As the mornings get colder, you may feel like starting your car to let it idle for a few minutes. But have you ever wondered, is it legal?
The short answer is that it’s not legal, but there is an exception for remote start systems.
One Illinois statute covers the topic, outlining what is considered an unattended motor vehicle.
The statute, found in the Illinois Vehicle Code, says that, “except for a law enforcement officer or an operator of an authorized emergency vehicle performing his or her official duties, 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 ignition, effectively setting up the brake thereon and, when standing up any perceptible grade, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway.”
That being said, the statue provides an exception for remote starter systems.
“An unattended motor vehicle shall not include an unattended locked motor vehicle with the engine running after being started by a remote starter system,” the statute reads.
Can you be fined or cited?
Yes, you can. Illinois court officials said the fine for the violation would be found in local ordinances.
A citation for the violation would cost $164 if issued by the Illinois State Police, a Public Information/Safety Education officer said.
Tom Ackerman covers breaking news and trending news along with general news for the Springfield State Journal-Register. He can be reached at tackerman@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Is it legal in Illinois to leave a car idling to warm up?
Reporting by Tom Ackerman, Springfield State Journal-Register / State Journal-Register
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