No, sleeping in your car is generally prohibited in Vermont unless you meet specific exceptions, as state law treats vehicles as temporary lodging under 24 V.S.A. § 1253. Local ordinances in municipalities like Burlington and Montpelier further restrict overnight parking, with enforcement by municipal code officers and the Vermont State Police. A 2026 amendment to the Vermont Housing and Homelessness Action Plan tightens these rules to address encampment concerns.
Key Regulations for Sleeping in Your Car in Vermont
- State Statute 24 V.S.A. § 1253 prohibits using a vehicle for overnight lodging on public or private property without the owner’s consent, with penalties including fines up to $500.
- Local Ordinances in cities such as Burlington (Chapter 23) and Winooski (Section 17-10) ban parking for sleeping between 10 PM and 6 AM, enforced by local police.
- Commercial Parking Lots are off-limits under Vermont’s 2024 Trespass Law (13 V.S.A. § 3705), with property owners authorized to remove vehicles parked overnight.
Exceptions exist for emergencies or when parked in designated rest areas, but these are time-limited (typically 10 hours) and subject to Vermont Agency of Transportation oversight. Failure to comply may result in towing or criminal trespass charges under 13 V.S.A. § 3705. Always verify municipal rules, as enforcement varies by jurisdiction.