Why Texas drivers could face a $500 fine for warming cars in winter
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Texas law bans unattended running cars; leaving keys inside is a Class C misdemeanor.
- Violators face fines up to $500 under Texas Transportation Code Section 545.404.
- Remote starters exempted; thieves and engine wear pose added risks to idling vehicles.
North Texas roads are expected to be treacherous Tuesday, Jan. 27 until temperatures finally climb above freezing in the afternoon and then re-freeze overnight. If you do drive today, make sure you’re not warming up your car while it’s unattended before you head out — it might cost you.
What is ‘puffing’?
Earlier this month, the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office reminded North Texans on Facebook that the practice of leaving your car running, unlocked and unattended while it warms up is called “puffing” — and it could cost you up to $500.
The term comes from the puffs of steam coming out of the exhaust pipe of an idling car. Leaving your keys in the car while unattended is a Class C misdemeanor, which carries a fine of up to $500.
The law is on the books in the Texas Transportation Code Section 545.404, which states you may not leave your vehicle unattended without:
- Stopping the engine
- Locking the ignition (putting it in park)
- Removing the key from the ignition
- Setting the parking brake effectively
- Turning the front wheels of the car to the curb or the side of the highway if you’re on a grade
Texas is among roughly 30 other states that have similar laws.
What are the risks of puffing?
Aside from the possible fine, leaving your keys in the ignition while unattended makes your car a target for thieves.
Idling your car for too long can cause premature wear and stress on engine components, AAA says. Most modern cars made after 1980 only require a few seconds to get the enine warm, according to AAA.
What if I have a remote start vehicle?
You’re in luck. There is an exception to the puffing law if you have a remote start vehicle.
“[These requirements] do not apply to an operator who starts the engine of a vehicle by using a remote starter or other similar device that:
“(1) remotely starts the vehicle’s engine without placing the key in the ignition; and
“(2) requires the key to be placed in the ignition or physically present in the vehicle before the vehicle can be operated,” according to the Texas Transportation Code.
And always remember: Do not sit in a running car inside a garage or other unventilated area for a prolonged period of time, or you will risk carbon monoxide poisoning.
