With temperatures dipping in and out of freezing and another brutal winter on the horizon, Coloradans are looking for easy ways to beat the cold, especially in the early morning. One of the most obvious ways of doing this? Starting your car before getting into it. Right? While this may seem like an easy solution, you may be surprised to learn that this is, in fact, illegal. Here is why:
Are you familiar with the Colorado “puffer” law? Since this is Colorado, you may think it pertains to consuming cannabis in public, but it actually refers to starting your car and leaving it unattended. Why does it matter if you leave your running car unattended? According to the Coloradan, “puffing” is the leading cause of car theft in Colorado, with a reported 6 out of 90 vehicles stolen in 2015 shown to be unattended puffers. While parking your running car in a closed garage may seem like an easy solution to this law, this is extremely dangerous, as it can cause carbon monoxide poisoning in not only the garage but the entire home. Good news: If you have a newer car, you may be exempt from the “puffing” law! How? In 2016, Governor John Hickenlooper signed an exemption stating that locked cars with remote starts can run in the morning without fear of breaking the law. What can those who still illegally warm their cars without a remote start expect? According to 9News, your first offense will result in a $60 fine, with even steeper penalties after that. The moral of this story? Bundle up, Colorado! It’s the easiest way to stay warm and comfortable without breaking the law.
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