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.
Sean Davis/Flickr
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!
Audrey/Flickr
Unfortunately for our residents, according to Section 1210 of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law - this is quite illegal.
Ben Schumin/Flickr

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The full law is quite wordy prepare yourself for a very long run-on sentence...
diane cordell/Flickr
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.
Sean Friend/Flickr
To avoid earning yourself a hefty parking ticket, be sure to never leave your car unattended during the wintertime while it's warming up!
Charley Lhasa/Flickr
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!

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More weird laws in New York

Chris Muras | December 01, 2022

Is it illegal to warm up my car?

It may seem like a cruel law for northerners in the wintertime but there may be a law that prevents you from idling your car for extended periods of time. How many states prevent you from warming up your car? As of now, 29 states and the District of Columbia have some sort of idling law in place. In most states with these laws, you are still allowed a few minutes but you'd better check if it is illegal to warm up your car in your state, and for how long.

What are some weird laws in New York?

Just like every state in the nation New York has some pretty odd laws on the books currently or in the not-too-distant past. Here are a few weird laws in New York that will have you scratching your head in amazement:

  • No selling dog or cat hair
  • No wearing slippers after 10 pm
  • No tossing a ball at someone's head just for fun
  • No putting wet clothes on a clothesline to dry without a license
  • Men cannot wear a jacket without matching pants
  • No peeing on pigeons in the park
  • Women cannot wear "body-hugging clothing" on the street
  • No speaking in elevators
  • No puppet shows in your window
  • No putting an ice cream cone in your back pocket on Sundays
  • One cannot allow their donkey to sleep in the bathtub
  • No putting your thumb on your nose and wiggling your fingers at someone
  • No changing the color of your rabbit's fur
  • Flirting can get you a $25 fine

 

Here are even more strange New York laws to be mindful of - or else.

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