Sleeping in your car in Vermont is a nuanced issue, with legality hinging on location, intent, and interpretation of state laws. Here’s what drivers and travelers should understand about the rules as of 2025.
Vermont State Law: Overnight Camping vs. Sleeping in Your Car
Vermont law prohibits “overnight camping” in public highway rights-of-way, rest areas, park-and-ride lots, and other public lands not specifically designated for that purpose. Violating this law can result in a fine of up to $50 per day.
Key statute:
“A person shall not use any part of a public highway right-of-way, a public rest area associated with a public highway, or any public land not so designated by the agency, department, or municipality having control of same as an overnight camping area for the purpose of overnight camping.” (19 V.S.A. § 1106)
What Counts as “Overnight Camping”?
- Camping is defined as using a vehicle or area for recreational overnight stays, particularly if you set up equipment, cook, or appear to be staying for leisure.
- Sleeping in your car for the purpose of rest-especially for drowsy drivers at rest areas-is generally tolerated, as long as you remain inside your vehicle and do not set up camp or engage in recreational activities.
Rest Areas and Park-and-Ride Facilities
- Rest Areas: Vermont rest areas are open 24/7 and are intended for motorists to rest, including sleeping in their vehicles. There is no statewide time limit for how long you can stay, and law enforcement is unlikely to disturb someone genuinely resting to continue driving safely.
- However: Setting up outside your car, using slides, or engaging in camping-like activities can be cited as “overnight camping,” which is prohibited.
- Park-and-Ride Lots: Overnight camping and leaving abandoned vehicles are explicitly prohibited in all Vermont State Park and Ride facilities.
Practical Guidance
Permitted:
- Sleeping in your car at a rest area for the purpose of rest, especially if you do not leave your vehicle or set up camp-like amenities.
Prohibited:
- Setting up outside your vehicle, using grills, awnings, or otherwise appearing to be camping.
- Sleeping in your car in park-and-ride lots, highway rights-of-way, or on public land not designated for overnight use.
Enforcement and Real-World Experience
- Reports from travelers suggest that as long as you are discreet, remain inside your vehicle, and do not draw attention, law enforcement typically does not intervene with those sleeping in their cars at rest areas.
- If you are asked to move or cited, comply promptly to avoid fines.
Summary Table
| Location | Sleeping in Car Legal? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rest Areas | Yes (if just resting) | No camping activities outside vehicle |
| Park-and-Ride Lots | No | Overnight camping and sleeping prohibited |
| Highway Right-of-Way | No | Prohibited by state law |
| Public Land (not marked) | No | Must be specifically designated for overnight use |
Sleeping in your car for rest is generally allowed at Vermont rest areas as long as you stay inside your vehicle and do not engage in camping activities.
However, overnight camping-including sleeping in your car-on highway rights-of-way, park-and-ride lots, or non-designated public lands is prohibited and may result in a fine. Always be discreet and move on if asked by authorities.
Sources:
- https://www.reddit.com/r/vermont/comments/1fsjxkp/places_to_sleep_in_car/
- https://ioverlander.com/places/142946-91-n-vermont-welcome-rest-area
- https://vpta.net/park-and-ride-locations
- https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/19/011/01106
- https://www.boondockersbible.com/learn/vermont-rest-area-rules/