A thing that many New Yorkers do each winter is actually against the law.
Almost everyone in New York is guilty of this winter crime. Yes, crime is the right word.
You’ve Probably Broken This New York Law Before Breakfast
Across New York, tens of thousands of people unknowingly break the law every cold morning.
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When it gets freezing cold, most do this. Start the car, crank the heat, and sprint back inside with your keys in the car to finish getting ready. This way, when you enter your car second time, it’s not freezing cold during your drive.
Well, it’s actually illegal. Police call it puffing.
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Puffing means leaving your vehicle running, unattended, with the keys in.
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Cops say a running car with no driver is like putting a huge “STEAL ME” sign on your car. Most reports of stolen cars come from cars with keys inside the vehicle.
If the police catch you puffing, expect a ticket. Tickets can cost $150 or more, depending on where you live and who’s writing it. Yes, people actually do get fined for this each winter across New York.
Legal Loopholes
There are legal ways to heat your car and not get fined.
1) Stay inside your vehicle while it warms. You’ll be freezing, but you won’t break the law.
2) Remote starter. As long as the car is locked and the keys aren’t inside, you aren’t breaking the law.
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Gallery Credit: Michelle Heart