Think Twice Before Leaving Your Car Warming Up in Your Driveway

Think Twice Before Leaving Your Car Warming Up in Your Driveway

This morning when I woke up there was frost on my car and on the roofs of the homes in my neighborhood in Lutherville. A lot of folks do this, they go out and start their car and leave it idling in the driveway or in front of their home to warm up while they finish their morning preparations. And, as we move deeper into winter the temptation will be greater to get into a warm car. A woman I used to work with used to have this gadget for her car that she could push a button that would start her car in the parking lot just before she was ready to leave so when she got out there her car would be all warmed up. Well, Baltimore County residents need to think twice about this. ABC news this morning posted an article that the Baltimore County Police Department wanted to warn residents that leaving your car unattended to warm up is not a good idea. In the past week, 5 cars have been stolen for this reason.

Not only could this lead to your car being stolen, but it's also illegal. If you leave your car unattended and running, you could get up to a $70 and 1 point against your driving record. If your car just so happens to slip in to gear (and this happens periodically) and hit another car, that's a $110 fine and 3 points towards your record.