I recently learned that starting your vehicle early to let it warm up is something lots of people do, but who knew it was illegal!?

Thankfully we have had a pretty mild winter here in Kentucky.  What happens when the temperature drops and our vehicles become unbearably cold? Everyone wants to start their car early and let it warm up.  You might want to think twice about this if you live in Kentucky!

Since I started working for the radio station I come to work very early.  I have commented that my husband, Joe, is very considerate and gets up to start my truck for me.  Sweet right?!  Well, that act of kindness could get us a big ole citation, because according to Kentucky state law, it's illegal.

KRS 189.430 states "No person operating or in charge of a motor vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition and removing the key."

I was able to speak with OPD Public Information Officer, Michael Hathaway and I asked him if he had ever written a citation for warming or leaving a car running he stated that he had in fact charged someone.  He said the law is put into place to protect everyone.

I thought to myself what about cars with a remote start?  It is not illegal to have a remote starter in Kentucky but has made it more difficult for law enforcement to tell if a car is unattended.  It is suggested that you place a sticker letting others know it is locked and safe.

After a little research, I found it isn't even necessary to start your car and can actually be harmful to your engine according to "Engineering Explained".

 

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