Sleeping in a car in Montana is generally legal, but the rules vary depending on where the vehicle is parked. There is no statewide law explicitly forbidding sleeping overnight in a parked car, so the activity itself is not illegal. However, the legality hinges largely on the location of parking. For instance, rest areas in Montana prohibit overnight stays and are intended only for short rest breaks, which means sleeping overnight there is not allowed. Private property, such as parking lots of businesses, usually requires the property owner’s permission to stay overnight. Many Walmart stores, for example, allow overnight parking with the store manager’s approval, which is common practice for people who sleep in their vehicles while traveling.
In cities and towns, local ordinances often regulate overnight parking to prevent camping or sleeping in vehicles in public streets or lots. Some towns explicitly prohibit overnight parking or sleeping in cars in certain zones unless a permit is obtained. Violating these ordinances can result in fines or the vehicle being towed. For example, the town of Philipsburg, Montana, has designated no overnight parking zones with strict penalties for violations, including fines and towing. Similarly, cities may prohibit overnight vehicle camping in private or public parking lots or on public streets.
On public lands such as state parks or wildlife areas, parking and camping rules are strictly enforced. Unauthorized overnight parking or camping outside of designated areas can result in penalties. Sleeping in vehicles in wilderness or national parks like Glacier National Park is often classified as camping, which usually requires a permit or reservation and may be restricted to specific campgrounds.
While sleeping in a car is not outright illegal in Montana, the key is where the car is parked. Rest areas, private parking lots, municipal streets, and public lands have specific rules that must be followed. Obtaining permission for private property stays and adhering to local parking ordinances ensures legal compliance. Travelers should research local regulations or check with property owners or authorities to avoid fines or towing. It is also important to avoid sleeping while the vehicle is in motion for safety and legal reasons.
Sources
(https://www.townofphilipsburgmt.com/ord-title-6-motor-vehicles-traffic)
(https://montanatalks.com/can-you-sleep-in-your-car-in-montana/)
(https://www.montana.edu/parking/regulations.html)
(https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management-areas/public-use-rules)
(https://www.mdt.mt.gov/travinfo/restarea.aspx)
