Warming Up Your Car in Ohio is Illegal
Did you know that warming up your car in Ohio is illegal? Many people do not realize that it is illegal to warm up your car on a chilly morning. There are many reasons people do it: it helps with better engine performance, it defrosts icy or foggy windows, and it keeps you warm during your commute. Many people also has misconceptions about the Ohio law. They think because it is on their property they are exempt, but that’s not the care.
Ohio Law – 4511.661 Unattended Motor Vehicles
(A) 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 parking brake, and, when the motor vehicle is standing upon any grade, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway.
The requirements of this section relating to the stopping of the engine, locking of the ignition, and removing the key from the ignition of a motor vehicle shall not apply to an emergency vehicle or a public safety vehicle.
(B) Except as otherwise provided in this division, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
Effective Date: 01-01-2004
What This Law Means
This law means that anyone who leaves a running vehicle unattended could be charged with a misdemeanor and $150.00 fine for not stopping the engine, locking the ignition and removing the keys. Also, the parking brake must be set and if on an incline wheels turned to the curb. The reason your personal driveway is not excluded from this law is because the law itself does not include or exclude private property. This means it’s assumed to include private property. The law does exclude vehicles with autostart. The law is effective until 2017.
The Ohio Insurance Institute believes this law was set in motion to deter thieves and because of environmental issues involving idling vehicles. The important thing to take from this is if you decide to warm up your car and walk away, not only could you be hit with a misdemeanor and fine, but if the car is stolen insurance will most likely deny the claim. One of the best solutions is to have a remote start installed. It’s much cheaper than an uncovered stolen car and it isn’t breaking the law.
How to Remove Snow & Ice Without Warming Up Your Car
Personally, I mainly use warming up my car as a way to remove ice and snow on frozen mornings. Since it’s against the law though, I looked for other ways to take care of stubborn ice removal from my windshield and windows. Here’s a recipe for 2 Ingredient Homemade Car De-Icer Spray: fill an empty spray bottle with 1/3 water and 2/3 Isopropyl Alcohol and shake it up. Spray directly onto ice covered areas on your windshield and window and watch the snow melt away. There have been numerous news videos on how to do this and how it works so just Google it if you don’t believe us!
We don’t want you to be like this guy:
Sources: Lawriter – ORC, Clevescene, Lima News
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