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Is it okay to sleep in your car in Milwaukee?
By Product Expert | Posted in Community, Tips and Info on Tuesday, June 30th, 2020 at 7:56 pm
Milwaukee Car Sleeping Regulations
Maybe you’re feeling sleepy while driving. Maybe you’re intoxicated. Maybe you’re just on a road trip. Maybe you don’t have any other home. Whatever the situation is, you’re likely wondering: is it legal to sleep in your car in Milwaukee?
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According to Lawyers Plus, it’s generally acceptable to sleep in your car if you’re not actively driving, trespassing or inebriated. Be sure to choose a safe spot when doing so; recommended car-sleeping spots include in the lot outside a Walmart or other large store, a church parking lot, or a nice residential neighborhood with many other cars parked on the street.
If you feel vulnerable sleeping in your car, it’s recommended to use tinted windows, blankets, or tarps to camouflage yourself and reduce visibility from outside.
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Is it legal to sleep in your car while intoxicated?
If you’re in a private location, it’s okay to sleep in your car while intoxicated. If you’re in a public spot, the vehicle should not be turned on in any way.
If you have a BAC over the legal limit (which is .08) you could get an OWI charge if law enforcement believes any vehicle controls were manipulated. Such charges can be proved by mere circumstantial evidence; for example, if you’re parked with the keys in the ignition or with the radio/heat on, you could get in trouble.
If you’re intoxicated and in a private location, you’re okay. If you’re in a public location, the vehicle shouldn’t be turned on or moved by you at all.
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Is it okay to sleep in your car if you have nowhere else to go?
Thousands of America’s homeless live in cars, vans and RVs. Most of this population is located in the more pleasant Californian climes; it’s not easy to do in Milwaukee due to the cold winter.
Out in that West Coast region, “safe parking” lots have begun to sprout up. These are special parking lots intended to give a spot for homeless families living out of their vehicles to park. Safe parking lots also typically connect individuals to social services.
