Sometimes you may need to sleep in your car—whether it’s during a long trip, in an emergency, or if you’re between housing options. If you’re in Oregon, it’s important to know that while car sleeping is not completely illegal, it is heavily controlled by local city rules and property laws.
This guide will help you understand when and where it’s legal to sleep in your car in Oregon, and what you should be careful about to avoid fines or police issues.
Is It Legal to Sleep in Your Car in Oregon?
Oregon does not have a statewide law that bans sleeping in your car. So technically, it’s legal. However, local governments (like cities or counties) are allowed to make their own rules about this.
This means your ability to sleep in your car depends on:
Where you park
Whether the land is private or public
If the city has any restrictions in place
Oregon’s laws also allow religious groups, private properties, and businesses to host vehicle sleepers with permission and some registration.
Where You Can Sleep Legally in Your Car in Oregon
Here are the main places where you can legally sleep in your vehicle—if you follow the rules:
Private Property (With Permission)
If you get clear permission from the property owner, you can sleep in your car legally. This includes:
A friend’s driveway
A business parking lot
A church or organization offering safe parking
Some programs require the property to be registered with the city, especially if multiple vehicles are allowed to park overnight.
Designated “Safe Parking” or Supervised Lots
Some Oregon cities run special rest stop programs, allowing a limited number of vehicles to sleep overnight in supervised lots. These lots are usually:
Managed by nonprofits or the city
Have bathrooms and basic services
Require registration or permission
State Highway Rest Areas
You can legally stop and rest at highway rest areas in Oregon. Sleeping in your car for a few hours is fine. However, camping outside your vehicle (tents, cooking, etc.) is not allowed. These areas are only meant for short-term rest.
Where You Should Not Sleep in Your Car
There are places where sleeping in your vehicle is either illegal or risky:
Public Streets and Parks
Many Oregon cities—especially Portland and Eugene—have local rules that ban overnight sleeping in cars on public roads or in parks. These are usually enforced under “time, place, and manner” rules, meaning:
It might be allowed at certain times or locations
But not allowed overnight or in residential areas
Violating these rules can result in warnings, tickets, or even towing.
Unpermitted Private Property
If you park in someone’s private lot without asking, you may be charged with trespassing, even if you’re just resting quietly.
RV or Vehicle Camping Outside Designated Areas
Oregon has strict rules for recreational vehicle (RV) living, and the same applies to living in a car. You can’t just park and sleep overnight wherever you want, especially in cities with high housing concerns.
DUI Risk While Sleeping in Your Car
Just like in other states, you can be charged with DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Oregon even if your car isn’t moving, if:
You’re drunk or under the influence
You’re in the driver’s seat
Keys are in the ignition or within your reach
To avoid this:
Move to the back seat
Keep the keys away from you, like in the glove box or trunk
Turn off the engine
This shows you didn’t intend to drive while impaired.
Special Legal Points to Know in Oregon
ORS 195.520 allows churches and private owners to offer parking spaces to people living in vehicles if registered or authorized.
Cities like Eugene limit overnight vehicle sleeping to six vehicles per property, and only with owner permission.
Oregon courts say cities must set rules that are reasonable, but they can ban public sleeping in some areas.
The U.S. Supreme Court allows such local rules, meaning cities have legal power to limit where and how people sleep in cars.
Tips for Safe and Legal Car Sleeping in Oregon
Always get permission when sleeping on private property.
Use supervised rest stops or safe parking programs if available in your area.
Avoid sleeping on public streets or parks—check local city rules.
At rest areas, sleep inside the vehicle only, and don’t overstay.
Avoid DUI risk—never sleep drunk in the driver’s seat with keys near you.
Sleeping in your car in Oregon is legal—but only if done carefully and in the right place. The state allows rest stops and private property use with permission, but many cities have restrictions on sleeping in public areas like streets and parks.
Oregon also has helpful programs, especially in cities like Eugene and Portland, that offer safe overnight parking with conditions.
To stay out of trouble, always follow local laws, get permission, and avoid risky spots. If you’re not sure, look up the local city website or ask the nearest store or property owner.
[1] https://dioceseofvaranasi.org.in/sleeping-in-your-car-state-laws-you-need-to-know
[2] https://eugene.municipal.codes/EC/4.816
[3] https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/cd/page/overnight-sleeping-information
[4] https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_195.520
