West Virginia lacks a statewide ban on sleeping in your vehicle, making it generally legal if parked legally and not constituting camping. However, local ordinances, no-parking zones, and public safety rules create patchwork restrictions that travelers must heed.
Statewide Parking Guidelines
No explicit statute prohibits car sleeping across West Virginia; rest areas and welcome centers allow overnight parking without formal time limits under WVDOT policy. Turnpike travel plazas permit it for RVs and trucks in designated spots, excluding oversized loads.
Highway code §17C-13-3 bans parking in no-standing zones like bridges, intersections, or fire lanes, with fines up to $100. Sleepers must avoid blocking traffic or appearing homeless, as loitering concerns arise.
Local and Municipal Variations
Cities impose stricter rules: Weirton prohibits overnight trailer/motorhome parking on streets for lodging, with penalties. WVU campus lots fine overnight parking $20 unless in designated resident areas.
Charleston or Huntington may enforce similar street bans via nuisance ordinances; always check signage for “No Overnight Parking.” Private lots like Walmart vary—seek management permission to avoid tows.
Practical Safety Considerations
Safe spots include rest areas (e.g., I-79 southbound), truck stops, or BLM land outside cities. Use window covers discreetly; crack ventilation legally. Avoid alcohol or idling engines in urban zones.
Winters demand insulated vehicles; carbon monoxide risks from exhaust persist.
Penalties and Enforcement
Violations yield $20-100 fines, towing risks, or misdemeanor charges for repeated public camping. Police discretion factors sobriety and vehicle condition—cooperate to de-escalate.
Tips for Compliant Car Sleeping
Scout apps like iOverlander for legal sites; rotate locations every 8-12 hours. Carry registration, insurance, and a “Local Resident” story if questioned. Rural counties offer fewer patrols than metros.
Prioritize casinos or 24-hour gyms for safer alternatives. Stay informed via WVDOH maps—legal parking ensures restful, ticket-free nights in the Mountain State.
SOURCES:
- https://www.neighbor.com/storage-blog/can-you-sleep-at-a-rest-stop/
- https://www.boondockersbible.com/learn/which-states-allow-overnight-parking-in-rest-areas/
