Lawmakers Looking To Repeal Idling Vehicle Law

A century-old law on the books in Iowa says law officers can ticket motorists for a $20 fine if they leave a vehicle unattended with its engine running. Two western Iowa legislators say it’s time to repeal it.

Currently, Iowa law prohibits a person from permitting a vehicle to stand unattended without first stopping the engine or without effectively setting the brake and turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the roadway when the vehicle is standing upon any perceptible grade.

Representative Megan Jones (R-Sioux Rapids), and Senator David Johnson, (R-Ocheyedan), have filed separate measures in House and Senate to remove that language, arguing it is code clutter that is irrelevant in the era of remote car starters. They cite it as an example of government over-reaching into people’s personal decisions if they have a car with a diesel engine that needs time to warm up in the winter, or they are parents with small children who don’t want to put them in a cold car seat.

Johnson said the law was brought to his attention and, in researching the topic, indicates the law traces back to 1913 when the automobile was just catching on. In the meantime, he said, he sees many people now warming up their vehicles on mornings when the temperature is below the zero mark who have no idea they’re violating the law.

A survey of law enforcement agencies around Iowa found a mixed picture, with some officials reporting spotty or sporadic enforcement to officers unaware that such a law is on the books. Alex Murphy of the state Department of Public Safety said Iowa State Patrol records indicate troopers issued three citations in the last five years – one each in 2011, 2012, and last year. Since the law is a two-part code, Mason City police report not citing for unattended vehicles left running, but officers do issue citations for not setting the parking brake or turning wheels toward the curb when parked on an incline. Police in eastern Iowa said the law prohibiting motorists from leaving their vehicles unattended while running is used infrequently, if ever.

Insurance industry officials could not cite specific data on the number of vehicles that are stolen when they’re unattended with the engines running, but Carol Kaplan, Director of Public Affairs for the Washington-based National Insurance Crime Bureau said her group discourages the practice unless the vehicle has a remote starter that allows it to be locked while idling. Earlier this winter, a spate of car thefts prompted the Cedar Rapids Police Department to issue a press release discouraging motorists from leaving their vehicles running.

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