You could be fined $500 for letting your car warm up in Texas
Published on Jan 27, 2026 at 10:34 AM (UTC+4)
by Molly Davidson
Last updated on Jan 27, 2026 at 12:26 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
Letting your car warm up on a cold morning is a non-negotiable for some.
You start the engine, step inside for a minute, and let the windshield clear while the cabin heats up.
It’s practical, familiar, and for most drivers, automatic.
In Texas, though, that small habit comes with a legal catch that can be expensive.
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Why letting your car warm up in Texas can turn into a $500 fine
The issue isn’t the cold weather.
It’s what happens when a car is left running with no one inside it.
Under Texas Transportation Code Section 545.404, drivers are not allowed to leave a vehicle unattended unless a few strict conditions are met.
The engine must be switched off, the ignition locked, and the key removed before you walk away.
In real terms, that means leaving your car idling in the driveway while you grab coffee or clear ice from the windshield can technically be a violation.
It doesn’t matter if it’s for a minute or if the car is parked at home.
In parts of North Texas, law enforcement agencies have reminded drivers that this can be enforced as a Class C misdemeanor.
That carries a potential fine of up to $500, which suddenly makes sitting in a cold car feel a lot more reasonable.
The thinking behind the law is simple.
Unattended, running vehicles are easy theft targets.
By discouraging idling without a driver present, the state aims to reduce opportunistic car theft, even if that means cracking down on a long-standing winter habit.
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Where remote start helps, and where drivers still get caught out
There is an important exception, and it’s one many modern cars already meet.
Vehicles with remote start systems are exempt, as long as the car can run without a key in the ignition and can’t be driven until the key or fob is present.
That includes aftermarket remote start setups, not just factory systems.
Where things get murkier is with keyless ignition vehicles that don’t have remote start.
Even if the car won’t move without the fob inside, leaving it running and unattended can still be seen as creating a theft opportunity, which is exactly what the law is trying to avoid.
For drivers, the safest option is also the simplest.
If you want to warm up your car, stay inside it.
Otherwise, turn it off and wait.
In Texas, the old habit of letting your car idle on its own now comes with real legal consequences.
And patience is cheaper than a ticket.
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With roles at TEXT Journal, Bowen Street Press, Onya Magazine, and Swine Magazine on her CV, Molly joined Supercar Blondie in June 2025 as a Junior Content Writer. Having experience across copyediting, proofreading, reference checking, and production, she brings accuracy, clarity, and audience focus to her stories spanning automotive, tech, and lifestyle news.
