This Thing We All Do In Cold Weather Is Actually Illegal In Texas

The cooler weather is officially here. While we might see temperatures get into the 60s and the low 70s, the overnight lows are getting lower. I've already had to scrape ice off my windshield. As the weather continues to get cooler, there is something that we all have done that I was surprised to find out is actually illegal.

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Imagine getting ready to head off to work, it's cold outside, and you aren't excited about getting into a frigid vehicle. So, you decide to go out and start the car so it has time to warm up. You go back inside, where it's warm, and give your car a chance to get warm.

That's actually illegal.

The rules in Texas state that an operator of a vehicle may not leave that vehicle unattended without first turning off the engine. If you do the math, you realize getting the car good and warmed up without starting it is a little tough. If you do go out and start your vehicle, and then go back inside, you could be issued a citation.

You can see it for yourself here.

If you're fortunate enough to have remote start capabilities, you can use the remote start to warm up your vehicle in the morning. What makes the remote start different from just going out and starting your vehicle, is that the keys aren't in the ignition.

It turns out thieves don't mind helping themselves to vehicles left running in the cold. If you have remote start, you can start the vehicle without the keys being in it and the vehicle stays locked.