Mississippi has no statewide ban on sleeping in your car, but local ordinances, rest area rules, and general parking laws create a patchwork of restrictions that can lead to tickets or towing. Travelers and those facing housing challenges must navigate these carefully to avoid fines up to $1,000 in some areas.
Statewide Parking Rules
Mississippi Code § 63-3-903 prohibits parking on highways outside business districts if off-road spots are available, requiring 20 feet clearance for traffic.
General bans apply near fire stations (20-75 feet), crosswalks (20 feet), intersections, bridges, or blocking driveways. No uniform “no car sleeping” statute exists, but vagrancy laws (Miss. Code § 97-35-11) could apply if perceived as loitering without visible means of support.
Rest Areas: Short-Term OK
Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) allows overnight parking at 24-hour rest areas, with no explicit ban on sleeping inside vehicles. However, stays over eight hours risk towing as “long-term parking,” though enforcement targets eyesores or campers setting up outside. No camping, firearms discharge, or pets inside buildings; explain fatigue to staff if questioned.
City and Local Ordinances
Many municipalities restrict overnight parking on streets or public lots. Ocean Springs bans vehicles from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. in downtown and limits street parking to 24 hours. Flowood prohibits overnight parking on city lots. Residential zones forbid front/side yard parking outside garages/driveways per 33 Miss. Code R. 203-1.2. Check signs—violations are misdemeanors with fines.
Walmart and Private Lots
Walmart stores vary; many in Mississippi still permit overnight RV/car parking (call ahead), but corporate policy shifted post-2010s lawsuits. Truck stops like Love’s or Pilot welcome tired drivers with fuel purchases. Apps like iOverlander or AllStays track safe spots.
Practical Safety Tips
Park discreetly with curtains; avoid idling engines near homes to dodge noise complaints. Carry proof of travel (maps, receipts) for police stops. Homeless advocates note increased scrutiny amid 2025-2026 housing crises, but no felony for sleeping alone. Seek shelters via 211 or churches; long-term, explore work programs. Rotate spots to evade patterns.
Enforcement Realities
Tickets dominate over arrests unless drugs/alcohol involved; judges often dismiss first offenses with warnings. Rural areas laxer than Jackson or Gulf Coast cities. Women/solos advised extra caution.
Mississippi balances road safety with leniency for fatigued drivers, but locals prioritize clear roadways.
SOURCES:
- https://www.boondockersbible.com/learn/mississippi-rest-area-rules/
- https://law.justia.com/codes/mississippi/title-63/chapter-3/article-19/section-63-3-903/
