As of 2025, Idaho law on sleeping in your car has changed significantly. While it was previously legal to sleep in your vehicle in most places, a new law now restricts this practice, especially in larger cities and on public property.
Key Points
- New State Law (2025): Idaho has enacted a statewide ban on sleeping in vehicles on public property, including city streets, parks, and public rights-of-way. This law specifically targets cities with populations over 100,000—currently, this primarily affects Boise.
- Rest Areas Exception: Sleeping in your car at Idaho Department of Transportation rest areas is still allowed, provided you follow posted time limits (typically up to 10 hours on interstates, 16 hours on other highways). Camping outside your vehicle or setting up tents is prohibited, but sleeping inside your vehicle is permitted at these locations.
- Private Property: You may sleep in your car on private property (such as truck stops, certain retail parking lots, or campgrounds) if you have the property owner’s permission.
- Other Cities: In Idaho cities with populations under 100,000, there is currently no statewide ban, but local ordinances may still restrict overnight parking or sleeping in vehicles—always check local rules.
- Penalties: Violating the new law can result in fines, and your vehicle may be towed if you are found sleeping in it on public property in restricted areas.
Special Considerations
- DUI Risk: If you are intoxicated and sleeping in your car with the keys in the ignition, you may still be charged with DUI, even if you are not driving.
- Safety: Idaho’s extreme weather can make sleeping in your car dangerous due to risks of hypothermia or heat stroke.
Table
| Location Type | Is Car Sleeping Legal? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rest areas | Yes | Must obey posted time limits |
| Public property (Boise/100k+) | No | New law prohibits sleeping in vehicles |
| Public property (other cities) | Check local ordinances | May be allowed, but varies |
| Private property | Yes, with permission | Truck stops, retail lots, campgrounds |
| While intoxicated | No (risk of DUI) | Keys in ignition can lead to DUI charge |
Sleeping in your car in Idaho is now largely prohibited on public property in cities with populations over 100,000, such as Boise, due to a new statewide law. Rest areas remain a legal option if you follow the rules, and private property is allowed with permission. Always check local ordinances and be aware of safety and DUI risks.
Sources
[1] https://mix106radio.com/sleeping-in-car-legal-idaho-2022/
[2] https://teamjustice.com/is-it-illegal-to-sleep-in-your-car/
[3] https://www.boondockersbible.com/learn/idaho-rest-area-rules/
[4] https://www.reddit.com/r/VanLife/comments/1jm40dz/idaho_will_ban_sleeping_in_vehicleseven_in_cities/
[5] https://kezj.com/what-is-the-law-for-sleeping-in-your-car-in-idaho-and-washington/