If you’ve been traveling for a long time, you will need to stop and rest at some point to avoid driving dangerously. Hotels cost a lot of money, so parking your car and sleeping inside it can be a great idea.
Since Target stores are easy to locate and have a large parking lot, you may be wondering if Target will allow you to park overnight. Here is what I’ve discovered through my research!
Does Target Allow Overnight Parking?
Target has no strict policy regarding overnight parking at its stores. Most stores will allow you to sleep in your car or RV overnight if you get permission from the store manager. You can also sleep overnight (with permission) at places like Walmart, Costco, and Lowe’s.
If you want to know more about the rules regarding sleeping in your car in a Target parking lot, how safe is it to do so, and what other stores allow overnight parking, keep on reading!
Is It Legal To Sleep In A Parked Car At Target?
The legalities of sleeping in a parked car can change for each state and city in the US.
For example, sleeping in the driver’s seat of your car while intoxicated is illegal in most states and can lead to you getting a DUI if your key is in the ignition or if you intend to drive it while drunk.
However, these laws will depend on the ordinance and rules of the city/town you park your car in.
Additionally, if you are traveling in a motorhome, many stores do allow overnight parking for a maximum of one night, but it is recommended to ask management beforehand.
Many 24-hour stores will allow overnight sleeping in their parking lots, rest stops, truck stops, campgrounds, and rest areas if you have permission from someone in the case of private property.
In most cases, you can easily get permission to sleep overnight in your car/RV from the managers of the Target store.
Note that it is perfectly legal for you to sleep in your vehicle on your own private property (as long as you are sober).
How Safe Are Target Parking Lots At Night?
Target parking lots are designed to have great visibility in case of crime or burglary, with CCTV cameras installed to catch criminals and take their license plate numbers for police reports later.
Additionally, recent implementations of strategic parking lot lighting and landscaping help to deter crime by increasing the visibility of all cars and guests.
So if anyone attempts to steal from your car, they would be highly visible to staff and CCTV which would discourage possible thefts.
Which Stores Allow Overnight Parking?
Stores such as Walmart and Lowe’s can possibly allow overnight parking in their parking lots (when asking for permission).
However, it’s a good idea to call ahead and check with the manager of the store for permission otherwise you’re likely to either be fined and/or towed away.
Other places which may give you permission to park overnight include:
- Cracker Barrel
- Truck Stops
- Home Depot
- Kmart
- Sam’s Club
- Costco
- Casinos
- Churches
Will Target Tow My Car If I Leave It Overnight?
If you leave your car parked for more than one or two nights in Target’s parking lot, there’s a high chance that your car will be towed away, and the manager will be well within his rights to do this.
So in case you need to park your car overnight multiple times, it is best to discuss this with the manager of the store for permission or advice on where you can stay as an alternative.
What Are The Benefits Of Overnight Parking At Target?
Driving while drowsy can be dangerous for you, your passengers, and the drivers around you on the road.
Falling asleep at the wheel is a big problem that can be easily combated with a simple nap to avoid any accidents or collisions on your journey.
It’s also a great way to break up a long journey and give yourself time to rest.
Driving for a long time (especially for long distances) can be a mental strain, so it can be a good idea to give yourself a break and use the time to plan out the rest of your journey.
If you are looking to learn more about parking overnight, you can see our related post on overnight parking at McDonald’s, overnight parking at Home Depot, and overnight parking at Walmart.
Conclusion
Target has no parking policy regarding overnight parking in its parking lots, however, you can always call the manager of a nearby store to ask for permission. Legally you are allowed to sleep in your car, provided you have permission to park and you aren’t intoxicated.
Other places available for overnight parking with permission from the manager can include Walmart and Costco, along with multiple other types of establishments.
