birchy2010

iTrader: (12)

That is against the law to leave your car running with no one in the drivers seat?

So I've just been told by a copper who walked past as the car was idling while I was leaning on the rear 3/4 talking to a friend while he reached in and turned it off!

Although tbf he did say nice car when he walked back in the opposite direction!

daviee

Also illegal with a passenger sitting on the passenger seat if he/she does not have a licence

PaulC72

I am shocked..........................





You saw a copper.

DYK

And walking.

dpb

A real one?

richs2891

So your breaking the law leaving your engine running when get out to open or close the garage door / house gates ?


Richard

Pross

iTrader: (3)

Did he ask you if he could lean in and switch it off?

SJ_Skyline

Did he quote which law and section?

Felix.

According to a 'Consumer Action Group' website found via Google, Quitting is dealt with by Regulation 107(1) of The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulation 1986 (S42 of the RTA 1988)

There are exemptions - such as emergency vehicles, work vehicles etc etc

Its more for leaving you car running whilst you've gone in the house, or a shop for example. I think he would have been hard pushed to pursue anything if you were near by your car at the time.

birchy2010

iTrader: (12)

No he leaned in and switched it off through the window and then said it.

I was quite confused at first.

He did have his patrol car parked round the corner and apparently had been parked there for the last 30 minutes or so.

Does that mean then that things such as turbo timers are illegal? Also I have a few friends who are hgv mechanics which have an ignition override as it requires the engine to be running to power some parts of the van while attending breakdowns. Does it mean this is illegal too?

hodgy0_2

Presumably with the engine running?

Anyway I suspect the biggest reason not to leave you engine running, other than breaking some obscure law, is the fact that it probably nulls your insurance if you where to claim for theft

David Lock

On a frosty morning a car thief just needs to walk down a residential road early in the morning where he will have a choice of vehicles which are left on the drive with engine running to warm things and clear the windscreen whilst the owner finishes his breakfast before his commute.

I am not sure if he is breaking the law if the car is on his driveway but insurances companies won't pay up.

dl

ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

Insurance wise you can (or at least used to) leave it running if you are within a set distance. But any further, than say 10ft or like going into your house it was a no no.

Many mondern keyless-go cars will run without the keys inside. Which is handy for defrosting. On modern BMWs the handbrake (electric) will stop on when the keys are outside the car so it can't be driven.....I found that out the hard way....never drop off someone in a "Keyless-go" car if said passenger being dropped off has the keys in her handbag...I couldn't even turn OFF the engine!