Taking Ambien on a road trip

[smartreader]

When taking a long drive (e.g., between St. Louis & L.A.), it is sometimes my practice to simply pull over at a restaurant, rest area, Walmart store, etc. and sleep in my car. Most of the time I get a hotel room, but occasionally on a long stretch through sparsely populated areas, I sleep in my car. Restaurants that don't serve breakfast (e.g., Pizza Hut) are among my favorite parking spots.

I am also a habitual user of Ambien. I have never driven under the influence of Ambien (or anything else), and I never will. But do I break any laws by parking, putting the shade in my windshield, taking Ambien, putting my seat all the way back, and going to sleep? I will not drive until morning, but how do I get around that "physical control of the vehicle" thing? Is it good enough to move to the passenger seat or backseat? What if I put the keys in the trunk?

[limeade]

I'd be more worried about a trespassing charge if you are not a patron of the business you are parked at. Maybe stick to truck stops? I don't know.

[marinepilot]

I'd be more worried about getting jacked over by some bad guys with this practice. I would stick near places that are lit and protected. Otherwise, I don't think you'd be breaking any laws in Florida.

[scott715us]

Technically you are still in physical control in Tennessee and can be arrested. With that said, if you explain the circumstances and it's obvious you haven't been driving (cold engine, etc) or intend to drive, the officer will likely cut you some slack.