Sleeping in your car in Alabama is generally legal, but there are important restrictions and local variations that drivers must understand to avoid fines or legal trouble.
Where Car Sleeping Is Allowed
- Statewide: There is no Alabama state law that outright bans sleeping in your car.
- Highways & Rest Stops: Parking on highways is not allowed, and overnight parking at rest stops is prohibited.
- Private Property: You must have the property owner’s permission to sleep in your car on private land, including business parking lots and garages.
- Local Ordinances: Some Alabama cities and municipalities have ordinances that specifically ban or restrict car sleeping. Always check local laws before settling in for the night.
Where Car Sleeping Is Prohibited
- Highways and Shoulders: Stopping or parking on highways, bridges, or tunnels, except in emergencies, is illegal.
- Rest Areas: Overnight parking is not allowed at Alabama rest stops.
- Designated No-Parking Zones: Parking where official signs prohibit it, in front of driveways, fire hydrants, or in spaces reserved for people with disabilities (unless you qualify), is illegal.
- HOA and Campus Rules: Many homeowners associations and universities have their own rules against overnight parking or sleeping in vehicles.
Other Legal Considerations
- Intoxication: If you are found sleeping in your car while intoxicated, you can be arrested for DUI, even if the car is not moving.
- Drowsy Driving: While not illegal to sleep in your car, driving while fatigued can lead to reckless driving charges if it results in unsafe behavior or an accident.
- Commercial Vehicles: Special restrictions apply to overnight parking of commercial vehicles without proper permits.
Practical Tips
- Always check local ordinances before sleeping in your car.
- Avoid sleeping on highways, in rest areas overnight, or in any area with posted no-parking signs.
- If you must sleep in your car, seek permission from private property owners (such as 24-hour businesses).
- Never sleep in your car if you are intoxicated.
Sleeping in your car in Alabama is not illegal statewide, but local laws, parking restrictions, and safety considerations apply. Check city ordinances, avoid highways and rest stops, and never sleep in your car while intoxicated to stay within the law.
