![]() ![]() A federal statute passed by Congress also prohibits states from allowing private businesses to occupy rest areas along Interstate highways. Some places, such as California, have laws that explicitly prohibit private retailers from occupying rest stops. In 2008, state governments began to close some rest areas as a result of the late-2000s recession. For example, rest areas in California are maintained by Caltrans. They are maintained and funded by the Departments of Transportation of the state governments. Some may have information kiosks, vending machines, and picnic areas, but little else, while some have "dump" facilities, where recreational vehicles may empty their sewage holding tanks. In the United States, rest areas are typically non-commercial facilities that provide, at a minimum, parking and restrooms. North America United StatesĬaltrans rest area on northbound Interstate 5 in Coalinga, 12 miles north of the CA 41/I-5 junction Nonetheless, many rest stops continue to warn of theft, and advise those who park to keep doors locked (despite the fact that camping is now disallowed in some rest stops). Some of this reputation may be exaggerated, since the advent of lighting and security cameras in rest stops. California's policy is to maintain existing public rest areas, but no longer build new ones due to the cost and difficulty of keeping them safe although many California rest stops now feature Highway Patrol quarters. Many rest areas have the reputations of being unsafe with regard to crime, especially at night, since they are situated in remote areas. Some even offer business services, such as ATMs, fax machines, office cubicles and internet access. Privatized commercial rest areas may take a form of a truck stop complete with a filling station, arcade video games and recreation center, shower facilities, and fast food restaurant, cafeteria, or food court all under one roof immediately adjacent to the freeway. Rest areas tend to have traveler information in the form of so-called "exit guides", which often contain very basic maps and advertisements for motels and tourist attractions. Texas provides Wi-Fi access at its state-owned rest areas, and several other states have either followed suit or are considering doing so. There might also be drinking fountains, vending machines, pay telephones, a gas station, a restaurant or a convenience store at a rest area. Some rest areas have visitor information centers or highway patrol or state trooper stations with staff on duty. The locations of rest areas are usually marked by signs on the highway for example, a sign may read, "Next Rest Stop 10 km".ĭriving information is usually available at these locations, such as posted maps and other local information. Many government-run rest areas tend to be located in remote and rural areas where there are practically no fast food or full-service restaurants, gas stations, motels, and other traveler services nearby. Rest areas also have parking areas allotted for buses, tractor-trailer trucks (big rigs) and recreational vehicles. ![]() The standards and upkeep of rest areas facilities vary. ![]()
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