The Illegal Act of Sleeping in Your Car

Many motorists occasionally find it convenient the idea of sleeping in their car. The usual reason behind this is because of driving fatigue, as well as saving – that instead of spending money by checking in hotels or maybe they have had taken too much of alcohol and they don’t want to risk driving ahead.

Generally, to illegally sleep in your car depends on your location and circumstances. Your choice where to sleep in your car can also impact on whether you get woken by the police or not. It’s much worth bearing in mind that driving fatigue or tired accounts for many thousands of road fatalities every year.

In the United Kingdom (UK), it’s estimated that 300 people have been killed every year due to falling asleep behind the steering wheel. Being lack of sleep, exhausted or tired motorist will, in almost all cases, have warning before they fall asleep.

They will also attempt to alleviate tiredness by opening their car windows or turning up the car stereo or radio. Although this may help short-term alleviation, but in most cases, it’s only temporary.

Particularly, on the motorways where drivers feel driving to be exacerbating and monotonous, the symptoms of tiredness are also higher which could suggest why this type of roads account for 20 % of sleep-related accidents. So, it’s advisable to have a 15-minute break for every two hours at wheel on the motorways or other major roads.

Also remember that those who are on the road for longer periods of time are more at risk of falling asleep behind the wheel. You can also take into account your type of occupation. Statistics showed that  40 % of sleep-related accidents involved commercial vehicles.

So, if you find yourself getting sleepy at wheel, look for a safe place to stop immediately and take a 15-minute break.

Remember that driving whilst tired affects the quality of your driving. It’s of course dangerous for you and other road users and even fatal in many cases every year. If you are stopped by the police and found to be driving tired to the point it affects your ability to drive, you can face a careless driving penalty if the incident is more severe. It will result in a fine and penalty points on your driving licence.

But the question, can you sleep in your car? The answer is: It’s perfectly legal to sleep in your car and is recommended for those who are driving tired or at risk. Just make sure that you park your car legally or in a non-hazardous location.

However, you may also find that sleeping in your car may draw the attention of the police. So, they will check your car to make sure you aren’t in any harm, and also to check if you’re a drink driver.

Also remember that when you park in a residential area and then sleep in your car may cause concerned residents to inform the police. So, you’ll face penalties if you’re found to have committed other offences.

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