There is an important reason why drivers could end up being fined $500 for simply warming up their cars.
It’s a task no one enjoys doing in the winter - you step outside your front door and are greeted with a frozen car you’ll need to de-ice before setting off for work.
Of course, the easiest way to go about this is to take shelter in the house after getting the engine going to give it time to warm up.
However, this might be a costly mistake, especially if you live in the state of Texas.
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According to a Texas law, which is under the Texas Transportation Code 545.404, it is illegal to leave a vehicle unattended unless the engine is off.
Therefore, it is against the law for people to leave their car and wait inside while it heats up during the winter months.
As reported by CBS News, consequences of doing this include receiving a Class C misdemeanor and up to $500 in a fine.
In the report, it details how law enforcement in North Texas have also highlighted how leaving a car unattended with the engine on makes it an easy target for theft, and runs the risk of some insurance companies refusing to cover the damage if the vehicle was ‘left running and unlocked’.
Many people have taken to social media to share their own reactions to the news, with one user writing on Reddit: “Law enforcement is using the risk of theft here to encourage the desired behavior. It's common practice of the law enforcement wired brain to cite a negative consequence and/or outcome.”
Another said: “This is all about giving insurance companies legal cover not to pay if your car gets jacked in this manner. How many people are actually ticketed by cops going around on freezing mornings to issue fines? Probably none.”
A third person commented: “They haven’t written a speeding ticket since like 2012, why are you guys worried the cops are suddenly going to be pulling up and writing tickets to people idling?”
And a fourth added: “The car would still be covered for theft from insurance. Still seems like a stupid law though.”
However, there may be a way to get around this law as vehicles with a remote start feature are reportedly acceptable.
This means that if you were never in your car in the first place and started the engine remotely, then you will be exempt, although this will only be if the car can’t be driven until the key or fob is in the vehicle.