What I am about to say I did is illegal and can open you up to problems if the right set of circumstances happens. I sometimes parked on ramps on those early mornings when very close to a truck stop. I did this because I knew better then to attempt to park at the truck stop. Depending on the truck stop I would then early in the morning when the drivers were leaving I would go on in. I was driving while on line 2. However to just out and out stop for a long time was only something I did in an emergency. This happened to me a number of years ago coming out of a grocery company warehouse in Northfield Minnesota. The snow was so bad the highway patrol just closed the highway and told us to just park right on the ramp.
I believe Arkansas is only state that has a law against parking on the on or off ramps. Most other states allow you to park Unless its a no parking sign on the ramp. I park on the ramps every now and then when the truck stops are full. My main concern is avoiding getting hit by cars when parking on ramps.
That's the root of the problem. If you get hit by a drunk or a texter it becomes your problem as well as theirs. I keep a log of mom and pops and always spend money with them. Makes it easier to trip plan, but they are falling to the wayside as well. It's a impossible situation that will only grow worse. Most states have that law but enforce it county by county. Trip plan all you want but stuff happens. Idk.
I do a lot of 8 / 2 split sleeper breaks. Many times I park on ramps for the 2 hour portion and get moving again. The 8 hours portion is usually in truckstops. Even late at night you can come in and park with all the late arrivals blocking everyone. Someone knocks on door, just get up and move into the spot they just left.
I would not park on any exit or entrance ramp especially TN and VA. Those two states will give you an expensive wake up call
Make sure its not prohibited by your company.. this is something that can get a driver fired immediately
I see that a lot too. I also see no parking signs. Does DOT do anything about it? Saw one where one parked. He was a lone wolf though. I usually see a few trucks parked on those on/off ramps. I never did though,don't want to risk anything. Some rest areas have on ramps where it is away from the highway,so if no other choice,that is your best bet. Be a perfect world if delivery's were in the afternoon for me. I love driving nights.