As winter is fast approaching, many drivers think it is okay to warm up their car before driving off. As long as you are inside the car, you are okay, but once you turn on the ignition and go back into your house, you may receive a citation from police. In Minnesota the law is known as “open ignition law”, in other states such as Colorado, it’s known as “puffing” and you will be ticketed by police.

Any law that prohibits a driver leaving their car running unattended is not intended to punish the driver but to make them aware that this is a direct invitation to criminals to steal your car.

Police will tell you that auto theft is a crime of opportunity just like many other crimes. If a criminal sees your car running and no one in the car, he will steal your car. Some cars are found; some cars are used for another type of crime and yet others are taken to a “chop shop” for parts and never found.

Even though it is cold out, be smart and never leave your car running even for a moment. You never know when a car thief is waiting to steal your car.