Tennessee, for example, bans drivers from parking more than two hours at a rest area.
But Article 32 of the Kansas Department of Transportation’s administrative rules says the public may park for up to 24 hours at roadside facilities made available adjacent to Kansas roadways for rest, relaxation and historical information.
The rules involved define a “roadside facility” as being “any rest area, park facility or picnic area under the jurisdiction and supervision of the secretary of transportation.”
Here are restrictions KDOT imposes
KDOT places the following restrictions on car campers at roadside facilities:
- Motorists may stay overnight for one night only.
- Vehicles may not be parked in a manner that blocks traffic, other vehicles or facilities.
- Trucks and equipment must use temporary parking areas marked for that purpose.
- No one may “engage in any activity or be a party to any activity which would in any way obstruct the public from the use of any roadside facility.”
What about the Kansas Turnpike?
Parking for up to 24 hours is also allowed at rest stops along the Kansas Turnpike, which is under the jurisdiction of the Kansas Turnpike Authority instead of KDOT.
Turnpike users who take advantage of that authorization include tractor-trailer drivers, who commonly pull over to catch some Zs in designated areas at rest stops.
The turnpike authority’s administrative rules ban loitering but don’t specify how sleeping might play into that.
What about on private property?
Sleeping in a vehicle in a private parking lot is generally illegal without permission but some businesses allow camping on their lots by drivers, particularly those with recreational vehicles.
The “frequently asked questions” page on Walmart’s corporate website — in response to the question, “Can I park my RV at Walmart?” — says its stores allow RV parking on their lots if the individual store is able to accommodate it.
“Permission to park is extended by individual store managers, based on availability of parking space and local laws,” that website said. “Please contact management in each store to ensure accommodations before parking your RV.”
As reported in the Topeka Capital Journal
