Don’t Forget About This Illinois Law This Winter

Even though we've been blessed with some nice temperatures for the end of November don't get fooled, winter is coming. And it will be here sooner than we'd hope. Well some of us anyways. We all know that one guy who loves the cold and snow. But for the rest of us who aren't that guy, we'll be doing our best to stay warm anyway we can.

For some that means leaving the car running when we quickly run into the gas station, or even letting it warm up in your driveway. But please remember being caught with your vehicle running without you in it could cost you. That includes in your own driveway.This ticket could cost you up to $125.

According to the Illinois General Assembly:

(625 ILCS 5/11-1401)(from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-1401) 
    Sec. 11-1401. Unattended motor vehicles. 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 the brake thereon and, when standing upon any perceptible grade, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway. An unattended motor vehicle shall not include an unattended locked motor vehicle with the engine running after being started by a remote starter system. 

Most mechanics will also advise you to not let your car warm up for more than a minute. This includes in colder temperatures too. Engines will heat up faster when driving.

So if dressing warmer when the temps start to drop isn't really for you, might I suggest looking into getting a remote starter for your vehicle this winter.  Otherwise you may be paying a ticket up to $125.