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How long can you sleep in a car?

I’m going on a coast-to-coast camping trip and debating on sleeping in my car for portions of the journey. How long can I safely sleep in my car?

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Drew Waterstreet · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Enjoy your trip! You can safely sleep in your car for much longer than you would think.
Vehicles are not airtight, so they naturally replace the air within the vehicle after a couple of hours. This process can be done without the windows open and without the engine on. With this in mind, you can feel safe to sleep in your car overnight. But, airflow will always be a little fresher when you crack a window
Remember, you should only sleep in your car when it is parked and with the engine turned off.
Highway rest stops or cheap campsites can usually be viable options to catch some sleep in your car.
While it is safe to sleep in your car, you’ll want to check in with local laws. Each state has its own rules and time limits when it comes to sleeping in your car.
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