Check whether overnight parking is allowed

Rules can vary by canton, municipality, property owner and protected area. Check current signs and local information rather than assuming lay-bys, residential streets or natural areas permit sleeping.

If fatigue develops while driving, stop at a safe permitted location. Road safety takes priority while you arrange rest or accommodation.

Never run the engine for heating or cooling

Exhaust gases, including carbon monoxide, can enter a stationary vehicle. Do not sleep with the combustion engine, generator or fuel-burning heater running unless a professionally installed system is explicitly approved for occupied use.

Manage heat conservatively

A vehicle can become dangerously hot after sunrise. Shade moves, partly open windows provide limited cooling and privacy covers can reduce ventilation.

Choose a legal, secure location with safe ventilation and leave before conditions become hot. Children and animals should never be left sleeping unattended in a parked vehicle.

Keep the vehicle stable and secure

Park level without obstructing traffic or emergency access. Keep exits usable, valuables out of sight and emergency communication available.

Alcohol does not become legally harmless because a person moves to a rear seat; arrange transport and accommodation without planning to drive until fully fit and compliant with the law.