It is legal in Scotland and some parts of Dartmoor. However, if you are respectful and use common sense, then it is generally tolerated at other places as well. A car camping awning or rooftop tent will get you a lot of unwanted attention, so I would stay away from these unless you are in a very remote area.

In 2026, sleeping in your car at an established campsite in Scotland is generally permitted, provided you have booked and paid for a "pitch." Most commercial campsites allow this as long as you pay the standard rate for a small van or tent spot. However, "wild camping" (sleeping in a vehicle on the roadside, in lay-bys, or in car parks) is much more restricted. While the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 allows for wild camping, this right specifically applies to non-motorized travelers (those in tents). Local councils, especially in the Highlands and along the North Coast 500, have introduced strict bylaws in 2026 to prevent overnight stays in vehicles to protect the environment. If you do sleep in your car, ensure you are sober; UK law considers being "drunk in charge of a vehicle" a serious offense even if the engine is off and you are in the back seat. Always use the "Park4Night" app to find authorized "Aires" or overnight spots that officially welcome car-sleepers.