As of July 1, 2025, Idaho has enacted significant new restrictions on sleeping in vehicles in public spaces. Senate Bill 1141, signed by Governor Brad Little, makes it illegal to camp or sleep in a tent, car, RV, or on the ground on any public property or road in cities with populations over 100,000—most notably, Boise.
This law is part of a broader public camping ban and specifically targets sleeping in vehicles on public streets, parks, and other public areas within these larger cities. The law does not apply to commercial vehicles, and cities that fail to enforce this ban could face legal consequences from the state.
Where Car Sleeping Is Still Permitted
Despite these new restrictions in larger cities, sleeping in your car remains legal in much of Idaho outside of urban areas with more than 100,000 residents. In these smaller cities and rural areas, you can generally sleep in your vehicle as long as you are not trespassing on private property or violating other local ordinances.
Permission from property owners is required if you intend to sleep on private land, such as retail parking lots or apartment complexes.
Idaho also continues to allow sleeping in vehicles at official rest areas and designated campgrounds. The Idaho Department of Transportation explicitly permits sleeping in your car at rest stops, typically for up to eight hours along interstate highways and up to ten hours on other highways.
However, camping outside your vehicle—such as pitching a tent or sleeping on the ground—is not allowed at these rest areas. Designated campgrounds and recreation areas remain legal places to sleep in your vehicle, as long as you comply with posted rules and time limits.
Exceptions and Enforcement
The new law does not apply to commercial vehicles, such as long-haul trucks, which are exempt from the ban. It also does not override policies for endowment lands, state parks, or fish and game lands, where overnight camping may still be allowed under specific rules. Local ordinances may impose additional restrictions, so it is always wise to check the rules for your specific location.
Practical Considerations
If you need to sleep in your car for safety—such as to avoid drowsy driving—Idaho law still allows you to do so at rest areas and in most places outside of Boise and other large cities. Always ensure your vehicle is turned off, headlights are off, and you are parked legally. On private property, obtain permission from the owner to avoid trespassing charges.
Idaho’s new law makes it illegal to sleep in your car on public property in cities with more than 100,000 people, but car sleeping is still permitted at rest areas, campgrounds, and on private property with permission, as well as in most smaller towns and rural areas. If you are traveling through Idaho, plan your stops accordingly and be mindful of local ordinances and property rights to avoid legal trouble
Sources
[1] https://thewrangler.com/the-legality-of-car-sleeping-in-idaho-what-you-need-to-know/2025/06/07/
[2] https://www.kivitv.com/news/political/inside-the-statehouse/idaho-governor-signs-bill-banning-public-camping-in-larger-cities
[3] https://www.reddit.com/r/VanLife/comments/1jm40dz/idaho_will_ban_sleeping_in_vehicleseven_in_cities/
[4] https://kezj.com/what-is-the-law-for-sleeping-in-your-car-in-idaho-and-washington/
[5] https://teamjustice.com/is-it-illegal-to-sleep-in-your-car/
