Statewide Overview
- There is no Colorado state law that outright bans sleeping in your car, but legality depends heavily on local ordinances, property rules, and specific circumstances.
- Local governments, cities, and even individual parking lots often set their own rules about overnight parking and sleeping in vehicles. Always look for posted signage and check local regulations before settling in for the night.
Where Is It Legal or Illegal to Sleep in Your Car?
- Public Streets & City Limits:
Many cities, including Denver, do not explicitly prohibit sleeping in your car, but you can be cited if you violate parking regulations, obstruct traffic, or are found loitering. Law enforcement may ask you to move if you’re parked in a restricted area or if your presence is deemed a nuisance. - Rest Stops:
Colorado is one of the few states that does not allow overnight parking at rest stops. While you can stop to rest for a few hours, sleeping overnight at a rest stop is illegal. - Trailheads & Public Lands:
On national forest or Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, sleeping in your car is generally allowed unless signs specifically prohibit it or the area is designated for day use only. Always check for posted restrictions. - Private Property:
Sleeping in your car on private property (such as store parking lots) requires the property owner’s permission. Many Walmarts and some truck stops allow overnight parking, but policies vary—call ahead to confirm. - Municipal Codes:
Some towns, like Ouray, have specific rules: overnight parking and sleeping in vehicles can be restricted to certain areas or banned entirely in public parks and lots during certain hours.
Special Considerations
- DUI Risk:
If you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you can be charged with DUI even if the car is parked and you are asleep, especially if you are in the driver’s seat with keys accessible. To reduce risk, keep keys out of reach and avoid the driver’s seat if you need to sleep it off. - Trespassing:
Sleeping in your car on private property without permission can lead to trespassing charges. - Loitering & Public Sleeping:
Some cities have ordinances against loitering or public sleeping, which can be enforced against people sleeping in vehicles, especially in visible public areas.
Safe Parking Initiatives
- Organizations like the Colorado Safe Parking Initiative provide designated safe parking lots for people experiencing homelessness or needing a secure place to sleep in their vehicles. These lots offer legal overnight parking and access to restrooms.
Car Sleeping Legality in Colorado
| Location Type | Legal to Sleep Overnight? | Key Restrictions/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| City Streets | Sometimes | Depends on local ordinances, parking rules |
| Rest Stops | No | Overnight parking prohibited |
| National Forest/BLM Land | Yes (usually) | Unless posted otherwise |
| Private Parking Lots | With permission | Always ask property owner; varies by business |
| Safe Parking Lots | Yes | For registered users; often for homeless |
Sleeping in your car in Colorado is generally legal if you follow local rules, avoid trespassing, and respect posted signage. Overnight parking at rest stops is not allowed, and DUI laws still apply even if the vehicle is stationary. Always check local ordinances and consider safe parking programs for secure, legal options.
Sources
- https://www.pisanilaw.com/denver-sleeping-in-car-laws/
- https://thenextsummit.org/can-i-sleep-overnight-in-my-car-at-a-trailhead-in-colorado/
- https://ouray.municipal.codes/Code/14-8
- https://943thex.com/colorado-sleep-at-rest-stop/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/urbancarliving/comments/e75un9/anyone_have_experience_living_in_their_car_in/
