Idaho has recently passed new legislation—Senate Bill 1141—that significantly restricts sleeping in vehicles on public property:
- Statewide Ban on Public Car Sleeping: As of 2025, it is illegal to sleep in your car, RV, or tent on any public property, public building grounds, public roads, or rights-of-way anywhere in Idaho, unless specifically designated for overnight stays.
- Cities Over 100,000 Residents: The law specifically targets larger cities like Boise, but applies statewide, making it illegal to sleep in your vehicle on public streets or parking lots, regardless of local ordinances.
- Definition: “Public camping or sleeping” includes residing or lodging in a vehicle for a prolonged period, evidenced by bedding, personal belongings, or using the vehicle as a living space.
Exceptions to the Ban
- Rest Areas: Idaho Department of Transportation rules allow sleeping in your vehicle at designated rest areas. You can park and sleep for up to 10 hours at interstate rest areas and up to 16 hours at other rest areas. Camping outside your vehicle is not allowed, but sleeping inside is permitted within these time limits.
- Private Property: Sleeping in your car is allowed on private property, such as campgrounds, RV parks, or with the property owner’s permission.
- Commercial Vehicle Drivers: The law exempts drivers of commercial vehicles from the ban.
- Specially Designated Areas: Overnight camping for recreational or educational purposes is allowed on property specifically designated for such use, such as state parks or authorized campgrounds.
Where It’s Illegal to Sleep in Your Car
- On public streets, in city parks, or on public property in any Idaho city, especially those with over 100,000 residents (e.g., Boise).
- In any location not specifically designated for overnight parking or sleeping.
Penalties and Enforcement
- Violating the new law can result in fines or other penalties, especially if you are found sleeping in your vehicle on public property outside of designated rest areas or campgrounds.
- Local jurisdictions cannot override the statewide ban, and cities that fail to enforce it may face legal consequences.
Table
| Location | Car Sleeping Legal? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Public streets/parks (cities) | No | Statewide ban, especially in large cities |
| Rest areas (Interstate/Highway) | Yes | 10–16 hour limit, must stay in vehicle |
| Private property (with consent) | Yes | Must have owner’s permission |
| Campgrounds/state parks | Yes | Only if designated for overnight camping |
| Commercial vehicle drivers | Yes | Exempt from the statewide ban |
Sleeping in your car on public property is now broadly illegal in Idaho, except at designated rest areas and private property with permission. Rest areas remain a legal option for sleeping in your vehicle, but time limits apply. Always check local signage and property rules to avoid fines or legal trouble.
Sources
[1]https://www.reddit.com/r/VanLife/comments/1jm40dz/idaho_will_ban_sleeping_in_vehicleseven_in_cities/
[2] https://www.boondockersbible.com/learn/idaho-rest-area-rules/
[3] https://www.kivitv.com/downtown-boise/idaho-house-passes-bill-to-ban-public-camping-awaits-governor
[4] https://mix106radio.com/sleeping-in-car-legal-idaho-2022/
[5] https://kezj.com/what-is-the-law-for-sleeping-in-your-car-in-idaho-and-washington/
