With a significant winter storm bringing bitterly cold temperatures, moderate to heavy snowfall and blistering winds on the way to the Chicago area, Illinois residents who have to drive may be wondering if they are legally allowed to warm their cars up unattended.
While many residents may want to get a head start on a warm car in the coming days by starting it before they shovel the driveway or finish getting ready for work, Illinois is one of many states that prohibit unattended cars running.
"...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 ignition, effectively setting the brake thereon and, when standing upon any perceptible grade, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway," according to the state's vehicle code.
In Chicago, leaving a vehicle unattended is a municipal code violation, as is the case in other communities.
There is one way around it however: Using a remote start.
A vehicle turned on using a remote starter system is not classified an "unattended motor vehicle," the law says.
However, in 2021, the Chicago Police Department warned against doing so, noting a string of vehicle thefts in which offenders targeted unattended vehicles.
Local
"Vehicles that are left running continue to be taken in the 14th District and citywide," the Jan. 17 tweet read. "Please do your part to protect yourself and your community. Giving away your car is a nice gesture but... TURN IT OFF AND TAKE THE KEYS!!!"
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