No, sleeping in your car in Egypt is not explicitly prohibited nationwide, but local ordinances and traffic laws impose strict conditions. The Ministry of Interior’s 2024 Traffic Safety Strategy targets overnight vehicle occupancy as a potential security risk, while Cairo and Alexandria municipal bylaws ban stationary parking in public spaces from 10 PM to 6 AM. Violations may result in fines under Law No. 121 of 2023 on Traffic Safety or local police orders.
Key Regulations for Sleeping in Your Car in Egypt
- Traffic Law No. 121 (2023): Prohibits occupying a stationary vehicle on public roads between 10 PM and 6 AM unless parked in designated rest areas, risking fines up to EGP 1,000 (≈$32) or vehicle impoundment.
- Cairo Governorate Decree No. 18 (2025): Bans overnight parking in non-residential zones, including highways and vacant lots, with enforcement by the Greater Cairo Security Directorate.
- Alexandria Municipal Bylaw No. 4 (2024): Requires prior approval from traffic police for overnight stays in private lots, enforced by the Alexandria Traffic Department under the Ministry of Interior’s 2026 compliance framework.
Local police retain discretion to interpret “sleeping” as loitering or suspicious activity under Penal Code Article 98, particularly in tourist-heavy or high-crime areas. Foreign drivers face higher scrutiny, with consular advisories warning against unauthorized overnight stays. Always verify municipal rules before parking overnight, as regional variations supersede national guidelines.