Statewide Law: Major Changes in 2025
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New Ban in Large Cities: As of 2025, Idaho has enacted a law that makes it illegal to sleep in your vehicle on public property in any city with a population of 100,000 or more. Currently, this primarily affects Boise, the only Idaho city meeting that threshold.
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Statewide Ban on Public Property: Senate Bill 1141 broadly prohibits “public camping or sleeping” on public property, public roads, and rights-of-way. This includes sleeping in passenger vehicles and RVs parked on city streets or other public spaces. The law specifically exempts drivers of commercial vehicles, but not regular motorists or van dwellers.
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Enforcement: Cities that do not enforce this law may face legal action from the state.
Where Sleeping in Your Car is Still Allowed
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Rest Areas: Idaho Department of Transportation rules do not prohibit sleeping in your vehicle at official rest areas. You may sleep in your car at:
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Interstate rest areas: Up to 10 consecutive hours.
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State highway rest areas: Up to 16 consecutive hours.
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Note: You must remain inside your vehicle; camping outside (e.g., sleeping bags on the ground) is not allowed.
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Private Property: You may sleep in your car on private property (e.g., RV parks, campgrounds, or with the property owner’s permission).
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Designated Campgrounds: Overnight sleeping is permitted in areas specifically designated for camping or overnight parking.
Where Sleeping in Your Car is Prohibited
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Public Streets and Parks: It is illegal to sleep in your car on public streets, in parks, or on other public property in cities with populations over 100,000 (i.e., Boise).
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Other Public Property: The ban extends to all public property statewide, except for rest areas and designated camping locations.
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Private Property Without Permission: Sleeping in your car on private property without the owner’s consent can result in trespassing charges.
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Exceptions and Additional Notes
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Commercial Drivers: The law exempts commercial vehicle drivers (e.g., truckers) from the ban, allowing them to rest as required by federal law.
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Safety and DUI Risks: If you sleep in your car while intoxicated, you could still face DUI charges if you are in “actual physical control” of the vehicle (e.g., keys in the ignition).
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Local Ordinances: Some smaller cities and towns may have additional restrictions or allowances, so always check posted signage or local rules.
Table: Idaho Car Sleeping Laws (2025)
| Location/Scenario | Legal to Sleep in Car? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boise (public property) | No | Illegal under new 2025 law |
| Other cities >100,000 pop. | No | Applies if population threshold met |
| Rest areas (state/interstate) | Yes | 10-16 hour time limits; must stay inside |
| Private property (with permission) | Yes | Owner’s consent required |
| Designated campgrounds | Yes | Must follow posted rules |
| Public streets/parks (most cities) | No | Prohibited under new law |
| Commercial vehicle drivers | Yes | Exempt from ban |
Sleeping in your car is now illegal on public property in Boise and any Idaho city with 100,000+ residents, as well as statewide on most public property, except for rest areas and designated campgrounds. Rest areas remain a legal and safe option for car sleeping, provided you follow posted time limits and stay inside your vehicle. Always check for local rules and signage to avoid fines or legal trouble.
Sources
[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/VanLife/comments/1jm40dz/idaho_will_ban_sleeping_in_vehicleseven_in_cities/
[2] https://www.boondockersbible.com/learn/idaho-rest-area-rules/
[3] https://liteonline.com/rest-area-time-limits-2024/
[4] https://mix106radio.com/sleeping-in-car-legal-idaho-2022/
[5] https://kezj.com/what-is-the-law-for-sleeping-in-your-car-in-idaho-and-washington/
