sleeping at texas rest stops legal?

[raven18]

At this link: http://www.webspawner.com/users/oa389/

I read that sleeping/parking overnight at Texas rest stops are legal. But the link is a few years ago and I was wondering if it's still true?

Thanks.

[RoadTripper Brad]

Not much information out there, even on the Texas DOT website. I just sent an email to the Texas DOT for official clarification, hopefully I'll get a propmt reply.

Unless anyone knows first hand, I'll be getting back to you all as soon as I get word from TxDOT.

-Brad

[RoadTripper Brad]

Got your answer for you!
Quote from a email:

Brad,

The answer to your question is yes. The purpose of the safety rest area is to provide a safe and interesting place for travellers to stop to take a break from driving. Sometimes this means sleeping.

Texas law allows visitors to stay at the safety rest area for up to 24 hours.

_____________________________
Andrew K****, P. E., Facilities Branch Manager
Maintenance Division/Facilities Management Section
Texas Department of Transportation

*signature line amended from origional version

There you go. Straight from the TxDOT.

-Brad

[Midwest Michael]

...doesn't mean its a good idea.

I've certainly taken a cat-nap at a rest area before, but I know there have been many safety concerns about trying to sleep there.

Sleeping at a place like a truck stop parking lot, where there is constant traffic, seems like a much better option if you are concerned at all about your safety.

[lhuff]

I'm going to have to agree with Midwest Michael on this one. While the rest stops in Texas aren't nearly as seedy looking as the ones in Louisiana, I still wouldn't sleep there. Heck - I don't even stop at rest stops when I need a bathroom - I go to a fast food restaurant or a truck stop.

Being so close to Texas here in Shreveport, we get lots of local news from there. Over the years there have been several unsavory happenings at rest stops along the interstate corridors in Louisiana and Texas, including some suspected serial killers.


Laura