Idaho’s car sleeping laws have recently undergone significant changes, affecting both residents and travelers. Understanding where, when, and how you can legally sleep in your vehicle is essential to avoid fines or legal trouble. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the current rules as of mid-2025.
Recent Legislative Changes
In March 2025, Idaho passed Senate Bill 1141, which Governor Brad Little signed into law in April. This bill broadly bans camping and sleeping on public property—including in cars, RVs, or tents—within cities with populations over 100,000, such as Boise. The law applies 24/7, not just overnight, and cities that do not enforce it can face penalties of up to $10,000 per violation. The law defines “public camping or sleeping” as residing or lodging in a temporary outdoor habitation, including vehicles, on public property for a prolonged period.
Key Points of the New Law:
- Where the Ban Applies: All public property, roads, sidewalks, and parks in cities with over 100,000 residents.
- What’s Prohibited: Sleeping in a car, RV, tent, or on the ground on public property.
- Who’s Exempt: Drivers of commercial vehicles (e.g., truckers) are exempt from the ban.
- Penalties: Cities not enforcing the law can be fined; individuals caught violating may face citations or removal.
Where You Can Legally Sleep in Your Car
Rest Areas
Despite the new law, Idaho rest areas remain a legal and safe option for sleeping in your vehicle:
- Interstate Rest Areas: You may park and sleep in your car for up to 10 consecutive hours.
- State Highway Rest Areas: The limit is extended to 16 hours.
- Restrictions: You must remain inside your vehicle. Camping outside the car (e.g., sleeping on the ground or rolling out a sleeping bag next to your car) is not permitted.
Private Property
You may sleep in your car on private property, such as:
- Hotel or business parking lots: Only if you have permission from the property owner.
- Driveways or private land: With the owner’s consent.
Designated Campgrounds and Parks
Overnight camping is allowed in areas specifically designated for that purpose, such as:
- State parks
- National forests
- Private campgrounds
The new law does not affect policies for endowment lands, state parks, or Fish and Game lands, so sleeping in your vehicle in these areas is permitted if it complies with local rules.
Where Sleeping in Your Car Is Illegal
- Public Streets and Parking Lots in Large Cities: It is now illegal to sleep in your car on public streets, parking lots, or any public property in cities with over 100,000 people (primarily Boise).
- Public Parks and Sidewalks: The ban includes all public parks and sidewalks in these cities.
- Any Public Property Not Specifically Designated for Overnight Stays: Unless it is a rest area or a location explicitly allowing overnight parking, it is prohibited.
Practical Tips for Drivers
- Always check local signage: Some rest areas or private lots may have stricter rules.
- Do not sleep with the engine running: Besides safety concerns, this can be seen as inattentive driving, which is a misdemeanor in Idaho.
- Avoid residential streets in large cities: Even if you are legally parked, sleeping in your car is now prohibited in these areas.
- If you must sleep in your car, prefer rest areas or private property with permission.
Where Can You Sleep in Your Car in Idaho?
| Location Type | Legal to Sleep in Car? | Time Limits/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate Rest Area | Yes | 10 hours max |
| State Highway Rest Area | Yes | 16 hours max |
| Public Street (Boise/large city) | No | Prohibited under new law |
| Public Park/Sidewalk (Boise/large city) | No | Prohibited under new law |
| Private Property (with permission) | Yes | Owner’s rules apply |
| Designated Campground/State Park | Yes | Must follow posted rules |
Idaho’s new car sleeping laws are among the strictest in the region for urban areas, especially Boise. While rest areas and private property remain safe options, sleeping in your vehicle on public property in large cities is now illegal for most people. Always plan ahead, check local regulations, and use designated rest stops or campgrounds to avoid legal issues
Sources
- https://www.reddit.com/r/VanLife/comments/1jm40dz/idaho_will_ban_sleeping_in_vehicleseven_in_cities/
- https://www.boondockersbible.com/learn/idaho-rest-area-rules/
- https://www.kivitv.com/downtown-boise/idaho-house-passes-bill-to-ban-public-camping-awaits-governor
- https://1043wowcountry.com/ixp/660/p/rest-area-time-limits-2024/
- https://mix106radio.com/sleeping-in-car-legal-idaho-2022/
