Every Texan knows that road-tripping across the Lone Star State can be a long trek. Depending on your destination, you may be on the road for hours on end. For those who travel with a bed on wheels, they may be wondering where they can safely park their motorhomes to catch some Zs.
Texas rest stops are designed to prevent driver fatigue and promote safe driving, but can you sleep at one?
Yes. A Texas Department of Transportation spokesperson told MySA, “Texas Safety Rest Areas may be used by travelers to rest, including sleeping in their vehicles or RVs.” However, there are restrictions.
The law does not allow visitors to put up a tent, camp or structure at a rest area with an intent to stay longer than 24 hours.
This law applies if you’ve been given notice that camping isn’t allowed, either through a posted sign at the rest stop explaining the rules or by a peace officer telling you directly. If you refuse to leave or remove a structure within eight hours, you could face a citation.
In San Antonio, for example, there are idling laws for commercial truckers that prohibit them from running their vehicles’ air conditioning or heating in neighborhoods near public buildings or schools.
TxDOT operates 76 safety rest areas statewide, each with restrooms open 24 hours daily. Most rest areas have attendants on duty 24 hours a day. The remaining facilities have attendants on duty from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, according to the TxDOT website.