Is it illegal to warm your car up unattended in WA? Here’s what you need to know

The Brief

• Leaving your car to warm up is technically illegal in the state of Washington.

• State law cites risks of injury to nearby people, or damage to nearby property as primary reasons for this deterrence measure.

• Local law enforcement officials also warn of increasing car thefts from doing so.

SEATTLE – With unseasonably cold temperatures across the region, many people may want to run out to turn their car on before heading back inside to finish getting ready. This is technically illegal.

Washington law prohibits leaving your car running while unattended.

According to RCW 46.61.600, “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 and effectively setting the brake thereon.”

The Pierce County Sheriff’s Department has issued warnings previously about the risks associated with leaving your car running.

What they’re saying

“When the weather is cold, we all want to warm up our vehicles before we have to drive in to work, but please do not leave your vehicle unattended. We’ve seen too many cars stolen this way,” said Lt. Darren Moss.

Dig deeper

Aside from the dangers of increasing the prevalence of car thefts, another reason for this law is the risks to those in the immediate area.

The law states that “the most recent driver of a motor vehicle which the driver has left standing unattended, who learns that the vehicle has become set in motion and has struck another vehicle or property, or has caused injury to any person,” must comply with accompanying requirements and liabilities laid out by RCW 46.52.010 and RCW 46.52.020.

The Source

Information for this report comes from the Washington State legislature and Pierce County Sheriff’s Department.

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