The Little-Known Law That You May Be Breaking In New York This Winter Without Even Realizing It

Quite a few moons ago, here at Only In New York we shared with our readers a list of things within the Empire State that are strangely illegal. With so many different laws and the busy lives that we lead as residents of New York, you may be breaking a law or two without even realizing it. That's why we need to make an effort to make sure that we are equipped with all of the knowledge it takes to live and survive in our great state. For that reason, you’ll want to be aware of a little-known law that you may have been breaking all winter long without even realizing it! Is it illegal to warm up your car in New York? Let's find out.

During the wintertime here in New York State, all that we long for is to stay cozy and warm all season for as long as humanly possible.

So, after we've gotten a good snowstorm or the temperatures have dropped down terribly low, it's only our natural instinct to want to warm up our car before getting into it!

Unfortunately for our residents, according to Section 1210 of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law - this is quite illegal.

The full law is quite wordy prepare yourself for a very long run-on sentence...

The Unattended Motor Vehicle law specifically states, "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 vehicle, and effectively setting the brake thereon and, when standing upon any grade, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway, provided, however, the provision for removing the key from the vehicle shall not require the removal of keys hidden from sight about the vehicle for convenience or emergency."

To shorten things up a bit, basically, the law says you can't put the keys in your engine and walk away from your car with the engine still running.

To avoid earning yourself a hefty parking ticket, be sure to never leave your car unattended during the wintertime while it's warming up!

So, are there any exceptions to the NY idling law? Yes, a couple, actually! First, to those of our residents who have a remote control starter to warm up their car, you’re fine because the key is not technically in the ignition. Second, if you start your car and warm it up, but only go right outside the car to clear off all of the snow, you're also fine due to the fact that your car isn't unattended.

To view the full Section 1210 of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law which covers the New York idle law and more, click here. Is it illegal to warm up your car in your state? Perhaps we all need to check.

Looking for some ways to enjoy winter in the Empire State without having to worry that you’re breaking any laws? Then be sure to also check out how you can take a winter zip line tour over New York’s majestic snow-covered landscape from above!