Can I fall asleep in the car? Here’s why it’s not the best idea:
Tesla driver found asleep while driving
Tesla’s self-driving car has sparked controversy online after a man was spotted falling asleep at the wheel on Interstate 5 near Santa Clarita, California.
america today
- Some states allow drivers to rest at designated locations for up to 24 hours.
- Some states may have strict rules and regulations regarding loitering in public and private parking lots.
- Drivers who sleep in their cars can be ticketed and fined.
Motor vehicle and traffic laws vary from state to state. Believe it or not, in some states sleeping in your car can get you into serious trouble, unlike driving barefoot.
Why is sleeping in your car a problem? Here’s what you need to know about falling asleep in your car from the Department of Transportation, legal sources, and auto insurance companies.
Can I sleep in the rest area?
Falling asleep in a (properly) parked car is not itself a state crime. However, where you fall asleep and how long you sleep can make the difference between getting a serious ticket or not.
Drivers may want to take a quick nap in the car for various reasons, such as fatigue after a long drive. Overnight parking is prohibited in some states, for example at rest areas in Tennessee. Due to Tennessee Department of Transportation welcome center and rest area regulations, you may not remain parked in a rest area for more than two hours.
That’s right, certain states have strict regulations for drivers even at designated rest stops. In fact, Tennessee has one of the shortest interstate stopping time limits in the country. In contrast, Texas limits stays at interstate rest areas to 24 hours and allows overnight parking.
Several major cities have also banned sleeping in cars on public and private property. This excludes public and private parking lots from legal places to catch some Zs, according to Direct Auto Insurance, an Allstate Insurance brand. Where does Walmart, a retail legend known for allowing overnight parking, stand on this issue?
Can I park overnight at Walmart?
Walmart is no exception to the state’s rules when it comes to allowing drivers to fall asleep in parking lots. There is no official national policy regarding parking RVs or cars overnight in Walmart parking lots. Walmart’s Frequently Asked Questions page answers the question, “Can I park an RV at a Walmart store?” “Parking permits are extended by each store manager based on parking space availability and local laws.”
Therefore, the same rules that apply to public or private parking lots apply to Walmart parking lots. Some Walmart managers may allow you to rest in the parking lot, but you may be violating local loitering laws.
Can I get a ticket to sleep in the car?
If you’re caught by law enforcement, you could be ticketed or questioned for sleeping in your car in a state where sleeping in your car is not allowed, according to a resource page on LawInfo.com, a national lawyer directory. If you are intoxicated, sleeping in your car can be even more dangerous if law enforcement can prove you intended to drive while intoxicated. It is best to avoid this situation completely and plan ahead before taking a break in the car.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued guidance on drowsy driving, recommending that if drivers in the United States feel drowsy while driving, they should drink coffee, stop at a designated rest stop, and take a 20-minute nap. According to NHTSA, preparing by getting enough rest is key to avoiding the potentially fatal drowsy driving situation.
