Record-breaking cold is expected to hit the area again Friday after subzero temperatures closed schools and prompted warnings to limit time outdoors this week.
With temperatures falling into the single digits, many Ohioans choose to warm up their car while they stay warm inside the house. But that act could result in a $150 fine.
A 2004 law states no person is permitted to leave a vehicle unattended without first stopping the engine and removing the key from the ignition.
According to the Ohio Insurance Institute, the law was likely passed to prevent theft, but lawmakers may not have considered bone-chilling winters.
Under the law, if caught, you could be slapped with a minor misdemeanor charge in addition to the fine. But don’t worry, says Middletown Police Chief Rodney Muterspaw.
“It’s not heavily enforced,” Muterspaw said. “A law might be black and white on paper, but you have to use common sense and you have to be reasonable when you enforce laws like this.”
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He says he can’t recall an officer ever citing a resident for this law. But Muterspaw added that officers will check on idling cars if there’s a child or pet inside.
“Whatever happens, do not leave a child or pet in the car unattended when there’s no adult in the car,” he said. He also encouraged residents to “take a peek outside and make sure the car’s there and make sure there’s nobody around the car.”
Netha Jennings, of Hamilton, said she is in favor of the law because it addresses safety issues.
“It would be dangerous,” she said of leaving an unattended car running. “Suppose you have kids in the car. They could get in there when you’re inside, fool around, knock the car in reverse and get hurt.”
Jennings said she does not usually leave her car unattended while the engine is running.
“Anytime I start up my car, I stay with it,” said Jennings, who added she worries about someone stealing her vehicle if she leaves it unattended.
Mary Ann Wilson, of Hamilton, is not in favor of the law.
“They passed the law just so they can feed their coffers,” Wilson said. “Most people have two sets of keys — they can lock their car and then come back and unlock it from the outside without anybody being able to get in it.”
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