Is It Legal To Live In Your Car – Know The Laws

Living in a car might not be a common sight but for many Americans, their vehicle/car becomes a permanent living space when they are away from home. Living in a car is convenient but it also has problems like taking bath, showering, or how you can manage human waste. Moreover, you have to consider the laws of different states when it comes to living in a car.

Whether it’s legal to live in a car depends on what state you live in or what state you are planning to visit with your car. Different states have different laws regarding living in a car. Some states will allow you to live in a car but you have to follow the parking rules like you might not be allowed to park on city main streets, the highway, public property, etc. However, there are places that are open for overnight visitors to stay in their cars.

Living In A Car Law By States

There are no nationwide laws available in the USA about living in a car. However, every state has its own laws about sleeping in the car. So the best solution would be to find designated overnight parking areas ahead of time. Below you will find state-by-state laws regarding living in a car.

Essential Car Living/Sleeping Kits

If you want to live or sleep in your car comfortably then you must have some common car living kits in your car. So if you are wondering what items you should carry with you then the below list will help you sort things out! Let’s check them.

Clothes & Sleeping Gear

When you are living in a car, chances are you will be caring for all the required clothes. As a general rule, you should have a change of clothing every night while you are staying in a car. So you should carry – 

1. An extra pair of socks

2. An extra pair of shoes

3. A beanie

4. Pillow

5. Sleeping bag

6. Extra blanket

7. Blow-up mattress

Toiletries

If you want to keep fresh when you are living in a car then you should carry some toiletries with you. You might not carry many things because it might get stuffy inside the car so you should carry toiletries like – 

1. Dry shampoo

2. Wet wipes

3. Roll-on deodorant

4. Toilet paper

5. Hand sanitizer

Electronics

Nowadays electronics play a very vital role in our life and it helps us stay connected with others. When you are living in a car you will be using electronic devices like GPS, music players, mobile chargers, etc. So important electronic devices are – 

1. Car phone charger

2. Power bank 

3. Wi-Fi router (if necessary)

4. Flashlight 

5. Bed phones

First AID

This is a very important car living kit because you don’t know what you might encounter while you are living in a car. So consider caring a first AID box that includes – 

1. Band-aids and bandages in a variety of sizes

2. Disinfectant

3. Antiseptic ointment

4. A burn care product

5. Throat lozenges

6. Painkillers (preferably not aspirin)

7. Anti-nausea medication

8. Anti-diarrhea medication

9. Antihistamines

10. Rehydration sachets with electrolytes  

FAQs About Living In A Car

References:

1. https://www.wikihow.com/Live-in-Your-Car
2. https://recombu.com/cars/article/is-it-legal-to-live-in-your-car