Is it Illegal to Sleep in Your Car in Idaho and Washington?

Driving at night can be challenging and exhausting. The more tired you get the more you begin to see more headlights that exist, the more you swerve into other lanes, and the more dangerous you become on the road. While stopping at a hotel is a good option, not everyone can afford or wants to spend the money when they can sleep in their vehicle for free and start their travel again after some rest. Some must live in their car for financial reasons, and sleep it nightly. When sleeping in your car in Idaho and Washington, are you breaking the law, and is it illegal to do so?

Is it Illegal to Sleep in Your Car in Idaho?

Sleeping in your car in Idaho is a dangerous risk. With how cold the winters get, it could lead to hypothermia and with how warm the summers get, it could lead to a heat stroke. The weather is so unpredictable that sleeping in a car is never ideal, but it may be something you have to do in rare situations. If you find yourself too intoxicated to drive, too tired, or have had a fight with your spouse and need a place to rest, legally you can sleep in your car...in most of the state. A law passed a few weeks ago stating that it is now illegal to sleep in your vehicle in a city of 100,000 or more. In Idaho, not many places meet that requirement, but Boise does. You can read more about the new law by clicking on the link above. So long as you are not in the Boise area, you can sleep in your car, but make sure it is turned off. 

Is It Illegal to Sleep in Your Car in Washington?

Washington is a little different than Idaho, as they do not have a law against sleeping in your vehicle in cities that are vastly populated. They do recommend you not pull over and rest in your car on the side of the road though. Legally, you can sleep in your car in Washington, but some locations could get you in trouble. Do not park and sleep on private property, on the side of the road, or in a parking lot with signs that state no overnight parking. Find a place like a rest area or a place that allows overnight parking to snooze if you feel the need to do so. You can click the link above to see more about sleeping in your car in Washington. 

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The next time you have too much to drink, or road tripping and feel too tired to keep going, or just need a power nap to recharge, know that you can legally find a safe spot and take a rest in Idaho and Washington. Make sure you find a place that won't get you in trouble and that you feel safe, and most importantly, make sure the car is turned off.