Nicholas Hernandez/MySA
Buc-ee’s, Texas’ favorite gas station home to sparkling bathrooms and crave-worthy snacks, may be beloved for many reasons. But its host of parking lot rules have sparked ire among locals and long-distance travelers alike. So, what exactly can you do, or better yet not do, in a Buc-ee’s parking lot? It turns out, a bit.
The banning of commercial trucks at Buc-ee’s has ignited anger and naysayers for years. But there’s lesser known limitations, like sleeping or leaving your RV in a lot too long. Plus, new rules discouraging paying for gas inside while you grab a snack or lunch has born a new anger with the smiling buck-toothed beaver.
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So, here’s what you should know before taking a turn into the massive, Texas-founded gas station chain slowly taking over the South.
Can you sleep in the Buc-ee’s parking lot?
In the long and short of it: No, sleeping is pretty explicitly banned in Buc-ee’s parking lots. While some folks report getting away with a cat nap or two, others have been ushered off the property by staffers on lookout.
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The company clearly states resting in their lots is a no go.
“In our efforts to maintain a safe and secure environment for all our customers, we cannot accommodate vehicles for an extended amount of time in our lots,” the website states.
The same rules apply whether you’re parked in an RV or a sedan. In fact, some drivers parking their RV were reportedly run off the lot without even trying to get some shut-eye. Luckily, there are places notorious for welcoming weary travelers, like Love’s Truck Stop, Cracker Barrel and Walmart.
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Checking in with staff beforehand is highly recommended, however.
Buc-ee’s 18-wheeler, commercial truck ban sparks ire
The rivalry between truck drivers and Buc-ee’s regulations has been waged for years. The company has explicitly barred 18-wheelers, pulling trailers or not, from fueling up or parking for a snack. But that rule was reportedly expanded to include all commercial vehicles earlier this year, revoking parking privileges for trash trucks and other work trucks hauling a trailer.
“After getting my breakfast, I was sitting in my truck eating when an attendant knocked on my window and told me I was not welcome and needed to leave due to this new policy,” Darren Nichols wrote in a social media post back in February. “I went inside and asked to speak with a manager. He was very professional and polite, and explained that this policy change is being rolled out nationwide at Buc-ee’s locations.”
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Buc-ee’s new gas pump, gift card rule changes leaves customers pissed
Back in March, new signs began cropping up at Buc-ee’s gas pumps putting an end to folks paying for gas inside while they peruse the merchandise. If you’re paying with a card, you have to do it at the pump now.
It’s sparked some initial frustration with people, especially considering you’re not supposed to leave gas while it’s pumping. While others are glad pumps won’t be clogged up with indoor shoppers strolling leisurely on the hunt for Beaver Nuggets and or a novelty mug.
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But it’s created one large problem that left a teenager stranded, praying for help from his parents. One high school student went to Buc-ee’s with just enough gas in the tank to make it. His bank account was near empty, but he had two $25 gift cards for the gas station in his wallet. However, the pumps didn’t recognize gift cards, and staff couldn’t accept any card payment for gas inside at all, he told MySA.
“Should I have let my bank account get that low? No, but hey, we all make mistakes. I’m trying to find a solution to my problem, when I remember that I have two $25 Buc-ee’s gift cards that I was gifted for my birthday 2 months ago,” he told MySA.