Is it Legal to Sleep in Your Car?

Last updated on February 26th, 2021What does this mean?

Many of us spend a lot of time in our cars each day, and with all this driving, it is not uncommon to feel tired behind the wheel.

With ever-present dangers on the road, longer journeys and more monotonous yet fast-paced motorways, drivers are encouraged to rest regularly at service stations, and are advised never to drive whilst overly tired.

The lines around the legality of sleeping in one’s car, however, have become blurred for many. Here, we dispel any myths and answer the question, is it legal to sleep in your car?

Is it illegal to sleep in your car?

It is perfectly legal to sleep in your car, but factors may individually affect whether or not the authority will come and intervene or stop you. If you are unsure about whether it’s legal to sleep in your car, you must examine both your circumstances and location.

What if the Police see me asleep in my car?

Despite it being legal to sleep in your car, authorities may still be compelled to come and investigate your car if you are asleep inside for various reasons. If they suspect drink driving, there are various things authorities will consider:

Your position

If you are sleeping in the driver’s seat, it could well show intent to drive, which is a chargeable offence.

What you were doing

If, indeed, you have been drinking or intending to drink and there is alcohol in your car, this does not look favourable to a court.

Keep your Keys in the glove compartment

If the keys were in the ignition, it would also look suspicious and as though you were intending to drive. To ensure you do not create a suspicious appearance, put the keys away in the glove compartment and safely lock it to keep them secure.

Park or stop in a suitable place

Location is another factor that could create a potential issue or look suspicious. To ensure you are parked in a suitable place, pay attention to the following considerations:

• Make sure you park in a place that is non-hazardous for other road vehicles.
• Do not park in a residential area as residents may well try and intervene or flag up your presence to the police.
• Your best bet is to park in a quiet corner of eg. a supermarket car park or at a legal rest area off a motorway.

Make sure you think carefully before taking a nap in your parked car, and avoid unwanted attention from the authorities and local people that could potentially find you in hot water.

The Windscreen Company

Here at The Windscreen Company, we have years of experience providing effective and affordable windscreen advice, solutions and repairs, and would be happy to advise you on the cause of the problem to ensure your windscreen is in tip-top condition. Contact our friendly team of experts today to find out more.

The Windscreen Company

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The Windscreen Company, has over 20 years of experience in windscreen repair and replacement. Since 1998, they have been at the forefront of industry innovation, leveraging the latest technology to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.

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