Is sleeping at KS rest areas legal? Here’s what state law allows and prohibits

Driving while drowsy can be deadly.

That’s why the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that drivers who feel sleepy should drink a cup or two of coffee before pulling over for a 20-minute nap in a safe location.

“This has been shown to increase alertness in scientific studies, but only for short time periods,” the NHTSA said. So, you might decide to pull over for the night.

But in Kansas, is it legal to nap or sleep at roadside rest stops?

Here’s what state regulations say.

Kansas rest area regulations

In Kansas, drivers are not prohibited from sleeping at rest areas maintained by the Kansas Department of Transportation.

Rest centers adjacent to roads should be available to travelers “for rest, relaxation and historical information,” according to K.A.R.36-32-2.

Overnight camping is allowed for one night at KDOT-maintained roadside facilities, the regulation states, and drivers are allowed to park for up to 24 hours.

The Kansas Turnpike Authority also offers six service areas along the Turnpike, a toll road. KTA says the service areas “allow travelers to take routine breaks for safety.”

Drivers may park for up to 24 hours at Turnpike rest areas.

A map of Kansas rest areas can be found at KDOT’s KanDrive website.

Once on the map, use the box on the right to select “rest areas” under “reference info.” The rest areas will then be pinned on the map, alongside current road conditions, detour information and weather updates.