Can I leave my car running to defrost in the cold in Kansas City? What local laws say
Commuters in Kansas City dread the cold for many reasons, one of those being that they have to leave the comfort and warmth of their home. Another reason? They may have to sit in their freezing cars.
Instead of sitting inside the car and waiting for it to warm up, many drivers will turn their cars on and let it “warm up” in their driveway, parking lot or on the street while they wait indoors and stay warm. Some may also let it run to defrost or remove any ice on their car.
Leaving your car on while it’s cold can be risky, since someone can just open the door and drive away if the keys are still in the ignition. A car with keys that can start the car remotely will make it tougher for someone to steal, but it can still be dangerous if it’s left unattended for too long.
While this act keeps you warm, is it legal for someone to leave their car unattended while it’s on in Kansas City? And what about in the rest of Missouri? Here’s what municipal and state statutes say.
Is it legal to leave your car running unattended in Kansas City?
You could find yourself in trouble with law enforcement if you leave your car running unattended on Kansas City streets. Sec. 70-251 in Kansas City’s city ordinance code prohibits the practice, stating the car must be turned off if the driver is going to leave it unattended.
“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 (and) effectively setting the brake,” the city code states.
The ordinance specifies that “stopping the engine” can mean doing so by removing the key or using a “remote starter system,” as long as the vehicle doors are locked.
A vehicle left unattended can result in a traffic citation, Kansas City Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Phil DiMartino said. The citation could cost you at least $200, according to city hall.
The state of Missouri does not have a statewide law prohibiting the practice, but the state says it’s illegal to leave a vehicle unattended for long periods of time without permission on someone else’s property or public property where it’s prohibited. Doing so can end up in law enforcement ordering your car to be towed, according to state statute 304.157.
