People sleep in their cars for various reasons, whether they are experiencing financial issues or just want to maintain a lower cost of living. In Texas, the laws that apply to sleeping in your car vary by locale. While no state completely bans sleeping in cars, some laws address where it is illegal to park your car to sleep.
Is Sleeping in Your Car Illegal In Texas?
No state law prohibits someone from living or sleeping in their car. However, local jurisdictions may set rules and regulations for living and sleeping in cars. Thus, it may be legal to live and sleep in your car in one area but not in another area.
Examples of places where it could be legal to sleep in your car in Texas include:
Private Property
Typically, sleeping in your car on private property is legal, but you must have the property owner's permission. Always ask for permission to sleep in your car on someone else's property, even if that person is a friend or family member.
Businesses
Businesses such as truck stops may allow people to sleep in their vehicles overnight in the parking lot. However, you should always ask about the company's policy before assuming you can sleep in your car at a business.
RV Parks and Campgrounds
Many RV parks and campgrounds permit sleeping in vehicles. As with other businesses, check with the office to ensure sleeping in your car is permitted and if there is a fee for parking in the campground or RV park.
Rest Areas
The Texas Transportation Code does not prohibit people from sleeping in their vehicles at a rest stop. However, it is against the law to remain for more than 24 hours or erect a shelter, tent, booth, or other structure.
Places Where It Is Illegal to Live or Sleep in Your Car in Texas
There are several places in Texas where it is illegal to sleep in your car. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- School zones
- Residential areas
- Private property without the owners' consent
- Texas beaches (some beaches may allow "camping" in your car with a permit)
- Certain city streets (e.g., Dallas City Code §31-13)
Sleeping in your car in a prohibited area could lead to problems. Under some circumstances, you may be charged with criminal trespass.
Is It Safe to Sleep in My Car in Texas?
Safety is a primary concern when someone sleeps or lives in their car. You need to take steps to protect yourself before you fall asleep in your car. Safety tips for sleeping in a car include:
- Check local laws and regulations to ensure you are not breaking the law if you sleep in your car in certain areas of the city.
- Try to park in well-lit areas (to avoid a car accident caused by a distracted driver, for example).
- Lock all doors and turn any lights off in the car.
- When living in your car, keep it tidy and neat to avoid attracting attention.
- Ensure you have a blanket and window shades to help you stay comfortable.
- Purchase a phone charger to ensure you have phone service if you need to call for help.
Before going to a new area, it is wise to have a secondary plan if you cannot find anywhere legal to sleep in your car. If you are told to move your vehicle, search for local shelters or other places where you can sleep for the night.
Contact the Dallas Personal Injury Law Firm of Bush Personal Injury and Car Accident Lawyers LLC Today For Help
For more information, please contact the Dallas personal injury law firm of Bush Personal Injury and Car Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
Our office is conveniently located in Dallas, near the Dallas Downtown Historic District. We serve statewide throughout Texas.
Bush Personal Injury and Car Accident Lawyers LLC
701 Commerce Street, Suite 703
Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 615-6394