It’s the most wonderful time of the year… no, we aren’t talking about the holiday season (which we guess is alright, too) but rather cold mornings full of frigid temperatures, frost, and sometimes snow. While the early morning commute could be made better with a warm and comfortable car, we are here to remind you to do so responsibly, as it is illegal to leave your empty car running/warming up in Colorado.

According to the Colorado Revised Statute 42-4-1206, it is illegal to start your car and leave it unattended, which is a law that an estimated 44% of Coloradans do not even know.
Flickr/Terry Madeley
More commonly known as the "puffer" law, 42-4-1206 may sound like something pertaining to Colorado's legal cannabis but rather makes starting your car an offense with a fine of at least $60.
Flickr/Gordon Haire
Why is it illegal to warm up your car in the morning? As you may have guessed, leaving your car unattended with the keys in the ignition leads to more car thefts, with the Coloradoan reporting that 6 out of 90 vehicles stolen in 2015 were puffers. 
Flickr/ecparker

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Do you have a newer vehicle? Then you may be exempt from the puffer law, as then-Governor John Hickenlooper signed an exemption in 2016 saying locked cars with remote starts can run in the morning without fear of breaking the law. 
Flickr/Corey Balazowich
Please note: While starting your car in a closed garage may seem like an easy way around the puffer law, this is not advised and leaves drivers (and anyone in the home) at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Flickr/Lindsey Turner
While it may not be the most ideal situation, the safest way to begin your day is to bundle up and sit in the car as it warms up, which will keep away both car thieves and hefty fines. 
Flickr/sharyn morrow

Did you know about the puffer law? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! For even more Colorado laws that may surprise you, check out these 13 Colorado Laws That Will Leave You Shaking Your Head.

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