Sleeping in your car in Palmerston

Prohibited by by-law

In Palmerston it is an offence for an adult to sleep in a public place between sunset and sunrise, or to park a vehicle there for the purpose of camping or sleeping, outside a paid caravan park or camping area or a permit.

Palmerston reaches the act of sleeping itself, not only camping equipment: an adult asleep in a public place between sunset and sunrise is within the offence whether or not anything has been set up.

Signs override this page. Whatever is signed at the site is the rule that applies, no matter what is written here.

What this does not mean

A by-law is not a reason to sleep somewhere unsafe. If you have nowhere else, the services on the help tonight page can arrange a bed, and being asked to leave is something you can comply with now and challenge afterwards.

This is legal information, not legal advice, and it is the by-law as read on the date below. Signage and an officer's direction on the day both operate on top of it.

Where this comes from

• “A person who: (a) camps; (b) parks a motor vehicle, erects a tent or other shelter or places gear or equipment for the purpose of camping or sleeping; or (c) being an adult, sleeps at anytime between sunset and sunrise, in a public place other than: (d) in a caravan park or camping area where the person is permitted to park or camp on the payment of money; or (e) in accordance with a permit, commits an offence.” — Palmerston (Public Places) By-laws 2001, by-law 65, Northern Territory Government (NT legislation database). Retrieved 31 Aug 2026.