Is It Illegal to Warm A Car Up When You’re Not Inside In New York State?
Lately, it hasn't really seemed like winter is on the way since the weather has been pretty decent. But make no mistake, here in New York State, winter IS on the way. As a matter of fact, this winter is supposed to be brutal when it comes to frigid temperatures.
The Old Farmer's Almanac released its predictions for winter 2022-2023. The Almanac says that there will be two winters in the United States. One part of the country will be mild, the other will experience bone-chilling cold.
Janice Stillman, editor of The Old Farmer’s Almanac says,
Depending on where you live, this will be the best of winters or memorable for all the wrong reasons. One half of the country will deal with bone-chilling cold and loads of snow, while the other half may feel like winter never really arrives.
The Old Farmer's Almanac predicts that it will be colder than normal this winter in the Northeast region of the country, including New York State.
With that said, I'm sure you're hoping you can start your car and let it warm up while you finish getting ready inside your warm and toasty house, right?
Unfortunately, in New York State, it's illegal to warm up your car if you're not inside it. So no, you can't sit in your cozy living room while your car heats up to the perfect 78-degree temperature. Yes, you can get a ticket and be fined for leaving your vehicle unattended while it's running.
Section 1210 of New York's traffic laws states that leaving a vehicle unattended is in fact illegal,
No person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition, removing the key from the vehicle, and effectively setting the brake thereon and, when standing upon any grade, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway, provided, however, the provision for removing the key from the vehicle shall not require the removal of keys hidden from sight about the vehicle for convenience or emergency.
There is an exception. If you have a remote starter in your car, you're good to go. Since the key is not in the ignition, no one can drive away with your vehicle (unless they have the key). If you start the car to warm it up while you clean off the snow, you may be alright, but it could be up to the discretion of law enforcement.
If you don't have a remote starter in your car, you probably won't have a cop knocking on your door if you're car is warming up in front of your home. But, if you do get caught and an officer is having a bad day, you could be fined. Or worse yet, a thief could steal your car.
The bottom line is, no matter how cold it is or how long it takes your car to warm up, you'll need to wait inside it or have a remote starter.