Cars Left Running Ticketed

In Kennewick, Wash., police are writing tickets to folks who leave their cars running unattended, even in their own driveway. At first we thought this might have to do with pollution, but no — the cops are issuing the tickets because cars that are left running are much more likely to get stolen. A stolen car costs law enforcement time and money in paperwork and man hours that they’d rather spend on crimes that are harder to prevent. What gets us is that you can get a ticket — although a reduced, $66 one — in your own driveway, as well as on a public street (that one will cost you $101). Supposedly, this isn’t a unique situation and police are doing this elsewhere. If this has ever happened to you, let us know.

Editor’s note: We don’t advise ever leaving your car running unattended. We’re just shocked that it’s a ticketable offense. 

[Citations For Cars Left Running, KNDO.com]

Comments

Wow, must take an ass of a cop to ride in neighborhoods and see who has their car running.

What about the time they waste ticketing cars instead of chasing criminals?

So someone with a vehicle that comes with remote car starter will get a ticket even though the key is not in the ignition yet? Can someone look into that?

That's what happened to someone I knew who live here in Minneapolis just a week ago. She have a remote starter and her SUV was running. After 10 minutes or so, she went out to her car and was getting ready to go to work. What did she saw? A nice little ticket on her window left by the police.

They won't give a ticket if the doors are locked and the engine is running like with a remote start.

This law is effect and enforced in Colorado Springs too combat vehicle theft.

I've done that on really cold days when I'm out running errands and the car hasn't completely warmed up yet, but I bring a valet key and use that to lock/unlock the doors with the car still running with the main key. (Many keyless remotes don't work with the engine running.)

I don't have a remote starter--most manufacturers don't offer it yet, and adding aftermarket alarms (and starters) that require major splicing into the wiring of the car is just asking for trouble.

So, Dave, what about VYL's case? Is it because the laws are different in every state or what?

I bet there are cops out there that will ticket you anyway and have you fight the ticket in court or pay in full to avoid the hassle. I think it's a quota thing the cops have to meet.

lots of cops should ticket themselves then!... i cant tell u how many police cars i've seen running unattended for long period of times...

Good point Peppy! Yet another way cops don't have to follow the same rules they enforce on everyone else!