Vancouverites looking to get some quick shut-eye while sitting in their cars may want to keep some important considerations in mind. 

While it isn’t illegal to sleep in a car, many places across the city and province don’t allow vehicles to stay parked in particular areas for an extended period. 

Many municipalities ban overnight parking and camping and people must check local bylaws before settling in for the night, Vancouver criminal lawyer Kyla Lee told V.I.A. However, she added that “police rarely enforce those [rules] unless it’s a problem,” such as when people are living inside an RV parked on a city street.

Lee said people who have paid for parking can sleep overnight in a parkade or surface lot. 

People planning on sleeping in their vehicles should ensure they don’t carry or do anything that could get them in trouble. 

“As far as what you do not want to do, never drink in a vehicle. Not only is that contrary to BC’s Liquor Control Licensing Act, but you could end up charged with impaired driving,” she noted.

“You do not need to actually be driving to face a charge, as the Criminal Code defines this as ‘operating’ so long as you are in possession of the means to set the vehicle in motion.”