Is sleeping at GA rest centers legal? Here’s what state law says
If you’ve been on the road all night, it can get hard to keep your eyes open. If you’re too tired to drive, finding somewhere to take a nap might be the only option, but where should you go?
There are plenty of rest centers along the Interstate, so maybe you could take one there?
Well, let’s check to see if that’s legal first:
Is sleeping at a rest center in GA legal?
According to Georgia law, nothing prohibits “the normal, customary, and temporary use of safety rest areas, welcome centers, tourist centers, and other property of the department or state highway system specifically designated for purposes of resting, sleeping, eating, or other similar activities by persons traveling by vehicle.”
So it is legal and okay to take a nap or sleep at a rest center in Georgia. The law doesn’t specify for how long though.
Moreover, there are laws against camping out and that means “the laying down of sleeping bags, blankets, or other materials used for bedding; the placing or storing of personal belongings; the making of a fire; or the act of cooking,” near roadways or bridges.
But if you’re going to nap or sleep for a while, just make sure you’re at an actual resting center. Georgia has around 20 rest centers across I-75 and I-16 in Laurens county, Bibb County, Monroe County, Gordon, Glynn county and more.
If you’re caught illegally camping out, you will be guilty of a misdemeanor.
What do you think about this story? Let me know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com
This story was originally published June 5, 2026 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Is sleeping at GA rest centers legal? Here’s what state law says."
