Which states give commercial drivers more time than other drivers?

Among the states we have read, Florida gives drivers who are subject to hours of service rules up to 10 hours, compared with 3 hours for other drivers. Minnesota gives them up to 10 hours at rest areas with truck stalls, compared with 4 hours for others. South Dakota gives them up to 10 hours, compared with 3 hours for others. Washington lets commercial vehicles park up to an hour beyond federally required rest periods.

Can I sleep in my truck at a rest area?

Often yes, inside the time limit, but the rules differ. Illinois bans sleeping overnight on the grounds, on benches and in the building. Virginia bans overnight parking. Florida, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin ban camping. Nebraska bans overnight camping and parking. South Dakota says resting in a vehicle inside the time limit is not camping. Texas makes it an offense to stay over 24 hours after you have notice. Sleeping in your cab is not the same as camping, but check the rule and the signs.

Does the 10-hour break fit inside a rest area limit?

Only in some states. Federal hours of service rules need 10 hours off duty. A 2 or 3 hour limit, as in Pennsylvania and Illinois, does not cover that. Florida, Minnesota and South Dakota set 10 hours for drivers under hours of service rules. Idaho and Nebraska set 10 hours. Oregon and Montana set 12. Plan your stop before you run short on hours.

Can I repair my truck at a rest area?

Not in Pennsylvania, with narrow exceptions. Its rule bans maintenance and repairs in rest areas, except in an emergency or when a roadside inspection puts the vehicle out of service and the repair takes 2 hours or less. Other states may have similar rules, so check before you start work.

What if my state is not on this page?

We have read 14 states so far and add more in batches. A state that is missing has not been checked yet. It does not mean there is no limit. Some states, such as Tennessee, are reported to set a limit by agency policy instead of a law. Follow the posted signs, and use our truck parking finder to find a stop.

Rest Area Parking Limits by State

How long a truck may park at a state rest area, which states give commercial drivers more time, and where to read each rule.

Find truck parking Hours of service rules

QUICK ANSWER

How long can a truck park at a rest area?

It depends on the state. Federal law sets no stay limit at rest areas, so each state sets its own. We have read the rule in 14 states so far. 11 of them let drivers stay 8 hours or more (Florida, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin). 2 set 3 hours or less (Illinois and Pennsylvania). Virginia bans overnight parking. A posted sign can set a shorter limit. We read each rule on October 16 and 21, 2026.

States read so far: 14
8 hours or more: 11
3 hours or less: 2
Not checked yet: 36

Checked against each rule on October 16 and 21, 2026. This is a guide, not legal advice. A posted sign can set a shorter limit at one rest area. Rules change, so read the rule linked in each card before you rely on it.

Rest area limits side by side

This table lists the 14 states we have read so far. Pick a state to jump to the details below. 36 more states are not checked yet and are listed further down.

Rest area parking limits by state, checked October 16 and 21, 2026
State	Trucks	Other vehicles
Florida	Up to 10 hours for commercial motor vehicle operators who are subject to hours of service rules, under federal or state law	Up to 3 hours
Idaho	Up to 10 consecutive hours at rest areas on interstate highways	Up to 10 consecutive hours on interstate highways
Illinois	Up to 3 hours	Up to 3 hours
Minnesota	Up to 10 hours, as needed to meet hours of service rules	Up to 4 hours, where posted
Montana	Up to 12 hours, one parking space per vehicle, MDT says	Up to 12 hours, one parking space per vehicle, MDT says
Nebraska	Up to 10 hours	Up to 10 hours
North Carolina	The law we read sets no stay limit	The same as trucks
Oregon	Up to 12 hours in any 24-hour period	Up to 12 hours in any 24-hour period
Pennsylvania	Up to 2 hours in a single 24-hour period, or the posted limit	Up to 2 hours in a single 24-hour period, or the posted limit
South Dakota	Up to 10 consecutive hours for a driver of a commercial motor vehicle subject to 49 CFR Part 395, as of January 1, 2009	Up to 3 consecutive hours
Texas	Up to 24 hours	Up to 24 hours
Virginia	No hour limit in the rules we read	No hour limit in the rules we read
Washington	Up to 8 hours in a 24-hour period	Up to 8 hours in a 24-hour period
Wisconsin	Up to 24 hours in a row, or the time on the sign at that rest area, whichever is shorter	Up to 24 hours in a row, or the time on the sign, whichever is shorter

States that allow 8 hours or more

In these states the rule lets a truck stay long enough for a full break, at least for some drivers. Check who gets the longer limit, and read the signs for any shorter limit.

Florida

8 hours or more

Trucks: Up to 10 hours for commercial motor vehicle operators who are subject to hours of service rules, under federal or state law.
Other vehicles: Up to 3 hours.
Which rest areas: Rest areas and welcome centers. The same rule covers truck comfort stations and wayside parks.
Overnight and camping: Camping is prohibited. Every vehicle, including a truck, must park in a space made for it.

Fla. Admin. Code R. 14-28.002

We read this on Cornell Law School's copy of the rule. Check the state rule for the latest text.

Idaho

8 hours or more

Trucks: Up to 10 consecutive hours at rest areas on interstate highways. Up to 16 consecutive hours at rest areas on other state highways. The rule has no separate limit for trucks.
Other vehicles: Up to 10 consecutive hours on interstate highways. Up to 16 consecutive hours on other state highways.
Which rest areas: Developed rest areas on the Idaho state highway system.
Overnight and camping: Camping is not allowed. Driving or parking a vehicle or trailer outside the places made for it is not allowed.
Good to know: The rule version we read is dated 7-1-24.

IDAPA 39.03.50, sections 300 and 400

Minnesota

8 hours or more

Trucks: Up to 10 hours, as needed to meet hours of service rules. This is for commercial vehicle operators under 49 CFR 395, at a rest area or travel information center that has truck stalls.
Other vehicles: Up to 4 hours, where posted.
Which rest areas: MnDOT safety rest areas and travel information centers.
Overnight and camping: The law lets a truck driver stop and park for the full 10 hours. A lease or contract clause that limits this is void.

Minn. Stat. § 160.2721 MnDOT: Visitor length of stay limits

Montana

8 hours or more

Trucks: Up to 12 hours, one parking space per vehicle, MDT says. MDT gives no separate limit for trucks.
Other vehicles: Up to 12 hours, one parking space per vehicle, MDT says.
Which rest areas: Rest areas the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) lists on its rest area page.
Overnight and camping: Overnight parking is allowed. Camping is prohibited.
Good to know: State law bans overnight camping on a state highway right-of-way. It allows a designated rest area to give temporary parking and rest, under department rule, for no more than 24 hours. We did not read the department rule. The 12 hour limit comes from MDT's rest area page.

MCA 60-6-202 MDT: Montana Rest Areas

Nebraska

8 hours or more

Trucks: Up to 10 hours. The document has no separate limit for trucks.
Other vehicles: Up to 10 hours.
Which rest areas: Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) rest areas.
Overnight and camping: Overnight camping or parking is prohibited. Parking on ramps that reach the mainline shoulder is strictly prohibited.
Good to know: This is an NDOT guidance document, not a statute or rule. It says it is advisory, but binding on NDOT until NDOT changes it. If a vehicle stays longer, the NDOT Area Supervisor is contacted.

NDOT Rest Area Rules and Regulations, Attachment A (guidance document)

North Carolina

8 hours or more

Trucks: The law we read sets no stay limit. A vehicle left on the right-of-way of a public highway, rest areas included, for 24 hours or more can be handled by a police officer for towing and storage.
Other vehicles: The same as trucks.
Which rest areas: Rest areas on the right-of-way of a public highway.
Overnight and camping: We did not read a rule on sleeping or camping. NCDOT says its rest areas are open 24 hours a day for brief stops.
Good to know: The 24 hour mark is the point where the law lets an officer step in. It is not a promise that you may stay that long. Follow the signs.

N.C. Gen. Stat. 20-161(e) NCDOT: Rest Areas

Oregon

8 hours or more

Trucks: Up to 12 hours in any 24-hour period. The rule has no separate limit for trucks.
Other vehicles: Up to 12 hours in any 24-hour period.
Which rest areas: Oregon rest areas.
Overnight and camping: Setting up a tent or other structure, or camping, is prohibited.

OAR 734-030-0010(18)

We read this on oregon.public.law's copy of the rule, accessed May 26, 2025. Check the state rule for the latest text.

South Dakota

8 hours or more

Trucks: Up to 10 consecutive hours for a driver of a commercial motor vehicle subject to 49 CFR Part 395, as of January 1, 2009.
Other vehicles: Up to 3 consecutive hours.
Which rest areas: Rest areas, except any part marked for camping.
Overnight and camping: Camping at an Interstate rest area is a petty offense. A person who is only resting in a vehicle inside the time limit does not break the camping law.

S.D.C.L. 31-7-15 to 31-7-17

Texas

8 hours or more

Trucks: Up to 24 hours. The law has no separate limit for trucks.
Other vehicles: Up to 24 hours.
Which rest areas: Public property that TxDOT designates as a rest area, comfort station, picnic area, roadside park or scenic overlook.
Overnight and camping: Staying longer than 24 hours, or putting up a tent, shelter, booth or structure, is an offense if you have notice. Notice is a posted sign or a peace officer telling you.
Good to know: If you are told orally or by sign, you must leave or take down the structure within 8 hours.

Tex. Transp. Code § 545.411

We read this on a public copy of the law (public.law), accessed May 26, 2025. Check the state rule for the latest text.

Washington

8 hours or more

Trucks: Up to 8 hours in a 24-hour period. Commercial vehicles may park up to an hour beyond federally required rest periods.
Other vehicles: Up to 8 hours in a 24-hour period. A disabled vehicle may stay 48 hours, then it can be impounded.
Which rest areas: Safety rest areas on interstate and state highways. WSDOT may set shorter limits in zones within a rest area.
Overnight and camping: Camping, or keeping a camp, tent or other sleeping accommodation, is unlawful.
Good to know: The State Patrol enforces the limit, and the state posts signs with the limits at every safety rest area.

RCW 47.38.020

Wisconsin

8 hours or more

Trucks: Up to 24 hours in a row, or the time on the sign at that rest area, whichever is shorter. WisDOT gives no separate limit for trucks.
Other vehicles: Up to 24 hours in a row, or the time on the sign, whichever is shorter.
Which rest areas: WisDOT safety rest areas.
Overnight and camping: Camping is prohibited. Long-term parking is not allowed. This covers occupied and empty vehicles.
Good to know: A vehicle parked past the limit is reported to the State Patrol, and removal starts. This is WisDOT policy. We did not read an administrative rule.

WisDOT Guidelines and Policies, Camping and Long-Term Parking

States that set 3 hours or less

In these states the rule sets a short stay. It does not cover a 10-hour break, so plan another stop for it.

Illinois

3 hours or less

Trucks: Up to 3 hours. The rule has no separate limit for trucks.
Other vehicles: Up to 3 hours.
Which rest areas: Rest areas on Interstate highways under IDOT's control.
Overnight and camping: Sleeping overnight on the grounds, on benches or in the building is prohibited.
Good to know: IDOT may shorten the stay when a rest area is near or over capacity. It posts a notice at that rest area.

92 Ill. Adm. Code 533.20 and 533.40

Pennsylvania

3 hours or less

Trucks: Up to 2 hours in a single 24-hour period, or the posted limit. The rule has no separate limit for trucks.
Other vehicles: Up to 2 hours in a single 24-hour period, or the posted limit.
Which rest areas: Roadside rest areas.
Overnight and camping: The section we read sets no separate overnight ban. A vehicle left more than 24 hours is treated as abandoned and may be removed at the owner's cost.
Good to know: Repairs and maintenance are banned in a rest area, except in an emergency or after a roadside inspection puts the vehicle out of service and the repair takes 2 hours or less.

67 Pa. Code § 443.2

States that ban overnight parking

In these states the rule bans overnight parking at rest areas. Plan your break at a truck stop or another lot.

Virginia

No overnight parking

Trucks: No hour limit in the rules we read. Overnight parking is not allowed.
Other vehicles: No hour limit in the rules we read. Overnight parking is not allowed.
Which rest areas: Rest areas and waysides run by VDOT.
Overnight and camping: No overnight parking in rest areas or waysides. No sleeping in any rest area building at any time.
Good to know: In a wayside, parking is limited to the period posted. Read the signs.

24VAC30-51-20 and 24VAC30-51-30 24VAC30-51-20 (waysides)

States we have not checked yet

We add states in batches. A state on this list has not been read yet. That does not mean it has no limit. Follow the posted signs and check the state's rule before you rely on this page.

Reports say Tennessee sets a two hour limit and bans overnight parking at its rest areas, as a TDOT policy. TDOT's page would not open for us, so Tennessee is not on the cards above.

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wyoming.

How we checked these rules

We read each state's own law or administrative rule where we could. Each card links to it.
Federal law sets no stay limit for rest areas. Each state sets its own.
3 cards were read on a copy of the rule that is not the state's own site. Those cards say which copy.
This page covers state rest areas. Private truck stops and public lots set their own rules.
Last checked October 16 and 21, 2026. States change these rules. Tell us if you see one that is out of date.

Free tools for finding a place to stop

Truck parking finder

Find a truck stop or rest area near you, nearest first.

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Hours of service trip planner

Plan where your 10-hour break will fall.

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Hours of service tracker

See how many hours you have left before you must stop.

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Sleeper berth split calculator

Plan a split break so you can use a shorter stop.

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More trucking rules by state

REST AREA FAQ

Rest area parking questions

Short answers to what drivers ask most about parking at rest areas.

Get a dispatcher who plans your stops and your drive time

It depends on the state. Of the 14 states we have read so far, 11 allow 8 hours or more, 2 allow 3 hours or less, and 1 bans overnight parking. Florida, Minnesota and South Dakota allow commercial drivers up to 10 hours. Idaho and Nebraska allow 10 hours. Oregon and Montana allow 12 hours. Texas and Wisconsin allow up to 24 hours. Illinois allows 3 hours and Pennsylvania 2 hours.