Are there any laws against sleeping in your car while on a roadtrip?
Posted by No-Pin-4-U@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 202 comments
For context, I'm not a UK citizen, I'm just here for work. As such, I'm not entirely familiar with the laws around this.
I'm planning to go on a a 3-month-long road trip across the entire UK coastline, traveling to every town and landmark across England, Wales and Scotland. I've already planned to stay at various inns/hotels for the trip, but then I thought to myself "why not just sleep in my car every few nights?"
I drive a minivan and can easily fold down the back seats and fit an inflatable mattress to sleep on. I can also get privacy curtains for the back windows on Amazon. Assuming there's nothing illegal about sleeping in a public car park overnight, I figure I could save some money on lodging throughout the trip (not the entire trip of course; I would still need places with laundry, showers and whatnot).
What's stopping me from finding a public car park that's out of the way and settling in for the night?
Noeggs70@reddit
There are apps for this I think ones called camp for the night Will give you a list of suitable locations
Bodhiman121@reddit
I had a small berlingo van with bed in the back . I slept in public car parks , supermarket car parks , lay byes , residential streets and industrial estates . Some public car parks forbid overnight sleeping in vehicles others allow it .Just check the signs . Same with supermarket car parks . Re laundry, plenty of laundrettes, re showers either buy a cheap gym pass with loads of gyms across UK. Service stations on motorways always have a few showers available. Enjoy the trip . đđ.part of the fun will be the stealth camping . đđ
TwoPlyDreams@reddit
Look for campsites.
A car in a car park at night with an inflatable mattress in the back sounds like it might attract spectators.
V65Pilot@reddit
Car cover. I've slept in a couple of cars with a car cover for privacy/security. Upside: You can crack a couple of windows if it's warm out. Getting out in and out can be a little tricky, but once you figure it out it's not bad( cover pulled up on one side, open door, window down, climb in, close door., reach through window to pull the cover down, close window. Opposite to get out.
account_not_valid@reddit
Modifying a car cover would be the duck's nuts. Make some Velcro openings for a door or two, that when shut from the inside doesnt look out of place.
It would cost much to get a clothing repair shop to do it, if you don't have a sewing machine.
Global-Fox7764@reddit
Hahahaha, I've never heard of the ducks nuts before that's gas.
Dependent_One6034@reddit
I used a half cover, covers the windows, you can open the door and get in and out, with the door open you get a little canopy too.
GoHomeCryWantToDie@reddit
I don't think many campsites will allow you to sleep in your car unless it's specifically designed for sleeping. It needs to have curtains and that sort of thing. Folding your seats down and sleeping on an inflatable mattress might be frowned upon.
Just pack a cheap tent and pitch it next to the car.
judgegenehunt@reddit
Or get a roof tent
Unlucky-Dark-9256@reddit
How does that affect anybody? Why would it be frowned upon? Mind your own business is what Iâd say and crack on mate
GoHomeCryWantToDie@reddit
It's not up to me. It's up to the people that run the campsite.
Huge_Age9120@reddit
I used to sleep in a converted Zafira - they were more than happy to take my money for a pitch - the problem was said pitch was opposite the shop so pepole would just park next to me - I got rather annoyed and in the end went across the pitch instead
Marlobone@reddit
If your gonna sleep in your car your gonna want blinds/coverings on the windows
binarygoatfish@reddit
Put a cover over the car. And use some string to tie it down for high winds. Have a zipped entrance / exit.
Poison_Jaguar@reddit
Uncle Touchies Naked Puzzle Basement has entered the chat.
MeesterMartinho@reddit
Not the only thing it's entered...
Poison_Jaguar@reddit
Howard Wolowitz, acknowledges this
johnnyjonnyjonjon@reddit
Thereâs nothing illegal about sleeping in your car, as long as youâre parked legally and the location doesnât prohibit overnight stays.
Donât be drunk though. Even if youâre asleep with the engine off and keys out of the ignition, you can still be done for being in charge of a vehicle while over the limit.
Richard__Papen@reddit
Silly law
Crackedcheesetoastie@reddit
Yup, it is insanely dumb. My friend lost his license because he went to the pub and instead of driving home drunk he slept in the back of his car. Fully in the backseats.
Police woke him up at 4am and charged him. Bye bye license.
Insanely dumb law.
Richard__Papen@reddit
Exactly! He was doing the right thing by not driving!!!
Yamazumii@reddit
You'd get in less trouble breaking into someone's shed and sleeping in there
Richard__Papen@reddit
Maybe even breaking into their house!
Yamazumii@reddit
Well they can't ban you from driving
Richard__Papen@reddit
Haha true!!
Yamazumii@reddit
Would they rather he slept outside and died from exposure?
Direct_Highlight_118@reddit
Many people are stopped each year for driving over the limit the next day, simply because their body hasn't finished processing all the alcohol. It's reasonable to suspect the man was going to drive the next day over the limit, which is technically the wrong thing. The police aren't being that unreasonable here by stopping him, though taking away his licence feels excessive.
ToughAppointment2556@reddit
That is one of the most dystopian things I have heard for some time that you casually tossed out there, justifying the arrest on the grounds of "future crime". The current legislation is bad enough without turning it into the plot of Minority Report!
Direct_Highlight_118@reddit
Stopping Vs arresting is an important distinction here.
TheJadedCockLover@reddit
Of course they are being entirely unreasonable with an ignorant law. You donât get to arrest people and charge them because âwell, they might have broken the law on the future so we better just get em nowâ. That sounds reasonable to you? Appalling ignorance
Direct_Highlight_118@reddit
Given that it's against the law to be in charge of the vehicle while drunk, they definitely get to arrest him. The existence of the law has not much to do with the police. The punishment on the other hand probably does have something to do with the police, and that's exactly where I said they were unreasonable.
Richard__Papen@reddit
It's barely any more reasonable to suspect he'll drive away still over the limit than if he went home, slept in his own bed and went back next day for the car.
verocoder@reddit
Tricky I guess, Iâve slept in the car and tend to wake up early with the sun and to get a crap nights sleep. It would be really tempting to just immediately drive especially if not in a great place to be stopped.
Still feels like charging someone on the presumption of intention to commit a crime and that sleeping in the car itself while over the limit shouldnât be a crime.
Richard__Papen@reddit
I don't know why it'd be that much more tempting than if you'd gone home first and gone to collect it later. Either way you still have to weigh up your sobriety.
verocoder@reddit
The hypothetical nights sleep in your own bed is likely longer ? I often wake at like 5/6 if camping/car camping but in my own bed after a skinful itâd be more like 10.
Still feels like a weak hypothetical argument for the law to use though!
Direct_Highlight_118@reddit
Maybe, but the time between him waking up and him going to the pub to get his car would be spent processing the booze, so in that case he's much less likely to drive over the limit
Buddy-Matt@reddit
And to add, it's too stop people who fully intend to drive from pretending they're only gonna sleep in the car. Not to mention the fact that people are notoriously poor decision makers when drunk, and even the best intentions may go sideways.
I agree that this specific case feels extreme, but by the time the driver's turned the ignition, you've got a drunk person in charge of a very dangerous and heavy lump of metal. Allowing the police to arrest the before they've turned the ignition prevents that.
The law could be rewritten so simply being in charge of the car is considered less serious than actually driving it though - agree on that too.
wils_152@reddit
The police probably would have said doing the right would be getting a taxi home and coming back for the car when sober.
Sleeping in the car whilst drunk was definitely not the right thing, unfortunately, and most people with driving licences would know that.
Tough-Oven4317@reddit
Makes no sense. Your grasp of logic is literally backwards. That's the pokice fault. There is no reason not to do it, other than some twatty coppers arresting you for drunk driving a dream
wils_152@reddit
It's the police's fault that this guy broke the law?
Tell me more about people's "backwards grasp of logic", my friend. You have much to teach.
FWIW I never said it was it was not a stupid law - simply that it IS the law, and if someone ignores it or doesn't even know it exists, that's very very very much on them.
Tell you what - why don't you ignore the laws that don't work for you? That's how it works, right?
Tough-Oven4317@reddit
What a nightmare. This is how Naziism spread. Busybodies following laws that serve no purpose for the sake of it.
Sleeping in your car isn't a problem at all, why should the police arrest one for that?
And yes, I do ignore laws all the time lol. I'm my own human and I decide my morality not some cunts I've never met. We all have a societal obligation to break immoral laws
ImmediatePiano6690@reddit
Should also note that, whilst they think they've slept it off there's a good chance they're still over the limit. That's why it's not a silly rule, because people would be driving drunk in the morning.
Muffinlessandangry@reddit
It's not a silly rule because someone might break the law later is the silliest rule I've ever heard. Take people's licence away for sleeping in their car incase they drink drive thr next morning? Fuck it, why not arrest me in my bed at home after an absolute bender because I might drink and drive in th morning to get a hangover maccies? Arrest people sat in the pub drinking because they might drink and drive later. Arrest sober drivers on their way to the pub incase they drink and drive back.
MrPogoUK@reddit
Technically the crime youâre committing is being âdrunk while in charge of a motor vehicleâ rather than the usual driving whilst drunk, but it does seem something of an overzealous application of something which I assume was meant to cover situations like a driving instructor being over the limit while a learner was at the wheel.
ImmediatePiano6690@reddit
It's not worth trying to explain it, these people won't listen and will say anything in a bid to make their crimes look harmless, it's crazy how many people are fine with being under the influence whilst being in charge of a vehicle.
Funny thing is, I'll bet as soon as a kid is killed one morning by someone who slept in their car and drove home later, they'll throw on the fake outrage despite trying to justify it all here.
Muffinlessandangry@reddit
I ask you sir, if I am unconscious in the back seat, in what way am I "in charge" of this vehicle? The fact that this has been applied so many times for so long implies the law functions as intended. And if this is what is intended, it is a silly law.
Richard__Papen@reddit
Very well said. There are always silly law justifiers.
Cow_Launcher@reddit
Exactly what happened to my neighbour's 18-y-o son. Drove his mates to the pub with no intention of drinking. Changed his mind, got drunk, took a minicab home.
Went back the next day to collect his car. As he was pulling out of the car park, he was blocked by a police car (he supposes they were waiting for him?) and he failed a breath test.
Apparently he was just over the limit by the time they took him to the police station for the evidentiary test.
Virtual_Opinion_8630@reddit
Bet there's more to it than that
Cow_Launcher@reddit
How do you mean?
Virtual_Opinion_8630@reddit
A police officer decided to breathalyse him for what?
Theres some details missing or the story could be fabricated entirely
cherrycoke3000@reddit
Picking up a car from a pub carpark, in the early morning. What are the chances they could still be over the limit?
desertdodo123@reddit
pretty high tbh
nonsequitur__@reddit
My friendâs ex-husband is a police officer and would often do overtime at Xmas where theyâd do more breathalyser checks during mornings, knowing there were loads out drinking the night before.
Virtual_Opinion_8630@reddit
Yeah that makes sense it's seasonal drinking
There's nationwide TV adverts and awareness campaigns saying don't drink and drive during Xmas.
nonsequitur__@reddit
Yeah absolutely.
Cow_Launcher@reddit
Presumably on the grounds that he was pulling out of a pub car park at 8:30am and that they had (correctly) assumed he'd left it parked there overnight.
It was his dad that told us about it, and the kid had to sell his car, so I know it happened. Unless you mean I'm fabricating it, though I really can't think of any reason why I would?
Virtual_Opinion_8630@reddit
No I don't believe you're fabricating the story!
Either way, bit of a bummer eh.
Cow_Launcher@reddit
I know; he tried to do the right thing, but completely underestimated the length of time it takes to process alcohol.
This was back in the mid-90s when the police were starting to make a big point about drink-driving, so I guess that's why the police went for an easy collar.
Virtual_Opinion_8630@reddit
Ah sometimes ago!
Lesson learned eh - don't park in the pub, park somewhere else.
Specialist-Car-5519@reddit
The police wouldn't lie in wait for a teenager to return to a pub carpark and drive whilst being just over the limit. They obviously don't have the resources
It was a random coincidence and unlucky for the kid. Or there is more to the story that you haven't been told. (Was the car marked for drugs or sthing?
ImmediatePiano6690@reddit
I think the detail we're missing is, he's done it multiple times and someone called the police knowing the kid would be attempting to move it. I mean, unless this happened 30 or so years ago then I could believe they were just waiting, but in the past couple of decades police budgets can't afford this tactic.
Fast_Assumption_118@reddit
I would guess pulling out of a pub car park in the morning is enough suspicion
Virtual_Opinion_8630@reddit
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/52/section/6/1991-02-01/data.html
Police officer needs reasonable cause.
Some guidance here
https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/ask-the-police/question/Q908#:~:text=The%20police%20cannot%20stop%20a,of%20being%20over%20the%20limit.
So maybe it was a perfect storm of exiting the car park, a police officer seeing that, stopping the car, then the police officer smells alcohol on his clothes and breath and then does the breath test
Mogidogi@reddit
The police don't need grounds or a reason to breathalyse you, they can do it whenever they want to
nonsequitur__@reddit
When I was working in Scotland, nobody on site drank after work in the week as the legal limit was lower there and it was common to fail a breathalyser test in the morning if youâd drank the night before.
Captaincadet@reddit
What I do find a little interesting about this, is when I asked a road traffic officer about this, if the key is outside the car, say in the wheel well, you canât be done as you canât drive the car
So even though you know where the key is, the law stops if the key is outside the vehicle
Ok-Switch242@reddit
Thatâs not true at all. Youâd need to prove on the balance of probabilities there was no chance of you driving. Nothing to do with the position of the key.
Ok-Blackberry-3534@reddit
Throw your keys in the bushes.
cherrycoke3000@reddit
Thanks. The law makes perfect sense now. Defiantly not insane.
Key in car, lose licence, possibly livelihood too, key outside, perfectly fine, no issue.
Tough-Oven4317@reddit
Gotta love you pretending that sleeping in your car is drunk driving hahaha
ImitationDemiGod@reddit
Sorry, who is justifying drink driving here? If you're asleep in your car, you're not driving it, ergo not drink driving.
Richard__Papen@reddit
Did you not know - it's the latest thing - laws to penalise people who might be about to do something.
Richard__Papen@reddit
People would be driving drunk in the morning, as they might well be if they went back for the car next day.
Flipmode45@reddit
You canât be charged for a crime you didnât yet commit. So yes, it is a silly rule.
Extra-Sound-1714@reddit
Taxis are not always available and very expensive. There is nothing wrong with just sleeping in the car. It is a silly law.
wils_152@reddit
Apart from being against the law. I kind of think that if someone has a driving licence and a car, they have an obligation to know what the rules are.
forgottenoldusername@reddit
I know what the rules are - still think there is nothing wrong with it. It's not a very complicated juxtaposition to grasp.
ThomasRedstone@reddit
The only way around it is to not have access to the keys.
How you doing that is challenging, especially as it's kind of useful to be able to lock and unlock the car...
AshEllisUFO@reddit
My mate had to go to court as he went to get his wallet out of his car whilst drunk at a house party, the absolute worst timing for cops to randomly be driving past
Hookton@reddit
I've wondered about this scenario before. I was unloading the shopping, absolutely plastered. And realised I was technically in charge of the vehicle. I had no intention of driving anywhere or starting the engine or even sitting in the driver's seat; I was clambering around in the back with my arse in the air looking for a jar of pesto that had rolled under the seat.
But technically, if they'd seen me unlocking the car and getting in with the keys in my hand, I think they'd have been able to do me?
V65Pilot@reddit
I mean, there you are, arse in the air.......
AshEllisUFO@reddit
đŻ
Current_Fly9337@reddit
I done this years ago. Been on a night out, went to grab some cigarettes from my car when I got home (in a dress etc but with my slippers on), I purposely leaned in via the passenger door but the police passed and questioned me.
Thankfully they were ok about it, felt the bonnet was cold and I had my cigs in my hand with my front door open and told me never to enter my car whilst drunk again.
Mindless_Ad_6045@reddit
How is that a dumb law? You're still in control of the can, what is there to say that you won't decide you want to drive to the petrol station in the middle of the night while piss drunk? That law is in place to prevent the temptation and eliminate the risk of drink driving.
Tuarangi@reddit
Even the old keys on the back wheel thing isn't allowed, best to leave the keys on the bar if sleeping at a pub and collect them when the landlord comes in next day, or just get a taxi
mountainousbarbarian@reddit
Do you have a case reference for this? Because I'm fairly sure a valid defense to this charge is showing (i.e. prove on the balance of probabilities) there was no likelihood of you driving the vehicle while over the specified limit. Tucked up in a sleeping bag with the keys secured outside the vehicle is very different from passed out in the backseat with the keys chucked under the car in this regard.
Tuarangi@reddit
Case law is
Director of Public Prosecutions v Watkins (1990), the offender was in the driving seat but had keys to a different car but they argued the intent was to drive drunk
The argument comes down to whether you were "in charge" of the vehicle and whether you intended to drive it while intoxicated. You could argue you don't have the key but in many modern cars you don't need to turn the ignition on physically as the key can be wireless. Similarly you might drive away in the morning while still over the limit as you can't determine precisely if you are over. You have to show the keys were not accessible e.g. inside the pub or with someone else
wbqqq@reddit
I assume this is English law precedent - does it apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland too (as settled precedent rather than indicative)
mandyhtarget1985@reddit
An ex lost his licence in similar circumstances. He had already been done for drink driving the year before (points and a fine) so he thought he had learnt his lesson and wouldnt drive but didnât want to pay for a taxi so slept in the back seat. Police woke him up, breathalysed and that was his licence gone as it was the second occasion. Pretty bad outcome (and decision making by him) as he was a professional driver.
Evening-Web-3038@reddit
I am with the police there tbh. Your friend is at a high risk of drink driving, even if he didn't do it on that occasion. He has gone to the pub with his car, got drunk and didn't have any plan on how to get home in such a state. He engaged in risky behaviour overall.
And, sure, he slept in the car on this occasion which is fine on the face of it. But what about next time? Or the 5th time, after 4 occasions of failing to see a police officer on the roads? Does he turn into a 'chancer' and drive home on the 5th occasion? I actually wouldn't put it past him tbh, given his baseline risk profile (sleeping in the car is not what normal people do lol; most people get a taxi there/back or get a lift, or hell some just don't drink at all). And maybe the police caught him sleeping at 4am but would have missed him driving home at 6am?
I agree with you that the spirit of the law may not be perfect. But your friend is just a bit of a risk overall and I am kinda glad that they managed to get *something* to stick, as he might now learn a lesson or two about the potential (future) dangers of drink driving.
cherrycoke3000@reddit
Young white men are also a risk to law breaking, statistically. We should just lock them all up. just in case. Who else can we punish, just in case?
Evening-Web-3038@reddit
"I agree with you that the spirit of the law may not be perfect".
But the bottom line is that this dude engaged in scatty behaviour that is entirely consistent (IMO) with a young risk-taking male. I'm not even judging too harshly because I have done similar dumb stuff when under the influence back in my youth. Sadly, if you do certain things when drunk you attract hassle. It is a lesson many men learn the hard way and hopefully the poster's friend has too.
If the police didn't treat this dude harshly then there's a good chance he would escalate the risk in the future.
This is in complete contrast to many blokes out there. The ones who will, for example, get a taxi there/back. Or who will arrange a lift. Or who will book a hotel. Or who will refrain from drinking any alcohol so they can drive home. We absolutely should not "punish" those men, "just in case".
I fundamentally hate the concept of punishing people for a 'what if'. But having been a young bloke myself, and one who engaged in similarly scatty behaviour on occasion, I'm fine with it here because the risk of drink driving in the future is high and it might be too late to punish them at that point (someone might die etc).
Crackedcheesetoastie@reddit
He was going to stay at a friend's who bailed on him.
Even if he had gone with the intent to sleep in his car it is a moot point. You shouldn't be charging people for drink driving if they havent, AND NEVER HAVE OR WILL, drunk driven.
You can't charge people on what they might do.
CrossCityLine@reddit
!dick
Evening-Web-3038@reddit
How do third parties like me and the police know that? All we see is some dude sleeping in his car after going the pub. We don't know what he'll do 2 hours later, or 5 occasions later.
And can you confidently say that he never will? Alcohol, especially combined with heightened emotions, can occasionally cause people to do some profoundly dumb stuff.
Depends if I bring my car to the party or not...
Locust-15@reddit
I suspect the theory is you are planning on driving once you wake up, (and are likely still over the limit).
fussyfella@reddit
Not even that rational. A court once ruled that having the car key on you represented being in charge of the vehicle and it became precedent. Magistrates sometimes ignore the rule and let common sense prevail, but as the ruling was from a Crown Court and has never been overturned by a higher court it is still the legal precedent, and the CPS could appeal the magistrates' verdict and likely would win (in practice the CPS have way more pressing things to spend their time on, so it would not happen).
Icy_Mixture1482@reddit
On the other hand, itâs fairly rational.
Drunk people are quite bad at judging their level of drunkenness. They might have gotten in the car with the intention of sleeping, woken up several hours later still over the limit, and thought âeh Iâm probably fine now,â.
b0dyr0ck2006@reddit
Which is why itâs a stupid law. You havenât broken any laws by being drunk in the car, the law is only broken IF you are driving. Therefore being charged for being IN the car is being charged for a crime youâve not yet committed and on the assumption that you will potentially be breaking the law in the future
Crackedcheesetoastie@reddit
You mean like everyone who crashes at a friend's/hotel or w/e then drives back in the morning?
barejokez@reddit
I can't think of any other law where the police so gleefully enforce it despite it being completely obvious to everyone that the perpetrator isn't actually doing anything "wrong".
I genuinely don't understand why they can't turn a blind eye to this sort of thing.
Danielharris1260@reddit
I had a mate get done for being drunk in charge of a vehicle when he wasnât even planning to drive at all. We were at my house and he was clearly staying over (phone, wallet, sleeping stuff all inside etc). At one point he went outside just to grab his headphones from his car.
Police had been called to a nearby party because it got a bit loud, saw him going towards his car with his keys, breathalysed him and that was enough. He still got charged even though it was pretty obvious he wasnât about to drive anywhere.
CrossCityLine@reddit
Was it obvious from their perspective though? All they see is a bloke staggering out of a house, towards a car, with car keys in hand. Looks exactly like theyâre about to drive.
Danielharris1260@reddit
I had a mate get done for being drunk in charge of a vehicle when he wasnât even planning to drive at all. We were at my house and he was clearly staying over (phone, wallet, sleeping stuff all inside etc). At one point he went outside just to grab his headphones from his car.
Police had been called to a nearby party because it got a bit loud, saw him going towards his car with his keys, breathalysed him and that was enough. He still got charged even though it was pretty obvious he wasnât about to drive anywhere.
TheMonkeyInCharge@reddit
Always wondered how this works with camper vans.
Crackedcheesetoastie@reddit
Same law applies, unfortunately.
TheMonkeyInCharge@reddit
Damn. There goes my retirement plan of rocking up to random UK beaches and drinking and smoking the night away in an old VW.
Iâm guessing campsites are exempt as theyâre private land.
George_Salt@reddit
It's only really a problem if you could be required to move on, or you fail the attitude check. If I'm parked up in a layby that doesn't prohibit overnighting in the motorhome I won't have a drink. If I'm parked up somewhere that overnight sleeping is specifically permitted (e.g. some car parks in Northumberland have overnight spaces you can reserve and pay for) then I might have a beer in the evening.
BG3restart@reddit
There's a Facebook group for pubs that allow motorhomes to use their carpark overnight for free providing you eat/drink in the pub. I'd imagine that most of those people will be having a couple of drinks.
George_Salt@reddit
That's on private carparks.
(also, you have to pay ÂŁ35/year to get access to the BritStops scheme)
BG3restart@reddit
Does the law not apply to private carparks? I understood you could be be arrested on your own driveway, which would also be private.
George_Salt@reddit
It's complicated - https://www.jmw.co.uk/services-for-you/motoring-law/drink-driving/articles/private-roads
But in practice, what would cause a police officer to enter a pub carpark and challenge someone sleeping in a campervan or motorhome to take a breathalyser? Would it be a useful use of their time or in the public interest?
Personally, I wouldn't have more than one or two beers under those circumstances in any case - because the nature of these types of overnight stops are that it's for one night only and you're moving on the following morning.
Crackedcheesetoastie@reddit
I mean, I do that anyway haha. Much more likely to get away with smoking, rather than drinking, though.
Also, the chance of you meeting a policeman at a random beach is very slim (although, I'm speaking from Scottish perspective here. Maybe police go to English beaches more?).
Just don't be parked on the roadside and you should be fine :)
worldworn@reddit
Not really, after a heavy night you are likely still not safe to drive in the morning, and will be over the limit.
Sleeping it off isn't enough, get a taxi home.
account_not_valid@reddit
But i can get drunk, sleep in a hotel, and drive the next morning?
worldworn@reddit
Yes, you can go to a hotel, get a decent night sleep. Get a big breakfast.
Then make a decision if it's ok to drive home.
Do you think people are more or less likely to drive in the morning as they are already in the car? Tired and just wanting to get home?
As it is obviously more likely, do you think it's a good or bad thing to stop people from being in a position to break the law and endanger others?
Are all the laws perfect? No, are they there for a reason? Yes.
account_not_valid@reddit
A good night's sleep and a big breakfast aren't going to reduce your blood alcohol content, nor your decision making ability.
worldworn@reddit
Did I say they did?
account_not_valid@reddit
I'd say they would feel better than if they'd slept in their car, and therefore be more likely to drive while being over the legal limit.
So sleeping in a hotel after drinking should be more illegal than having a crappy night sleeping in your car.
worldworn@reddit
Utter nonsense, I mean just drivel.
Sleeping in a hotel "more illegal" for one that doesn't make sense and two, just fallacy.
People who have planned ahead to get a hotel booked, have made a decision to not drive after drinking.
But that should be "more illegal"..
Some people really want to apologise for drink drivers.
account_not_valid@reddit
Of course its utter nonsense. Thats my point. Because so is being fined for sleeping in your car, on the assumption that you will then drive under the influence.
Do you see the line drawn between the two?
Richard__Papen@reddit
You could stay in a hotel or go home and pick the car up next day and you could still be over the limit.
worldworn@reddit
You could but people don't.
For all the maybes and perhaps. People sleep in their cars, wake up early and then drive home.
That's why there is a law.
If you wake up in your car on the side of the road, feeling shit, rain pouring down, your hungry tired and in the middle of nowhere.
Chances are, most people will drive to a services and get something to eat, or just drive home.
If you are at least in a hotel, you can stay longer, you have a safe space to leave your car, or get someone to come and drive you back.
Sburns85@reddit
Stops people throwing their keys in the back and saying they never drove
V65Pilot@reddit
I put my key behind the petrol door. No, officer, I don't have a key, my friends said they'd drop it off with me in the morning.
scottishsilversurfer@reddit
Beare of the Scottish coastline, its bigger than you think!
eilb3@reddit
Thereâs a few apps that say where you can park in a camper overnight for free. I think thereâs one related to pub/cafes where you can park in their carpark for free. If you search in the internet for free camper spots in the UK youâll find a few apps. I think you need to be aware of your safety so block windows so people outside canât see any light, etc.
audigex@reddit
Are there any laws? Yes. Some areas have bylaws about not sleeping in vehicles overnight, many car parks prohibit it (which isnât illegal in a criminal sense but would be a civil issue), and obviously trespass is always illegal
But in general if you avoid places that specifically prohibit it, and you and your car are legally allowed to be there anyway, then thereâs no law about sleeping in your car
IAmLaureline@reddit
Lots of seaside towns ban parking overnight for this reason
batgirlsmum@reddit
A lot of car parks prohibit overnight parking, check the signs.
But thereâs a load of pubs that allow you to use their car parks overnight, thereâs a book somewhere, sorry, canât remember what itâs called, maybe post in a camper van sub?
Footner@reddit
I sleep in my campervan and my work mate sleeps in his car parked next to me at night usually in forest car parks or quiet laybys
Gullible_Fan4427@reddit
Some spots are ok and some are not, the ones that arenât generally say âno overnight campingâ or something along those lines.
PinkxxAcid@reddit
I don't think it's illegal, I've done it a few times in uni when travelling over to my weekday internship. You just can't wild camp in the majority of England or Wales but you can in Scotland.
I used to use laybys, theres a park4night app too that's handy for local spots or you can pull up on the side of a road as long as it's not obstructing anyone
I'd recommend you buy a curtain you can hang across the front seats or a windscreen cover and some suction cup side window covers too for privacy and a thick duvet even if you're warm at night you'll want to lie on top of it so it's not as uncomfortable to sleep on the car seats
Colloidal_entropy@reddit
Sleeping in a vehicle does not count as wild camping in Scotland.
PinkxxAcid@reddit
I didn't say sleeping in a vehicle was wild camping, I was adding that he could also wild camp when he gets into Scotland if he wanted to
Tuarangi@reddit
Wild camping is often possible albeit not allowed, there are groups on YouTube who do it, generally if you don't start a fire, leave no trace and don't stay more than a night you'd likely get away with it but it is a silly law
Train-rex@reddit
Wild camping is just camping, why add the wild prefix to it
Tuarangi@reddit
Because it's camping outside a normal campsite on public land like moors, forests etc
Specialist_Stomach41@reddit
People do it all the time. You will be fine. Lots of us live in vans, some even in mini vans. You could fit it out and not have to use hotels at all. Theres ways to do it that arent permanent or expensive. Go and join the vanlife uk sub and ask there.
IllustriousSundae607@reddit
There are lot of pubs where you can stay in a campervan in the car park overnight for a small fee
Google Brit stips.
Icy_Consideration409@reddit
Didnât go well for Kevin Keegan.
So if you do, try and find as safe a spot as possible.
Tough-Oven4317@reddit
This country totally hates freedom, I wouldn't reccom sleeping in your car because you'll be bothered by some twats either police cunts or just regular cunts
MLMSE@reddit
If you are only visiting England, Wales and Scotland you will not manage to cover the whole of the UK coastline. The Great Britain coastline yes, but to do the whole of the UK coastline you would need to hop across to Northern Ireland.
No-Willingness-4097@reddit
I've been doing this for years and never ever had any trouble, have slept in laybys, on beach fronts and inner city streets, even had a nice family make me breakfast when I woke up outside their house in Bristol. There is a chance you'll get some attention but it's never happened to me, slap some limo window tint on your back windows to hide behind and nobody will notice you're in there if the lights are off.
Huge_Age9120@reddit
Nah I am doing this right now. Down in Cornwall in my EV with a blow up matress an duvet in the back. Got power water and internet.
In the day just looks normal - no laws prevent it from what I know/care
SevrinTheMuto@reddit
I slept in a car once, it was the coldest and most uncomfortable night I've ever had. Never again.
nonsequitur__@reddit
We took my stepmum to A&E one day on holiday in Wales and the wait time was so long I ended up spending a lot of the night in the car. The cold was unbelievable.
Virtual_Opinion_8630@reddit
It's surprising how cold it gets even in when it's blazing hot during the day.
You need to dress as if it's winter and have a good sleeping mat and bag
funkmachine7@reddit
No , being drunk incharge there is. Some places don't like people over staying, often you'll have to arrange a extension I.E. motorway car parks are 90mins to 2 hours unless extended.
MaxMouseOCX@reddit
Worst I can see happening is you're asked to leave.
Don't drink alcohol though, if you're in your vehicle with the keys, and you're drunk - even though you are not driving the thing or plan to, you can be arrested for "drunk in charge of a vehicle" - you don't want that mess, so stay sober.
Present_Air_7694@reddit
Be aware this can invalidate your insurance. Not a problem until disaster strikes.
KitFan2020@reddit
Can you explain how? If someone hit the stationary van it would be treated like any parked up vehicle surely?
Present_Air_7694@reddit
I just remember a case where someone's vehicle went on fire, and insurance refused to pay out when they found the remains of a mattress in the back, as it wasn't covered for sleeping in. Sorry don't have details.
Extra-Sound-1714@reddit
Vehicles very rarely go on fire. And I am assuming with a mattress in the vehicles it was being regularly slept in which is often a question on the insurance form.
Present_Air_7694@reddit
Vehicles very rarely go on fire. Incredibly astute of you! Other conditions for insurance claims are available... which to be rejected need only not to have been specifically included in the terms insured.
Great analysis. /s
Extra-Sound-1714@reddit
No need for the snark. I have specifically said it often asks in insurance forms if you sleep in the van you are insuring, this means is it kitted out to sleep in. If you say no and then put a mattress in that you sleep on, yes a claim will be rejected. Don't lie to your insurance company
Present_Air_7694@reddit
Sorry for being snarky, but I get a bit exhausted with reddit nit-picking in advice intended only to be helpful, not definitive.
Extra-Sound-1714@reddit
Ok thanks
CreativeAdeptness477@reddit
Avoid Castle Douglas. Make sure to pack your jobbletop and creepy mask.
blake24696@reddit
I use the park4night app to find places to stay when on roadtrips.
Loud_Ad_9187@reddit
Facebook have groups you can join where they add use of good places to park up for the nightÂ
YogurtclosetOk5386@reddit
Hi, myself and my husband often sleep in our car when we go on a trip, we usually drive around to find a car park we can use overnight and then park up. It is completely legal and good fun if there is 2 of you and much better if you away from the towns as the star show outside in absolutely out this world :) Safe travels and have an amazing time! xx
_Hoping_For_Better_@reddit
You might also have better luck finding car parks that allow overnight stays in less populated areas along the coast, the ones where people park up to walk the dog, but nothing around them.
undoneyet@reddit
section 60 of the the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, which came into force through amendments contained in the Police Act in June 2022.
Under the new law, a criminal offence is triggered once a 'section 60C' notice is served on a group of Travellers on an unauthorised or âroadsideâ camp and they then refuse to â or canât â leave. The criminal offence is punishable by six months in prison, and/or a ÂŁ2,500 fine and/or the impounding and confiscation of vehicles and trailers.
FatBloke4@reddit
Some towns and cities have byelaws forbidding overnight camping on the streets and on council property, including council car parks. Plan ahead and check about overnight stays.
It's possible to sleep overnight at motorway service stations. Some allow you to stay overnight for free but some have parking limits of 2 or 3 hours and if you want to stay overnight, you have to pay a fee. It's best to plan your trip and check for those where you can stay overnight for free.
There are some cheap hotels at some motorway service stations - and these tend to be cheapest if booked online in advance. You may find that some B&Bs have really cheap deals, depending on the time of year.
AlfalfaSerious9355@reddit
If you use a pub, buy a meal as a token gesture.
Broad-Raspberry1805@reddit
Thereâs loads of places you can legally park overnight and sleep in your car. Get the Park4Night app. Just be aware you might get people looking at you funny so Iâd find a way to block your windows.
George_Salt@reddit
Most public carparks don't allow sleeping in vehicles overnight.
There are apps for campervanners and MHers that list places you can overnight, the most popular are Park4Night and Search For Sites.
Extra-Sound-1714@reddit
You need to read terms and conditions in car parks. But there are places you can park over night.
TwoValuable@reddit
Lots of car parks have height restrictions and no overnight parking rules.Â
The South Coast is especially cracking down on overnight parking in the seaside towns, as we've seen an explosion in car and van camping since the pandemic. The majority of people are fine but obviously it's annoying to locals and can lead to mess. It also meant that people were setting up and monopolizing the available parking for days/weeks at a time. Eg Southsea seafront and Weston Shore have both go from no restrictions overnight to very signposted and monitored areas.
You can always look for quiet roads but the police have full powers to move you on. And realistically it would make more sense to at least have back up plans should you be disrupted.
Cheap-Vegetable-4317@reddit
Technically, if a car park is private land you're breaking the law by staying there without permission. So supermarket car parks etc often downt work. If you park on a public road overnight it's allowed because you have to be allowed to rest when driving. You have to be legally parked and not drunk. That's it I think.
I've found, when kipping in a car en route, that parked up on the road on a relatively busy residential street in a busy suburb or town, arrive late, leave early, works better and feels safer than a car park anyway. The sort of place where there's lots of people parked up and nobody knows whose car is whose.
A parking bay on a public road by a common or a beauty spot is usually quiet in the evening and pleasant in the morning, although lots of National Trust type places won't let you sleep in their actual car park. You get lots of good free parking along the coast and you can usually find somewhere to sleep without attracting attention. Lots of pubs will let you stay free overnight in the car park if you use the pub or have a meal - this is what we did last time we stopped in the New Forest because we discovered the car parks there were quite strict. You can usually find out online which ones and sometimes you book ahead.Â
Don't park up in a passing spot on a country road as it doesn't count as a safe or legal parking place, and also you could be in the way.Â
Places that you find online with vanlife type people or forums can be a bit busy and if they're in a residential area you're just pissing the locals off. But basically if you're safely and legally parked you are allowed to have a sleep in your car, so if anyone asks you, you just say you were falling asleep at the wheel and had to stop for safety and that's that.
StillJustJones@reddit
Most car parks owned by local authorities (and private one too) have bye laws stopping people from staying overnight.
Car parks are a no no.
However, âcar campingâ and sneaky overnight spots for van lifers/campervans are a thing.
Have a look at britstops. Itâs good resource.
I used to use this a lot when we would take a jaunt in our campervan.
Thereâs a lot of pubs that will let you overnight in their car park if youâre buying a meal and a couple of pints the night before.
If youâre touring the coast and itâs only a night in each spot, youâll have little problems finding somewhere for a park up, even if on a quiet residential street. Arrive late, leave no trace, leave early.
Have fun!
Beneficial-Nebula162@reddit
fOr CoNtExT stfu
rapafon@reddit
Look for a layby like this, they are literally designed for resting.
You'll likely get some noise from lorry drivers either parking up for their rest, or setting off, not to mention road noise, but then again if you're a light sleeper, sleeping in your van isn't for you lol
millimolli14@reddit
Itâs not illegal in the UK, in fact thereâs a few groups on facebook that give tips and nice stopovers, think one of them is called car camping UK pretty good advice on there if you need it
Agitated-Gazelle-271@reddit
Here to say there is an app for that: park4night with parking that allows overnight stays and also tells you if facilities are there. Hope you have an amazing trip!
LupercalLupercal@reddit
Try not to sleep in your car whilst driving
Superspark76@reddit
You need to be aware of where you will go to the toilet, there are not many public facilities open at night.
SuperDinkle406@reddit
There has been a lost posted about this in this sub, a few sea cues will help you with do and don'ts.
One I remember is don't park up on the public road/street and sleep in the car over the limit, or stoned. Even if just sleeping in the back of the car you are still legally in charge of the vehicle and can be prosecuted and banned (which cuts short your idea/plans).
caffeinated_photo@reddit
If you hide your keys outside of the car, apparently that shows the clear intention not to drive the car which makes it ok.Â
Icy_Attention3413@reddit
Youâll want to join a Facebook group that covers pub stopovers. Normally free if you have a meal and a pint, but no toilets.
GingerrJinx@reddit
There's free camping in Scotland, so you can just park in one of the many roadside scenic spots and spend the night, or 20. In the rest of the UK you can sleep in your van too, unless it's states on the car park "no overnight parking".
Lanthanidedeposit@reddit
You can be moved on if car camping and within the Lomond and Trossachs National Park it is actually an offence. In practice over a lot of the country you will be fine.
GingerrJinx@reddit
Well, you should see the loch eck banks in may and summer... It's within national park but it's packed with campervans, motorhomes and tents. I live right here so I see it every year. I don't really mind because they leave everything clean and tidy afterwards. As long as they are respectful, I don't have a problem.
Lanthanidedeposit@reddit
They left Cowal off. Meanwhile there is still plenty of crap left on the Bonnie Banks.
hellvixen1966@reddit
Do not park in 'passing places ' found on many B roads especially Scotland
Additional-Guard-211@reddit
The important consideration here is that you cannot be over the drink or drugs limit âwhilst in chargeâ of a vehicle when its on public land. Which i understand extends to having the keys to a vehicle with it nearby or in it. I thought this was a grey area for campers, but it sounds like you need advice from people that actually do this on the regular.
mellonians@reddit
My only concern would be having a drink or three and then going to sleep it off in your car. If you are too drunk to drive, you shouldn't be in charge of the car so many people hide the keys in a bush or something.
Johnny_Vernacular@reddit
If you do avoid alcohol, it can lead to problems.
BuncleCar@reddit
I knew someone who was sleeping drunk in his car. He was breathalysed, failed the test, and found guilty in court, losing his license, because his keys were in the car so he was in control or something of the car. He told me he'd have been ok if the keys had been outside under the car
K0monazmuk@reddit
i would say to just be careful if you , for example, sit there with the engine running to get heat into the car and you may have had a drink / be over the limit, the chances are remote but you know old bill arent going to be lenient on you if they turn up and you're sat in the front seat for example.
Ethelred_Unread@reddit
this might help
Tl;Dr
Yes you can sleep in a vehicle but you must be legally parked and if you're overnighting in a car park, make sure that overnight is also allowed or you may get a fine.
Depending on the time of year, cars/van get bloody freezing so make sure you have enough bedding, and watch out for condensation.
pslamB@reddit
Not much? Some places there are car parks with rules against overnight stays. If you stop for 1 evening and then move on and choose the right place i would say you're unlikely to be disturbed.
Illustrious-Log-3142@reddit
"What's stopping me from finding a public car park that's out of the way and settling in for the night?" alot of car parks don't allow overnight parking for this exact reason. It's not illegal as such but it's not as easy as it is in other countries.
I'd suggest having a look at some of the UK van life resources, it should give you an idea of when it's possible and when it's not. Eg. Where I live they have patrols of car parks that will move you on if you try and sleep in any vehicle, some pubs let you sleep in their car park for free if you buy a meal there etc.
PolarLocalCallingSvc@reddit
In general, no.
Be aware that a lot of car parks are closed at night, or charge for overnight periods, or may have restrictions against camper vans etc.
There are apps like park4night which will give you info on known parking locations, with details on facilities nearby, prices if applicable, etc. Though in all honesty I'd find your own parking spots just using Google Maps as some of these common parking location apps mean certain spots can get really busy, and the issues that can bring.
The one thing I would add is that there's an offence if being drunk in charge of a motor vehicle, which is a different offence to drink driving. You can be found drunk in charge of a motor vehicle even while you're sat in a passenger seat, engine off, etc. There's a ridiculous amount of case law about what being in charge of a motor vehicle actually means. My recommendation would be to simply not drink while you're parked up chilling in the van. If someone does report you as suspicious or whatever and the police come out, it's aggro you don't need.
Otherwise, yeah there's loads of parking. I live in Scotland and people sleep in their cars or vans all the time during peak seasons in particular. It's completely normal, just try and avoid parking like a twat and nobody will bother you.
MVF3@reddit
Im not aware of anything illegal per se. But be aware of parking restrictions of where you park.
Also be very careful with having any alcohol, even parked up in a private car park you could find your self fall foul of drink driving laws.
SeeMonkeyDoMonkey@reddit
IFAIK it's fine so long as there roof markings/car park terms excluding overnight parking.Â
I can't think of the name but there is at least one app that crowd sources suitable parking spots.
MirrorTotal893@reddit
Unless it states that you can't camp overnight, no, there are no restrictions
BG3restart@reddit
As long as you're parked legally and safely it's fine, but you cannot be over the legal limit for drink or drugs, which is an important consideration. Make sure you choose somewhere safe.
Natural_Bet6685@reddit
Lots of people here live in vans; they call it vanlife. You can park up for the night in most places, but some will have rules that you can't.
There's a UK Vanlife sub somewhere on here; maybe ask there. Enjoy your trip.
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