After spending a long time driving, your car might seem like the perfect place to catch some Zs. 
Whether you’re on a road trip, encountered gnarly traffic or simply can’t keep your eyes open anymore, parking at a rest stop and taking a nap sounds like a good idea. But in the Garden State, not everywhere is accepting of a vehicular siesta. 
In New Jersey, sleeping in your car is legal. Although there are no state-wide laws prohibiting people from sleeping in their vehicles, there are restrictions that sleepy drivers should be aware of that vary in each municipality. 
For instance, sleeping in your car for an extended period of time can be considered camping and could potentially violate local ordinances. According to an article on camping guide website BoondockersBible.com, sleeping at rest stops is legal, but certain rest stops and scenic overlooks prohibit overnight parking. Usually these spots will have signs indicating whether this is allowed or not. 
Here are some of New Jersey’s different rest stop rules. 
If you had one too many on a night out and think sleeping in your car is the responsible way to go, think again. 
In the Garden State, “a person can be convicted of DUI if they are found operating a vehicle while their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is above 0.8. ‘Operating’ does not necessarily mean actively driving the car,’” according to the Law Office of E. Gregory M. Cannarozzi. 
So even if your vehicle isn’t moving, falling asleep intoxicated behind the wheel can be considered intending on operating a vehicle and grounds for a DUI charge and possible arrest. To avoid this, make sure to get a ride home from a sober driver instead of resorting to sleeping in your car. 

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