Is it illegal in MS to leave a car running to warm up in the cold? What the law says
As the temperature drops, some Mississippi drivers may be inclined to leave their cars running while the engine warms up. But is it legal?
Certain states, including Missouri and Texas, have laws restricting vehicle idling while other states ban it completely, according to the American Transportation Research Institute.
So, what’s the law in Mississippi? Here’s what to know.
What is vehicle idling?
Vehicle idling is when a vehicle’s engine is running when it’s not moving. While it’s a common practice, experts don’t recommend long periods of vehicle idling.
Letting your car run longer than just warming up the cabin and defogging the windshield wastes fuel and generates unwanted emissions, Consumer Reports, a product research and testing organization reported.
According to Axxon, a vehicle intelligence solutions company, idling your car for two minutes burns more fuel than restarting your engine.
“Not only does idling waste fuel, but it also emits harmful pollutants into the air we breathe,” according to the organization.
Is vehicle idling against the law in Mississippi?
While Mississippi law doesn’t specifically mention car idling the way several other states do, it is illegal to leave an unattended vehicle running.
Mississippi Code § 63-3-909 makes it illegal to leave a motor vehicle unattended without “stopping the engine, locking the ignition and removing the key.”
Additionally, the Mississippi State Department of Education mandates that public school bus drivers minimize idling of school buses, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Which states have restrictions on vehicle idling time?
The following states have clear restrictions on how long you are legally allowed to idle your car, according to the American Transportation Research Institute:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Washington, D.C.
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Kansas
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
