Is It Against The Law To Warm Up Your Car In Texas?
Look, the temps are dropping and the mornings are getting colder. So, a warm car is what you want when you get in it right? Well, you've got to warm it up. So, you run out and start your car and let it run. Or, maybe you hit your key fob and start it with the heater on. Either way, when you heat your car do you stay in it? Or, do you leave and go back inside and let it warm up in the driveway?
• WARMING UP YOUR VEHICLE UNATTENDED IS ILLEGAL IN THE STATE OF TEXAS!
The Texas Transportation Code states that it is against the law for an operator to leave a vehicle unattended.
We have all done it, right? Who doesn't WARM up their car on a cold morning? How many times have you thought 'let me go warm up the car.?" So. you go out, turn on the car, then come back inside. Well, apparently that's against the law.
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The Texas Transportation Code states that it is against the law for an operator to leave a vehicle unattended. According to this article...
The Texas Transportation Code 545.404.- Unattended Motor Vehicle states a person may not leave a vehicle unattended without stopping the engine, locking the ignition, removing the key from the ignition, setting the parking brake effectively and if standing on a grade, turning the front wheel to the curb or side of the highway.
So, yes it would be illegal to warm up your car in the driveway unattended. Now if you are sitting in it it would be okay but what's the point if you can not warm it up prior to getting in?
• WHAT ABOUT KEY FOBS AND REMOTELY STARTING YOUR CAR FROM INSIDE?
According to this story on Newswest 9....
It is legal to leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running if you use a remote start device.
So, if you use your Key Fob, it is LEGAL and okay to start your vehicle, as long as you don't leave your keys in the vehicle.
• SO IT COMES DOWN TO LEAVING THE KEYS IN THE CAR
Apparently, it all comes down to leaving the KEYS in the car. If you have a car that needs the KEYS in the ignition to stay running, it is illegal to leave the car running unattended with the keys in it.
• IT IS RECOMMENDED NOT TO LEAVE CARS IDLING UNATTENDED DUE TO THEFT!
Many Police departments do recommend NOT TO LEAVE your car idling to help with car theft. A running car they say is an initiation for thieves to CHECK to see if your car is open.
• DO YOU WARM UP YOUR CARS ON COLD DAYS?
I use to do it until I was told that it doesn't actually HELP the car in any way. I did it because I thought it was good for the vehicle, but nowadays with newer cars, they say it really doesn't matter to warm up the vehicle...who knew?