Is this a new law?

Question

Over the weekend, I got up at 4 am to go to my job. Since it was pretty cold outside, I decided to let my vehicle idle to allow it warm up. I let it idle, locked for about 10 minutes. When I went outside and approached my vehicle there was a police officer inspecting it with his spotlight. I told him it was my vehicle and I wanted it to warm up before leaving. He told me it was against the law to leave a idling vehicle unattended. I was unaware. When did this law begin enforcement?

State of Pennsylvania

Answer 1

I'm not sure if this is a law in Pennsylvania but in some states it is. What really should be against the law is how rude some people think they can be on Yahoo Answers to others apparently this lady mad a mistake and put her question in the wrong category. People it's not the end of the world and it could happen to anyone. We teach our children not to be rude. But apparently to some it's ok to be rude when you hide behind a computer screen.

Answer 2

As long as you have the doors locked, you should be fine. It may not be a great idea, but should be ok. It will of course depend on the state laws in your area. The only thing I would be concerned with is if the doors were unlocked, b/c then a child could crawl in there or someone could steal it....but that is pretty much just bad judgement, not sure that it is breaking the law. I recommend calling your local law enforcement agency and asking them if there is a law of that nature and explain to them the situation that took place. Then you can know for a fact what the laws are and the reasoning behind the officers actions.

Answer 3

I think some states and localities have laws about idling for vehicles like trucks and buses. It's to help air quality (pollution) and noise pollution (annoying the neighbors!). I don't know about cars. Each area in the country is allowed to make its own laws about this so you'll have to investigate in your area.
Leaving a vehicle with its engine running, especially when the vehicle is locked and unattended, is also a safety hazard. It also wastes (expensive) gas.

Answer 4

Did you get the badge of the officer and name?
Call the police department and ask someone about that law if there isn't a law report him! I don't think there is such a law.....but he could have warned you since it could be dangerous to leave your vehicle unattended but against the law I don't know?!

Answer 5

I don't know about Pennsylvania, but it has been a law in Texas for years. The idea is to prevent thieves from getting easy pickings. Even though it was locked, all it would take is knocking out the window and the thief would be in and gone in seconds.

Answer 6

yea it is the law as far as i know in the two states that i've mainly lived in all my life too. most cops don't make a big deal about it that's all. it raises concern sometimes about wether or not somebody forgot it was running or if something happened to the person who owns the car but i don't think they usually make a big deal about it. plus cops don't want thieves to get in on easy stealings.

Answer 7

I've heard that also. I don't live in PA but still, I believe it is a law in most states. I think for the reason of having your car stolen but I dont know why. Which begs to question, are remote car starters legal?

Answer 8

passenger car are a no,no, for idling time,only commercial vehicles are allowed warm-up time.

Answer 9

It is a law in pa. It's been a law for a while, not sure how long though. I always thought it was one of those laws that wasn't strictly enforced though.

Answer 10

hmmm that's weird, in CO I've never heard of that, I know that cars were getting stolen due to the ppl being cold, maybe the law came along w that to help decrease the stolen car rate?