Did You Know It Is Still Illegal to Warm Your Car in the Driveway During Winter?
NOBODY LIKES TO SIT IN A COLD CAR!
In my not-so-humble opinion, you've got to be out of your mind to like sitting in a sub-freezing cold car or on a motorcycle during the fall and winter weather. Your TOES will be freezing through your boots along with the tip of your NOSE! And let's not pretend that if you're not wearing the proper gloves your fingertips will start BURNING if they get too cold!
BREAKING THE LAW, YOU MIGHT BE BREAKIN' THE LAW!
If you don't have a toasty garage protecting your car from the infuriating frosty elements, it is quite tempting to start up your car and let it warm up before you head to work or wherever you need to dash off to. If you let your car heat up when you're not in it however, you are breaking the law.
"RCW 46.61.600
Unattended motor vehicle.
(1) 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 and effectively setting the brake thereon and, when standing upon any perceptible grade, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway." - Washington State Legislature
YAKIMA IS WELL-KNOWN FOR CAR THEFTS
Just a few years ago, cars were being stolen on a daily basis in the Yakima Valley., as KIMA reports.
A WARNING FROM THE YAKIMA POLICE DEPARTMENT
Even the Yakima Police Department warns us that a great way to get your car jacked up during the holiday season is by leaving it unattended!
As temperatures in the Yakima Valley fall to freezing levels, many people are doing just that-warming up their cars for a few minutes to defrost the windows and let the inside reach a tolerable temp. The mistake they make is going back inside their houses whilst warming up the car. This is unfortunately a breach of the Washington state law code RCW 46.61.600, which states that you can't leave your car unattended while the ignition is turned on. Bummer.
IT'S A PAIN TO SIT IN A COLD CAR BUT AT LEAST YOU WON'T GET A TICKET
I personally think it's a pain in the arse that we have to sit there and freeze our buns in a cold car until t warms up, but at least we aren't making it easy for someone to steal our car, which also of course is against the law.
Don't stay in the house and don't go breakin' the law leaving your car unattended!
If you want to protect your car from thieves make sure you have comprehensive car insurance so your vehicle can be replaced!
Maybe you could take your ram to work instead of a car? At least you'll be warm in a flash!