On and off ramps parking

I never had to park on a ramp there is plenty of parking if you do the research. If there isnt parking like in Chicago I make sure to have plenty of time to get out that area to where there is parking.

 

Alot of truckers do it. Especially in middle america. I am pretty sure it is less illegal than driving tired and mowing down a family.

 

Varies state to state, and ramp to ramp. I'd be more worried about falling asleep with the truck moving rather than parked on a ramp. Always take the time to plan your trips, and if there isn't enough time to safely move the load, refuse it.

 

To add, if you have no other choice and have to park on a ramp, park on the ON RAMP side.

 

Virginia is the worst for harassing truckers. Friend I worked with was fined $175.00 and told to get rolling.
The Virginia state troopers couldn't care less if you're tired and couldn't find anywhere else to park; it's all about brownie points with their supervisors and showing who the big boss man is to the truckers. I've seen them raid the rest areas, running truckers off for illegal parking. I've seen them raid the big truck parking rest area at the state line and make truckers leave because it was full. They don't use common sense and think the world will come to an end if every detail isn't perfect.

Some truckers will say, "Well, you should have planned better!" They're wrong and inexperienced for saying that. You can plan all you want, but the world doesn't revolve around you and your plans. You can carefully plan a 2000 mile trip on paper and sing "Michael Rows The Boat Ashore" and it doesn't mean much unless the rest of the world cooperates with your trip planning.

 

Cant speak for the east coast, but everywhere else I ran it was done. I asked a county sheriff about one time in MO about it, he said that as long as it was parked on the on ramp with the running lights on it was ok with them. Now, obviously that may not be what the letter of the law said, but he was a PO in favor of common sense.

 

Our state slogan is "Virginia is for lovers" . the real saying around here is Virginia is for ##########.
I've gotten to the point where if I'm tired I look up the local police on my phone and call them and say. I'm driving an 18 wheeler and I'm about to fall a sleep driving can I park on the side of the road?.
Maybe if we all start doing that they'll understand.

 

Keep in mind to park in numbers. It's that remote area that opens yourself up to be a target.

If you haven't heard of it, google Jason's Law.