With the winter season upon us and temperatures well below freezing, it may be tempting to start your car and leave it to warm up. But, as appealing as it may seem to be able to run from your house to your warm and toasty car, it could get you fined. How? Well, in Fort Collins, it is called puffing and it is illegal.
What is Puffing?
Puffing is leaving your car running, unattended, with the keys in the ignition, on public property. It got its name from car thieves who would look for exhaust ‘puffing’ out of the tail pipes of unoccupied cars. In an effort to cut down on cars being stolen this way, Fort Collins City Traffic Codes have added this puffing regulation.
Puffing in Fort Collins Traffic Code
Fort Collins Municipal Traffic Code #1206. Unattended Motor Vehicle states:
There you have it. Officially you can be ticketed for leaving your car running, even if it just for a few minutes. This ticket carries a $25 fine, which must be paid within 8 calendar days, or the fine doubles to $50.
Are There Any Exceptions to the Puffing Rule?
If you are lucky enough to have a remote starter on your car, then you can warm your car up unattended. The reasoning behind this exception is that your key is not in the ignition, so the car cannot be stolen. The anti-theft technology prevents someone from driving off without actually putting the key in.
Also, this regulation only applies to public roads. If your car is on private property, you are in the clear.