Yes, sleeping in your car is generally legal in Colombia, but local ordinances and public order regulations impose strict conditions. The National Police (Policía Nacional) and municipal authorities enforce rules to prevent public disturbances, traffic hazards, or unauthorized camping. Recent 2026 compliance shifts under Decreto 1077 de 2015 (integrated into the Código Nacional de Policía) emphasize public space management, particularly in urban areas like Bogotá and Medellín.
Key Regulations for Sleeping in Your Car in Colombia
- Public Space Restrictions: Municipal codes (e.g., Acuerdo 791 de 2018 in Bogotá) prohibit overnight stays in vehicles parked on public roads, sidewalks, or restricted zones. Violations may result in fines up to 15 salarios mínimos diarios (≈$120 USD in 2026).
- Traffic and Safety Codes: Resolución 1093 de 2019 (Ministry of Transport) bans parking in high-risk areas (e.g., near schools, hospitals) or where visibility is obstructed. Sleeping in vehicles on highways is explicitly prohibited under Ley 769 de 2002.
- Private Property Exceptions: Sleeping in a car on private land (with owner consent) is permitted, but trespassing laws (Código Penal, Art. 262) apply if parked without authorization. Some parqueaderos (parking lots) offer 24-hour services for overnight stays.
Enforcement varies by city; Bogotá’s Policía Metropolitana prioritizes compliance in commercial districts, while Medellín’s Área Metropolitana targets unauthorized camping near parks. Always verify local decrees, as penalties escalate in tourist-heavy zones.