How long can you stay at a New Jersey rest area? Is overnight parking allowed at rest areas in New Jersey? Can you sleep in car at a rest area? Is camping allowed? What are the full New Jersey rest area rules?
New Jersey Rest Area Rules
The State of New Jersey has not adopted any laws or regulations regarding the public use of its highway rest areas, picnic areas, scenic overlooks, and service areas in general. However, the New Jersey Department of Transportation has adopted a handful of regulations that apply to specific areas. Other than these handful that apply to specific areas, there are no statewide laws or regulations that apply to all areas across the board.
Specific Rest Area Rules
- Route NJ-23 (Rest Area) (Paterson-Hamburg Turnpike) in West Milford (GPS: 41.0381, -74.4259), vehicles under 5 tons prohibited from parking between 6:00pm to 6:00am, 7 days a week including holidays.
- Route I-78 (Scenic Overlook) Eastbound in Bridgewater Township, NJ, mile-marker 32 (GPS: 40.6442, -74.6188), is closed to overnight parking from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.
- Route I-80 (Rest Area) Westbound in Wharton, NJ, mile-marker 32 (GPS: 40.9062, -74.6064), is a truck-only rest area… passenger vehicles, RVs, buses, not allowed. The eastbound rest area is permanently closed.
- Route I-80 (Scenic Overlook), Eastbound in Allamuchy Township, NJ, mile-marker 20 (GPS: 40.9200, -74.8027), is closed to overnight parking from dusk until dawn.
- Route I-80 (Scenic Overlook), Westbound in Allamuchy Township, NJ, mile-marker 20 (GPS: 40.9203, -74.8049), is closed to overnight parking from dusk until dawn.
- Route I-287 (Rest Area) Eastbound in Morris Township, NJ, mile-marker 32 (GPS: 40.7614, -74.5119) is a truck-only rest area… passenger vehicles, RVs, buses, not allowed.
- Route I-295 (Scenic Overlook), Northbound in Hamilton Township, NJ, mile-marker 58 (GPS: 40.1546, -74.7175), vehicles over 5 tons are prohibited, overnight parking prohibited from dusk until dawn.
- Route I-295 (Scenic Overlook), Southbound in Hamilton Township, NJ, mile-marker 58 (GPS: 40.1563, -74.7183), vehicles over 5 tons are prohibited, overnight parking prohibited from dusk until dawn.
How Long Can You Stay at a New Jersey Rest Area?
There is no time limit across the board for New Jersey rest areas. However, there are some specific rest areas and scenic overlooks where overnight parking is prohibited (see “Specific Rest Area Rules” above). These rest areas will have a sign posted stating these limitations.
What About Turnpike Service Plazas?
Turnpike Service Plazas fall under the jurisdiction of New Jersey Turnpike Authority. All service plazas have a maximum time limit of two (2) hours. Overnight parking is not permitted due to the short time allowance. This limit is codified under New Jersey Administrative Code (§ 19:9-1.6). Note that all service plazas in New Jersey have a sign posted in their parking lots advising travelers of this limit.
Is Overnight Parking Allowed at New Jersey Rest Areas?
Yes, overnight parking is allowed. However, there are some specific rest areas and scenic overlooks where overnight parking has been banned (see “Specific Rest Area Rules” above) These rest areas will have a sign posted stating these limitations.
Can You Sleep in Your Car at a New Jersey Rest Area?
Yes, sleeping in your car is allowed. The New Jersey Department of Transportation expects drowsy drivers to use its rest areas, scenic overlooks, and service plazas to get some sleep. They would prefer you do so in your car rather than sleep on the grass or on picnic tables. However, there are some specific rest areas and scenic overlooks where overnight parking is prohibited (see “Specific Rest Area Rules” above). These rest areas will have a sign posted stating these limitations.
Is Camping Allowed at New Jersey Rest Areas?
No, camping is generally not allowed. Even though the State of New Jersey has no laws or administrative rules addressing camping at rest areas or along highways, it’s largely not tolerated. Camping is more of a recreational activity whereas sleeping in your vehicle overnight is more necessity for highway safety. As long as you remain in your vehicle and try to act like someone who is too tired to do much of anything, you’ll generally be left alone.
Where Can I Get a List of All New Jersey Rest Areas?
A map of all New Jersey rest areas, welcome centers, service areas, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks can be found.
