No, it is actually not illegal to sleep in your car in California. There is actually no statewide ban on sleeping in your car, so you are pretty much good to go with it. Though we’ll advise you to at least dig through the local rules to find whether you’re doing something illegal or not, but state-wise, you’re good to go. Still, we’ll advise you to keep on reading because there is a lot to talk about.
What Does California Law Say?
As a matter of fact, California does not possess any individual state law that outright prohibits sleeping in a vehicle. Therefore, if you are merely taking a quick nap while on a trip or sleeping for a couple of hours, you are not infringing the state law. Plain and simple!
Though, the thing is, each city in California has different regulations. That is the reason why it is very confusing. A thing that is okay in one city can result in a fine in another city.
As a rule of thumb, if your vehicle is parked legally and you are just taking a break for a short period of time (normally less than 24 hours), you should be pretty much good to go and safe. However, if you are using your car as a place to live for days or weeks, that is the time when troubles begin. The majority of cities have particular prohibitions against living in a vehicle.
Why City Rules Make It Complicated
It is up to each city to determine its own rules, and they are changing rapidly. We can check out how a couple of big cities are managing that. How? Here:
Los Angeles:
It is not allowed to sleep in your car in residential areas or around schools and parks during the nighttime (from 9 pm to 6 am). There might be some business or industrial areas where it is permitted, but you should always be certain that you check the street signs to confirm this. If you break the regulations, you can be penalized, or your vehicle can be taken away by a tow truck.
San Diego:
Just like L.A., you are not allowed to sleep in your car overnight near residential areas, schools, or beaches. That’s how it is! Police patrol the popular spots frequently, and if they find you parked for too long, they will request you to move.
San Francisco:
They are quite inflexible. Generally, the majority of public streets are covered by their “no camping” regulations, which implies that sleeping in a car is totally prohibited. If you get caught, you may have to pay a fine, or your vehicle may be impounded.
Therefore, the condition is not prohibited by the state; however, the large urban areas make it rather difficult to carry it out legally.
Where You Can Sleep in Your Car
Here are pretty much the safest and most legal options if you really need some rest:
- Highway Rest Stops: Resting and parking are allowed for up to 8 hours. Such areas are designed for drivers who are tired and represent the safest option.
- Truck Stops or 24-Hour Gas Stations: A lot of them permit parking overnight. Generally, they are well-lit and have restrooms.
- Walmart or 24-Hour Stores: Some stores allow you to park overnight if you get permission from the manager, but local regulations can change that.
- Campgrounds or RV Parks: By paying a small amount of money, you can park overnight in a legal way.
- BLM Land (Rural Areas): It is allowed to camp or stay in a car for a maximum of 14 days, after which you have to move.
- Safe Parking Programs: Such cities as Los Angeles and San Diego have created parking lots with security and restrooms for people living in their vehicles.
