Yes — street benches with built-in armrests are real, and they are widely used in cities to prevent people from sleeping or lying down on public seating. These benches typically have armrests placed along the seating surface, not only at the ends. The dividers split the bench into shorter sections, which makes it difficult or uncomfortable for an adult to stretch out.
These products are often called anti-sleeping benches, armrest benches, or defensive urban furniture. Some designs use a single center armrest; others use multiple dividers, sloped seats, or raised ridges. City officials and property owners sometimes choose them to keep benches available for more users, reduce long-term occupancy, discourage litter, or address safety concerns.
At the same time, this style is frequently criticized as hostile architecture. Advocacy groups argue that benches with built-in armrests mainly target homeless people and remove one of the few free resting places in public space. The design does not solve homelessness, but it can make daily life harder for people who have nowhere else to go. Some cities have moved away from these designs and have installed more inclusive benches, sheltered seating, or added rest areas and services.
So the direct answer is yes: you can find street benches with built-in armrests that are specifically designed to stop people from sleeping on them. They are available from outdoor furniture suppliers and are common in transit areas, parks, and commercial plazas. The larger question is whether they are the right choice for a particular public space.