Sleeping in your car is not explicitly prohibited by federal or Virginia state law, but there are significant restrictions that depend on location and local rules. Virginia state law expressly forbids sleeping overnight at highway rest areas and waysides, and violation can result in fines up to $250. While taking a short nap at these locations is generally tolerated, staying overnight is not permitted.
Apart from rest areas, many municipalities in Virginia have their own ordinances regulating or prohibiting sleeping in vehicles on city streets, public spaces, or residential neighborhoods. For example, in Virginia Beach, it is illegal to use an automobile as sleeping quarters, and violators can be charged with a Class 4 misdemeanor. Other cities and counties may have similar rules, with varying penalties for violations, which may include fines or being asked by law enforcement to move on. Local laws often exist to discourage people from using their vehicles as long-term residences or from creating encampments in public spaces.
Sleeping in your car on private property is only allowed if you have the explicit permission of the property owner. Many private business parking lots, such as those of big retailers, prohibit overnight parking or sleeping in vehicles, and violators may be ticketed or towed.
If you are found sleeping in your car while intoxicated, especially in the driver’s seat, you could be charged with DUI under Virginia law, even if the vehicle is not moving.
While Virginia does not have a blanket statewide ban, multiple restrictions apply: overnight car sleeping is banned at highway rest stops and waysides, many cities and counties prohibit it in public spaces, and private property usage always requires owner consent. Penalties can range from fines to criminal charges depending on the specific ordinance violated and other circumstances, such as intoxication.
Sources
[1] https://teamjustice.com/is-it-illegal-to-sleep-in-your-car/
[2] https://www.lawinfo.com/resources/criminal-defense/is-it-illegal-to-sleep-in-your-car.html
[3] https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title24/agency30/chapter50/section10/
[4] https://www.boondockersbible.com/learn/virginia-rest-area-rules/
[5] https://reolink.com/blog/is-it-illegal-to-sleep-in-your-car/
