3 hour limit
North Carolina
- No parking overnight at rest stops - 4 hour limit
North Dakota
- May parking overnight at rest stops - no camping
Ohio
- No parking overnight at rest stops - 3 hour limit
- Some areas allow overnight RV parking, check carefully
Oklahoma
- May parking overnight at rest stops - no camping
Oregon
- May park overnight at rest stops - 12 hour limit, no camping
Pennsylvania
- No parking overnight at rest stops - 2 hour limit
Rhode Island
- May parking overnight at rest stops - no camping
South Carolina
- No parking overnight at rest stops
South Dakota
- No parking overnight at rest stops - 4 hour limit
Tennessee
- No parking overnight at rest stops - 2 hour limit
Texas
- May parking overnight at rest stops - 24 hour limit, no camping
Utah
- No parking overnight at rest stops - may be allowed at law enforcement’s discretion
Vermont
- No parking overnight at rest stops
Virginia
- No parking overnight at rest stops
Washington
- May parking overnight at rest stops - 8 hour limit, no camping
West Virginia
- May parking overnight at rest stops - no camping
Wisconsin
- No parking overnight at rest stops
Wyoming
- May parking overnight at rest stops - no camping
Where Can I Park Legally?
After checking out that list you may be wondering where you can park legally. Again, while this varies by state, there are a few spots that might be a good bet, although you’d still do well to double-check before you park and sleep.
Camping Grounds
Car campers, this one’s for you (and those who would prefer a more affordable option to a hotel). You’ll have to pay a fee, but it won’t cost as much as a hotel or motel and you’ll be safe.
The Bureau of Land Management generally offers extended dispersed camping time on their land, so that’s well worth checking out.
Truck Stops
Permission may vary by stop, as they’re generally private property. You’d need to check with the store if you have permission to stay overnight.
24-Hour Shopping Centers/Places
Places that stay open overnight, like 24-hour Walmarts or other retailers, may allow overnight stopping. Check with the store before you just pull in and nap, though.
Casinos are another spot that could work for an overnight trip.
Private Property
If you know someone who has land space and gives you the go-ahead, you can sleep legally in your car on their property. If you don’t know anyone around but get permission from the owner of any given piece of land, you’ll be all good.
Stay Sober
Regardless of where you park, in most states it’s illegal to be in your car if you’re intoxicated. If you want to stay as safe and legal as possible, avoid drinking entirely when you’re planning on sleeping in your car. If you’re road tripping, you shouldn’t be drinking anyway!
Sleeping in the Car: Is It Safe?
Sleeping in your vehicle may be legal in certain places, but that doesn’t mean it’s automatically safe. Here are some tips to make sure your car-sleeping experience is as safe as possible!
Park In a Safe Spot
Once you’ve made sure your parking spot is legal, the next consideration is whether or not it’s safe. Make sure your chosen spot is:
- Well-lit: dim areas make for higher crime rates.
- Level ground: waking up with your car rolling away is not fun.
- Out of the way of moving vehicles: you don’t want to risk being hit.
- Free from debris: broken glass, beer bottles, or makeshift sleeping spaces don’t make for safe parking spots.
Here’s a great list of apps you can use to identify safe spots ahead of time. Preparation is half the battle won!
Make Sure It’s Ventilated/Insulated
Once you’ve chosen a relatively safe place to park for the night or your nap, the next thing to do is make sure your space is well-ventilated. While sleeping in a stuffy vehicle isn’t necessarily unsafe, breathing is kind of important.
It can be difficult to balance ventilation and insulation, but both are important. One may be more important than the other, depending on where you’re driving. A hot, humid area is likely to need more ventilation, while snowy surroundings will rely on insulation to stop you from freezing overnight.
Either way, both oxygen and warmth are important.
Ventilation
Crack two windows just enough that you get some airflow without allowing a big enough for someone (or something) to get in. If mozzies are an issue, carry some mesh with you for these situations.
Breathing all night may cause moisture to build up on the windows, so it’s a good idea to have some sort of cloth to wipe this away when you wake up.
Insulation
Because there are fewer layers between you and the outside air than there would be in a hotel room, it’s crucial to stay warm. If you’re anticipating having to sleep in your car, make sure you’re prepared with:
- Warm clothing that you can layer.
- A snug blanket or sleeping bag (or both).
If that’s not enough, you can take measures to insulate the windows. There are various materials you can insulate with, such as foam or sheets, but most suitable for a car would most likely be something thin but warm.
Whether or not you insulate the windows, you will need to dress warmly and stay snug in your sleeping gear!
Don’t Leave the Engine Running
You may be tempted to leave the engine running while you rest so you can use the heater or air conditioner. It’s advisable not to, though.
There’s a higher chance of something small having large consequences, such as:
- Carbon monoxide levels rising if your exhaust becomes blocked or something malfunctions.
- The vehicle overheating.
- Your car being more noticeable to passersby.
Be Smart
Try to stay quiet and in the background, and don’t draw attention to yourself. Whether inside or outside the car, take the following measures to improve safety:
- Keep your belongings out of sight.
- Cover windows at night if possible (for safety and privacy).
- Keep the local emergency numbers handy.
- Don’t carry hazardous materials with you.
- Try not to park in a noisy area that will hide potential danger sounds.
- Keep your doors locked!
- Don’t take medication while you’re sleeping alone in a vehicle.
- Keep a small emergency first aid kit in the glove compartment or trunk.
Your Sleeping-In-The-Car Survival Kit
So, how do you sleep in the car comfortably? We’ve put together a bit of a car-sleeping kit that you can easily make up on your own before you head out on the road.
Preparation is key! Even if you aren’t planning a road trip, it’s worth keeping this little kit in your car in case of emergencies.
Clothing/Sleeping Gear
If you’re heading off on a cross-country trip, chances are you’ll be fully packed with clothing. Obviously, this will differ based on how long you’re likely to be driving for and how long you’ll be staying, but as a general rule, you want a change of clothing for every night you’ll be staying in the car.
- At least one change of clothing (for every night you plan to be sleeping in the car)
- An extra pair of socks
- An extra pair of shoes
- A beanie
- Pillow
- Sleeping bag
- Extra blanket
- Blow-up mattress
Toiletries
It can get stuffy inside a vehicle, whether you’re alone or with a couple of others. You may be lucky enough to find a spot to shower, but if not, add the following to your kit to stay fresh:
- Dry shampoo
- Wet wipes
- Roll-on deodorant
- Toilet paper
- Hand sanitizer
Electronics
It’s important to stay connected while you’re on the move. Not only are you likely to be using your device for GPS, music, and checking where the closest rest stop is, but it’s also essential to have power to be able to get hold of someone in the case of an emergency.
- Car phone charger
- Power bank (a solar one is awesome)
- Wi-Fi router (if necessary)
- Flashlight
- Bedphones
First Aid
You never know what you may encounter on the road. Consider keeping these things in a small, separate first aid kit in the trunk or glove compartment.
- Bandaids and bandages in a variety of sizes.
- Disinfectant.
- Antiseptic ointment.
- A burn care product.
- Throat lozenges.
- Painkillers (preferably not aspirin).
- Anti-nausea medication.
- Anti-diarrhea medication.
- Antihistamines.
- Rehydration sachets with electrolytes.
It’s advisable not to include sleeping tablets or any medications that make you drowsy. You should be able to get variations of all types of meds that are non-drowsy.
That should see you through an emergency car-sleeping experience. If you’re planning on road tripping and sleeping in the car for an extended period of time, you’ll probably want to consider the following:
Food & Drink
Keep stocked up with water and healthy, filling foods. A small cooler is a good idea for keeping foods fresh.
Foods that require refrigeration:
- Water.
- Sports drinks (NOT caffeinated energy drinks).
- Sandwiches
- Chopped veggies
- Cheeses
- Fruits
- Finger foods like cocktail sausages or chicken wings
Non-refrigerated food options:
- Granola bars
- Jerky
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Pretzels
- Chips (if you feel like a bit of unhealthiness sprinkled in!)
Don’t forget:
- Napkins
- Garbage bags
- Paper plates (if necessary)
Other
Depending on your trip, your hobbies, or your mood at the time, here are some things you may want to consider including when you take an extended car trip:
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Journal
- Books
- Travel exercise equipment
Conclusion
Sleeping in the car is something we’re all likely to end up doing at some point, for whatever reason. With just a bit of preparation, it can be a fun, camp-like experience, rather than an awkward, uncomfortable one!
You may be interested in learning how to sleep on the floor and how to alleviate shoulder pain in preparation for some unusual sleeping experiences.
Whatever situation you find yourself in, you can rest assured knowing that sleeping in the car is most likely much easier than you thought it would be!
