It’s that time of year when traveling from place to place becomes a little more difficult. What’s worse is that even when roads are clear in the winter, getting into a vehicle that’s been sitting out in the frigid elements for hours is nothing to look forward to. Sub-freezing temperatures are enough to make you want to stay right where you are, opting to leave the house only when necessary.

If you don’t have the luxury of parking in a heated garage, you may fall into a regular winter routine of warming up your vehicle before you head out. You may even have a remote starter, which are great to have in the wintertime.

However, the Ohio Insurance Institute issued a friendly reminder to the public this past weekend, drawing attention to an Ohio law with which many people may not be familiar.

In Ohio, it’s illegal to leave an unattended car running.

This may be one of those laws that’s only enforced in big cities, where leaving your car running and unoccupied may be a good way to make it disappear rather quickly!

According to the Ohio Revised Code (ORC 4511.611), “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, effectively setting the parking brake, and, when the motor vehicle is standing upon any grade, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway.”

While not often – if ever – enforced locally, it may be something to keep in mind when traveling to other communities over the holidays. Metro police may decide to issue a citation if they come across an unattended vehicle with the engine running. Most municipalities that enforce this law establish an ordinance and fine for a minor misdemeanor of this nature, with a maximum allowable fine of $150.

Since Ohio law does not specifically exclude private property from this statute, it’s possible that you could be cited for leaving the motor running in your own driveway while not remaining with the vehicle.

This seems like over-legislation. The Ohio Insurance Institute suggests that such a law was likely developed to deter auto theft.

Most people with common sense, however, will recommend not leaving the house before warming up the car this winter.