Sleeping in Your Car at a Michigan Rest Stop? That Could Soon Be Illegal

I’m a big fan of Michigan’s rest areas. Not to call him out publicly, but my husband has a small bladder, so we’re always making ourselves familiar with the many rest areas Michigan offers. However, our trips are quick because we're usually on the go.

Lawmakers are hoping that if you stick around one of Michigan's rest stops for too long in the future, you could end up in a little bit of trouble.

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is pushing for a new set of administrative rules that would ban people from camping or living in vehicles at state rest areas, carpool lots, and even highway shoulders and culverts. While quick naps and overnight stays during long drives would still be allowed, travelers would have just 48 hours to leave.

The move comes after years of public complaints that MDOT hasn’t been able to address under the current rules. Right now, there’s no official state law that says someone can’t camp out in a car at a rest stop indefinitely.

Currently, MDOT can technically impound a car if it’s been unmoved for three days, but officials say that’s not enough to keep state lots safe, clean, and available for actual travelers.

Truckers and road trippers shouldn’t worry too much, though. Under the proposed rules, short stays for rest are still okay, as long as they don’t turn into a makeshift campsite.

But under the new guidelines, dumping RV wastewater or leaving behind old tires and oil from car repairs would be banned, and dogs would need to stay on a leash. And if you do stay for that time: no tents, makeshift shelters, or extended stays would be permitted.

If approved, these new rules would apply not just to rest areas and carpool lots, but also MDOT-managed overpasses, highways, and rights-of-way. Enforcement wouldn’t fall to MDOT directly; instead, law enforcement would be called in, and violations could be treated as misdemeanors.

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The Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules is still reviewing the proposal, and the public will get a chance to weigh in later this year. MDOT expects the new rules could go into effect sometime in 2026 if no one fights them.