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Texas doesn\u2019t have a blanket rule banning people from resting in their vehicles. However, city ordinances can be more restrictive, so where you park makes a difference. (Photo by\u00a0Xavi Gomez\/Cover\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Xavi Gomez\/Cover\/Getty Images<\/p>\n
Planning a road trip <\/a>through Texas?<\/p>\n Long drives across the Lone Star State often mean stopping at highway rest areas to stretch your legs, grab a snack or take a quick break behind the wheel.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n For some drivers <\/a>\u2014 especially on overnight trips \u2014 that break might include catching a short nap in the car.<\/p>\n But is it actually legal<\/a> to sleep at a Texas rest stop or in your vehicle?<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what to know about Texas laws on sleeping at rest areas, staying overnight and parking your car to rest.<\/p>\n Is it illegal to sleep at a Texas rest stop? Can you stay overnight?<\/p>\n Texas law doesn\u2019t outright ban sleeping at a rest area, but it does limit what you can do there and how long you can stay.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n According to the Texas Transportation Code<\/a>, a person commits an offense if they stay at a rest area for more than 24 hours or puts up a tent, shelter, booth or other structure.\u00a0<\/p>\n The law applies only if you\u2019ve been given notice that the activity isn\u2019t allowed, either because there\u2019s a posted sign explaining the rules and penalties or because a peace officer has told you directly. If you\u2019re notified and don\u2019t leave or remove the structure within eight hours, you could be cited.<\/p>\n Is it illegal to sleep in your car in Texas?<\/p>\n Sleeping in your car is not prohibited under state law. Texas doesn\u2019t have a blanket rule banning people from resting in their vehicles. However, city ordinances can be more restrictive, so where you park makes a difference.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n In Texas, you\u2019re typically allowed to sleep in your car on private property if you have the owner’s permission, according to Thompson Law<\/a>. This can include parking overnight in a friend\u2019s driveway, as long as they\u2019ve told you it\u2019s OK. Parking on private property without the owner\u2019s consent can be considered criminal trespassing under Texas law.<\/p>\n Many beaches treat overnight sleeping in a car as camping, which often requires a permit. Some school zones may also prohibit staying in your vehicle, and violations can lead to fines.<\/p>\n In larger cities, including Austin, Dallas and Houston, local rules generally forbid sleeping in your car on public streets or in residential areas. Because these regulations vary widely, checking a city\u2019s ordinances before stopping for the night is the safest approach.<\/p>\n What stores allow you to sleep in the parking lot?\u00a0<\/p>\n Some businesses, such as Walmart, do not enforce a universal policy regarding overnight RV parking in their lots. Instead, the decision is left to individual store managers. Restaurants such as Cracker Barrel and Culver\u2019s, 24-hour gyms and casinos may also allow overnight parking.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<\/p>\n