The notion stems from a 2012 Reddit thread listing it as a “crazy law,” but no New York statute or municipal code prohibits it—it’s a classic example of debunked folklore akin to other silly claims like ice cream in pockets. Searches yield no official references in NY Penal Law, NYC Administrative Code, or property ordinances.
Relevant NY Laws
NY backyards fall under zoning and nuisance rules (e.g., NYC Zoning Resolution §42-14 for residential districts), which regulate structures and safety but ignore sleeping positions on appliances. Refrigerator disposal is governed by sanitation rules (NYC Admin Code §16-118), requiring proper curbside placement, but owned appliances on private property face no sleeping bans.
Practical Considerations
Homeowners Associations or neighbor complaints could invoke private nuisance claims if it disturbs peace, but no criminal liability exists. Always ensure the appliance is secure to avoid injury-related civil issues.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/113uc4/in_my_state_it_is_illegal_to_sleep_on_top_of_a/)
[2](https://legalclarity.org/can-you-legally-sleep-in-your-car-in-nyc/)
[3](https://cimasilaw.com/legal-news-blog/can-you-legally-sleep-in-your-car-in-new-york/)
[4](https://truckingtix.com/news/can-you-sleep-in-your-car-in-new-york/)
[5](https://legiscan.com/NY/text/A05452/id/3120806)
