Using Rest Areas

[citytravelfotos]

I went around the Eastern United States this past season, and I passed by many rest stops in Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, etc... and only in one out of a few rest stops in Indiana do I recall seeing a sign posted saying "no overnight parking."   If they don't have any limits posted, one can assume that sleeping for the night is permitted in these rest stops.  I slept in motels for the most part in this trip (because it was sooo cold especially in November) but I slept in at least three rest stops without problem (in my crossover SUV.)  I remember someone posting the states where overnight parking is allowed (mostly in the West and only a few states in the east including Virginia and Connecticut), but I believe that overnight parking in rest stops across the U.S. and especially the east is more permitted than many might think.

 

[peacetara]

Every state will have their own laws and rules around their rest areas, in California, they have an 8hr stay rule, but most places don't really care if you stay longer. I've stayed upwards of 12 or 14 hours once(overslept and was lazy getting out of bed) and never got stopped by police or anything.

But then there is a rest stop right near Dunnigan, CA. I used to sleep there pretty regular as a good place between SF area and Redding, ca. But I don't stay there anymore, the local Sheriff regularly patrols that stop, and harasses anyone that seems to be there for more than a quick bathroom break. I've seen them do it a few different times, so I don't stay or stop at that rest area at all now.

I'm sure you are correct that usually the police/ highway patrol have better things to do than verify stay limits. But I don't know that I'd go out of my way to test how far you can push it!

I was recently in Montana and stayed in temps down to 0 farenheight, it wasn't enjoyable, but it wasn't bad either. I slept warmly. I have a little buddy heater but i'd only run it for a few minutes to take the chill off in the morning while i dressed. I have at most 3/4" of styrofoam insulation in my van, so it's not super insulated. I know others on here stay all winter in Alaska and the like in their vans and such. I'm way to much of a wimp to attempt that!

I'm sure with proper gear you could manage the east coast as well in your vehicle!

With love,
Tara

 

[citytravelfotos]

^ There's always Walmart or even Flying J's, so rest areas aren't exactly needed, but I just wanted to let everyone know that it doesn't seem like such laws are even on the books in many states in the east, and even if so, at the least they probably wouldn't give you a fine or anything if there wasn't a notice posted in the rest area to begin with.

 

[bk2valve]

Hi,<br>I am thinking that rest area, by definition means being able to actually 'rest'...in which case why would you ever be bothered for resting????<br><br>In New Mexico our rest areas have a sign saying that the limit is 24 hours....If you are staying any longer than that I am thinking you are squatting!!! <img rel="lightbox" src="/images/boards/smilies/sneaky.gif" class="bbc_img">&nbsp;&nbsp; <img rel="lightbox" src="/images/boards/smilies/tongue.gif" class="bbc_img"><br><br>The exception would prolly be if, like some big rig rvers, you feel the need to extend your slides, set up your lawn chairs, put out a ground mat, set up the barby and use your leveling jacks on hot asphalt leaving pits....not unusual, I have seen that in&nbsp; Walmart parking lots.<br><br>Bri

 

[sl1966]

I've slept at many rest stops from SoCal to MN to TX to SoCal, and never have had any issues with anyone. Granted the most I've ever done was arrived at night, slept til morning, and then left. That's what they're there for. Even under the worst case scenario I wasn't chased away when I was just too tired to drive, pulled over, and crashed on the side of the highway. LEO came knocking to make sure everything was alright and was still allowed to stay where stopped after explaining that I was exhausted. It helped that there wasn't a rest stop much the less anything else for 100 miles in either directon, and it took him about 10 minutes to wake me.<br><br>&nbsp;

 

[vagari]

Just because there are no signs prohibiting overnight stays doesn't mean you can do it. Check with each state's department of transportation<br><br>Ohio - "No camping or overnight parking is permitted. Maximum time in the rest area is three hours."<br>http://www.dot.state.oh.us/Division...as and Roadside Parks/5501-2-4-01-Rule-AM.pdf<br><br>Florida - "the rules only allow for 3 hours of rest."<br>http://www.dot.state.fl.us/statemaintenanceoffice/RestAreaQA.shtm<br><br>

 

[Van Tripper]

Most Tn. rest stops say 2hr parking, big trucks are left alone, most of the time. &nbsp;Ky. has large parking areas for trucks and RVs. &nbsp; In. and Oh. allow overnite. &nbsp; Va. has signs "no overnite" but usually leave you alone. &nbsp;But if you are traveling, just use the truck stops and Wal-marts, they are normally close to the Interstate and if you are traveling the back roads there are books in the truck stops(about $15) that show where most truck stops are, independents and chains, nation wide and Canada.

 

[StarEcho]

Good idea vagari! &nbsp;I'll add the states near me.<br><br><br>Colorado: &nbsp;"There is no overnight parking or camping allowed in Colorado's&nbsp;rest&nbsp;areas."<br>http://www.coloradodot.info/travel/state-highway-rest-areas<br><br>Wyoming: &nbsp;"Please, no overnight camping in roadside rest areas. &nbsp;They are intended for temporary rest only."<br>http://www.dot.state.wy.us/wydot/travel/rest_area_information<br><br>That said, there are multiple parking exits, with no services, that I see driving along I80 from Cheyenne to Idaho and I see trucks there parked at night. &nbsp;That stretch of road is mind numbing, as is the east version through Nebraska to Omaha. &nbsp;I wasn't paying attention to the Nebraska side though when I drove through there, so not sure if they have parking exits.<br><br>Idaho: "<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Tahoma, 'Sans Serif'; font-size: 12px;">Safety Rest areas are designed for temporary use and do not offer services for extended periods of stay or over night camping."</span><br>http://itd.idaho.gov/highways/ops/maintenance/RestArea/Guidelines.htm<br><br><br>Excellent website which gives info on rest stops:<br><br>http://www.frugal-rv-travel.com/rest-stops.html<br><br><br><br><br>

 

[Kevin H]

We've stopped at a bunch of rest areas throughout the country. &nbsp;We've seen many signs regarding no overnight parking etc. &nbsp;<br><br>I suspect some folks have been urged to move along. &nbsp;No problem there<br><br>I am curious tho, has anyone ever <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>personally</em></span> been cited for staying too long?

 

[citytravelfotos]

How can they cite you if they don't post a sign? &nbsp;I was all over Ohio and I don't remember seeing a sign in rest areas saying no overnight parking. &nbsp;In California, they post signs saying maximum time is 8 hours. &nbsp;The most a police officer may do is wake you up and ask you to leave if a sign is not posted. &nbsp;Also, there's a difference between a law being on the books and that law actually being enforced. &nbsp;For them to enforce the law, they will have to tag your tires with chalk or something at the least and come back later. &nbsp;I'm not saying that there won't be a once in a while a**hole that may just want to cite everyone just to feel powerful, but I think that its not likely for the most part. The only time I think it would be an issue is in very busy rest areas that don't have enough spaces for everyone. &nbsp;Even then, I slept in a rest area in Mississippi that was pretty crowded (because it was shared with trucks.)

 

[citytravelfotos]

While I understand the situation for women (women always have to be more on guard), for men, I don't see why the fear with police officers, vandwelling itself is a gutsy thing and I would feel less safe in a van than in a (decent) motel or regular dwelling. &nbsp;I wouldn't expect male vandwellers or couples to be so scared of police officers as to not even attempt to sleep in a rest area.<br><br>I wouldn't sleep in a rest area though if there's noone else around. &nbsp;I'm scared more of no people being around because your more vulnerable when your alone than when you are surrounded by decent people.

 

[Van Tripper]

How do you know the other people parked/living anywhere are "decent". &nbsp; Homeless folks push people in front of trains, house dwellers shoot folks??? How does anyone know what their neighbors are thinking.<br><br>Live as best you can and try to do it on your terms.

 

[Suanne]

I have and will continue to&nbsp;overnight at rest stops.&nbsp; I typically park directly under a light and in an area where I remain as visable as possible.&nbsp; As always, if my gut says that it doesn't feel safe, I leave ... even if that not-safe feeling doesn't necessarily make any&nbsp;logical sense.&nbsp; Rest stops aren't my favorite places to stay, but I'm glad that they are there when it starts to get dark.&nbsp; I typically&nbsp;continue my travels&nbsp;at first light.&nbsp;<br><br>Suanne ... probably staying at a rest stop in a few days

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

I've slept at plenty of rest stops in west virginia and maryland and never bothered.&nbsp; I think cops rather you slept and drove safely.&nbsp; In maryland i do know people who have had cops question them, and i think this is largely due to the dc sniper from a few years back (they slept at rest stops and were caught at one eventually).&nbsp; I think as long as you look like a traveler getting rest and not someone living there, you'll be ok.

 

[VanTrekker]

I have slept in a number of Iowa rest stops without so much as a knock from the law.&nbsp; I asked one rest stop employee and he said it's fine to stay there for up to 24 hours.&nbsp; The only thing they don't want is tent camping or long term living.<br><br>Like the others, I go for the Walmart or Flying J.&nbsp; You just can't beat the "nod of approval" from the businesses on private property.&nbsp; Also, I like casino parking...&nbsp; No hassles...<br><br>V.T.<br><br>

 

[Guest]

After a marathon stretch of driving I pulled into an Ontario rest stop and was rousted by police at 2am. &nbsp;The cop made me move along and then proceeded to follow me for over 100km. &nbsp;I was so tired I could barely keep my eyes open. &nbsp;As far as I am concerned this was criminal and irresponsible of that cop. &nbsp;I should have deliberately crashed off the highway and sued the Provincial Police.

 

[Ballenxj]

dfunkt, that was truly rude on his part. He then followed you for over 100 km? How long did that take? <br>Not to mention a real waste of tax payers money by following you that far.<br>I would be tempted to file a complaint against him, or at least inform a news agency. <img rel="lightbox" src="/images/boards/smilies/mad.gif" class="bbc_img"> <br>-Bruce

 

[Van Tripper]

100 clics = 62miles.

 

[Van Tripper]

My opinion on cops ability to write tickets: &nbsp; Police can write a ticket for anything they want, period. &nbsp; Court date usually 2 weeks. meaning traveler from a long distance will have to come back or hire a lawyer to fight the ticket. &nbsp;Public can complain but not sue officer, if you have the money and can find a lawyer willing to take the case, you can sue the State, but will have to show a pattern of abuse. &nbsp;Good Luck with that.

 

[RV-Kitty]

Given a choice, we stay at Truck Stops or Wal*Mart stores. Occasionally we will stay at Rest Stops for the night, but only when it says they have "security."&nbsp; We pick a spot under one of the large lights.