There’s a trend for people who want to live a more nomadic lifestyle than pack everything up and hit the road in a van – and it’s completely legal to live in your car if that’s what you want to do.
- In most jurisdictions, it is legal to sleep or live in a car
- Local councils can enforce parking laws and impose fines
- Be considerate of the locals
Others may have experienced homelessness or considered their home their car. And it’s not illegal either.
And then there’s the feeling of roadside drowsiness, which is advisable if the alternative is to fall asleep at the wheel. Additionally, some jurisdictions suggest you can nap in your car if you’ve been to a bar instead of driving under the influence. Seems smart, right?
The reality is that it is legal to sleep or even live in your car, whether by choice or circumstance. But there are some things you should consider if you find yourself in this situation.
IN QueenslandThe rules are pretty clear about what counts as camping.
Living or sleeping in a vehicle is technically camping, so if you plan to engage in that activity, you need to do it in a designated camping area. Queensland is arguably the strictest Australian state with respect to this interpretation.
The Queensland Government says it has more than 450 rest areas which, although not camping sites, can be used for up to 20 hours unless signed otherwise.
And although camping in your car is not illegal Northern Territory, Some resources say that doing so in any area not designated for camping is “not allowed.” There are many great resources on the Northern Territory government website that tell you where you can camp and whether you need a 4WD vehicle to get to the site.
IN New South Wales There’s no law against sleeping or living out of your car, although it’s important to make sure you’ve parked where it’s legal to do so.
There are many locations across NSW that have “No Camping Allowed” signs and although you could argue that you wouldn’t camp without a tent or campfire, it’s best to simply obey any signs any such.
However, remember that there are also some councils that regulate so-called “illegal carpark camping” – trendy areas on the NSW North Coast have a zero-tolerance attitude towards camping camp in the car park, because if it were legal everyone would do it and local amenities would be overwhelmed.
If you’re considering sleeping or living in a car in Sydney, be aware of parking checkers and signs about parking restrictions. Fines can be more expensive than a night at a local motel.
status of Victoria There is no law that makes it illegal to sleep or live in a vehicle, but like NSW, there are councils that may have specific laws relating to that.
It’s another case of “park at your own risk”, but if you check with your local council to make sure you won’t be moved or fined then you’ll be fine.
Most other states are similar, in that you need to check with council authorities and make sure you comply with road signs.
If you can’t understand what is legal and what could get you into trouble, you can always go to your local police station and ask for advice.
Another thing to keep in mind is that if you sleep in a car with the air conditioning on, it’s best to make sure the system isn’t leaking. There have been many reported cases of fatal carbon monoxide poisoning from people sleeping in their cars with the A/C on.
Not intended as legal advice. Check with the relevant roads authority in your state or territory.
