Winter’s here, and besides bringing the joy of holidays, it also comes with chilly mornings. You may be tempted to start your car 5 minutes prior to your commute, for a cozy ride – but you should probably think again if those chilly moment are worth it. This common practice, often called ‘puffing’, can help defrost windshields and warm up the interior. However, in Nevada, that’s illegal.
What does ‘The Law on Unattended Vehicles’ say?
According to Nevada state law (NRS 484B.530), it is generally illegal to leave a vehicle unattended with the engine running. The law states that drivers must stop the engine, lock the ignition, and remove the key before leaving a vehicle.
Why? First and foremost, it’s a matter of public safety. Police departments frequently warn that leaving a running car unlocked and unattended makes it an easy target for thieves. These kind of thefts and burglaries often spike during the winter months – and yes, it’s partly because they know drivers are “puffing” their cars.
There is, however, good news for owners of newer vehicles. The law provides an important exception for modern technology. According to the “Remote Start Exception”, you can leave your car running unattended if:
- The vehicle is started using a remote start system.
- The key is not in the ignition (or inside the vehicle for keyless systems) while it’s running.
- The vehicle remains locked.
This exception allows drivers to safely warm up their cars without breaking any rules – and in a safe way – as the vehicle cannot be easily driven away.
Another exception refers to commercial vehicles loading or unloading goods.
Don’t leave your car running
To conclude, if your car doesn’t have a remote start system, you’ll need to stay with it while it warms up. It may not be convenient…but it’s the legal way. Violating this law can result in a misdemeanor citation, which isn’t the worst thing in the world. The greater cost could be the loss of your vehicle. Additionally, it’s worth noting that ‘puffing’ can damage your engine’s pistons and even decrease your car’s fuel efficiency. Overall – not really worth it!