Can You Run a Generator at a Rest Area?

Yes, you can run a generator at a rest area in all 50 states. Only the State of Idaho has a regulation prohibiting you from running a generator in such a manner, and at such a time, that it disturbs other visitors. Otherwise, none of the other 50 states prohibit you from running a generator at night all day or all night.

Can You Run a Generator at a Rest Area?

49 of the 50 states do not specifically prohibit you from running a generator while visiting a rest area. Idaho is the only state that has a regulation specifically naming generators as something visitors should not operate if it disturbs others nearby (see list of states below regarding disturbing the peace). Otherwise, it’s safe to run your generator as long as it’s not “abnormally” loud.

If you plan to run your generator all night long, we would highly recommend you park your vehicle away from others, or stay in the truck parking area.

Some States Prohibit You From Disturbing the Peace

There are a few states with rules that prohibit you from disturbing the peace while at a rest area. If you were to make noise so loud that it prevented visitors from getting rest, then you could very well draw the attention of law enforcement.

The following states have rules vague enough to cover loud generators…

• Idaho – Idaho Department of Transportation (under IDAPA 39.03.50) states the following, “Noise Producing Devices. Operating or using any audio devices, including radio, television and musical instrument, and other noise producing devices, such as electrical generator plants and equipment driven by motors or engines, in such a manner and at such times so as to disturb other persons. (12-26-90)“
• Maryland – Maryland Department of Transportation (under Subtitle 04, Chapter 07) states the following, “20 Breach of Peace.. Any act amounting to breach of the peace is prohibited.“
• North Carolina – North Carolina Department of Transportation (under 19A NCAC 02E .0407) has some extensive language regarding disturbing the peace while at a rest area. It does not cite generators as an example, but remains broad and vague.
• Oregon – Oregon Department of Transportation (under 734-030-0010) states the following, “To preserve state property and increase health and safety in Rest Areas, the following activities are prohibited by Visitors to a Rest Area: (21) Creating noise by any means which interferes with the reasonable use of the Rest Area by other Rest Area Visitors.“
• Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (under Title 67, Chapter 443) states the following, “The following specified activities or actions are prohibited in roadside rest areas: (22)  Other potentially disruptive activities that interfere with the proper functioning of the rest area…”

Most Trucks Run Their Engines at Rest Areas

The fact is that nearly all rest areas across the United States host trucks overnight, and at least half of these trucks are refrigerated, requiring them to run their engines all night long. This explains why none of the states prohibit running a generator at rest areas. Anyone who has stayed overnight at a rest area knows that trucks already run their generators all night long.

Running a Generator is Expected at Rest Areas

Even though a handful of states prohibit from you from disturbing the peace in some way or another, most trucks and RVs still run their generators all night long. No other overnight location tolerates loud noise, not Walmarts, not Cabelas, not Home Depots, not Camping Worlds.

Rest areas are naturally noisy places because they are located right next to busy Interstates and highways. The fact that they are already noisy is why states don’t try to enforce quiet hours at rest areas.

It’s Rare for Law Enforcement Officers to Cite Loud Generators

In all our years of staying overnight at rest areas, we’ve never heard of anyone being cited by law enforcement for running a loud generator. When you consider that most semi-trucks leave their engines running all night, and these engines are usually louder than RV generators, it’s just never been an issue.

More Reading on this Subject

• Can You Sleep in Your Car at a Rest Area?
• How Long Can You Stay at a Rest Area?
• Map of All Rest Areas in the United States