Turn Off Your Car — Never leave your car running overnight. Keeping the engine running can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide poisoning. Make a Bed in the Back Seat — If you can, fold down the rear seats of your car to create room for your bed. If you can't, sleep on the back seats.

Whether it is "OK" to sleep in your car depends entirely on the local laws and the specific property where you are parked. In 2026, there is no federal law in the U.S. that prohibits sleeping in a vehicle, but many municipalities have enacted "vagrancy" or "oversized vehicle" ordinances that make it illegal on public streets. If you are on a long road trip, the safest and most "legal" places to sleep are designated Rest Areas (check the state-specific time limits, often 2–8 hours) and certain big-box retail parking lots like Walmart or Cracker Barrel, though many of these have recently started restricting overnight stays due to liability. You should avoid sleeping in your car while intoxicated, as you can still be charged with a DUI/DWI even if the engine is off, provided you are in the "driver's seat" with access to the keys. For the best experience, utilizing an app like iOverlander can help you find "stealth" spots or legal campgrounds. Always ensure you have cracked a window for ventilation and that you aren't blocking any emergency access points to avoid a "knock" from local law enforcement.