This Kentucky Law Makes Cold Mornings Even Worse

The past couple of weeks have had some super cold days! Between the ice this morning and the upcoming Winter Storm and Arctic chill, we are in for some "fun." (Surely you read the sarcasm there.)

The mornings that include scraping a windshield are the WORST. If you are like me and don't have a garage to keep your vehicle in, the only way to quickly melt everything and warm up the car is to start it and wait. But I don't want to have to sit out in the cold while that happens! Is it OK to leave it and go back inside for just a few minutes? Not in Kentucky.

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It is Illegal to Leave Your Vehicle Unattended While Running

In the state of Kentucky, it is ILLEGAL to leave a vehicle running and unattended. According to state law KRS 189.430, “No person operating or in charge of a motor vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition, and removing the key.”

Authorities say this law is to prevent vehicle thefts. If someone wanted to steal your car, they would just need to wait until you turned it on and walked away. I can understand not abandoning your running car in a parking lot or public area, but in your driveway?

I don't think police officers are patrolling to catch folks who have made this their morning routine, but it's good to be aware! Do you leave your vehicle running unattended to warm up in the winter? I won't tell anyone!