Northeast News
Feb. 2, 2011

With frigid weather, Kansas City drivers have been tempted to warm their vehicle by leaving it running unattended.

That action, however, could cost the driver hefty fines and/or jail time.

Kansas City Police Master Patrol Officer James Schriever said leaving a vehicle running while unattended violates a city ordinance, unless the vehicle is started using a remote start.

Fines range from $1 to $500 and/or one to 180 days in jail.

Leaving a vehicle running and unattended increases the chances of vehicle theft and nearly all insurance companies will refuse to cover the loss, he said. To avoid this, some victims will file a false police report, but that could result in being charged with insurance fraud, he said.

Using a remote start is the only way to legally leave a vehicle unattended. Using two keys won’t work, he said.

“Thieves can still break out windows with minimal detection and since a key was used, the transmission lock will be disengaged and the vehicle can be driven away,” Schriever said.

Installing a remote start, he said, usually costs $100.