The Legality of Car Sleeping in Arizona: What You Need to Know

• Walmart parking lots With permission from store management.
• Public rest stops
• Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land
• Public streets Following local parking regulations.

Sedona’s “Safe Place to Park” Program:Sedona has implemented a program called “Safe Place to Park” to address housing issues for workers. It allows homeless workers to sleep in their cars in designated parking spots at the city’s Cultural Park. The program, scheduled to run until 2026, includes 40 reserved parking spaces, temporary bathrooms and showers, a requirement for participants to engage with local social services, and nightly monitoring.

Important Considerations:

• Local Ordinances: Local laws and regulations can vary by city or county, so always check them. Phoenix has no specific law prohibiting car sleeping, but enforces panhandling ordinances and may have restrictions on overnight parking. Tucson allows car sleeping in designated areas but prohibits overnight parking on most streets and restricts car dwelling in commercial or industrial zones.
• Private Property: Always get permission before parking on private property.
• Safety: Choose well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings.
• Weather: Arizona’s extreme temperatures can make sleeping in a car dangerous, so plan accordingly. Crack windows, park in the shade, or leave early.
• DUI Concerns: Be cautious about sleeping in your car after drinking. Arizona law considers “actual physical control” of a vehicle while intoxicated as a potential DUI offense, even if the car isn’t moving.

DUI and Actual Physical Control (APC):Arizona’s “actual physical control” (APC) law means you can get a DUI even if you are not driving. The state can charge you with a DUI if you are sleeping or “behind the wheel” while drunk. The court considers factors such as whether the engine was running, the driver’s position, and the accessibility of the keys. DUI laws apply to both public and private property, including parking lots.