As mornings across Alabama get colder, many Alabamians start their cars early to warm them up. Did you know that leaving your vehicle running unattended could land you in legal trouble?
While many start their cars on a cold morning to warm them up, legal and safety issues often arise. Here’s what the Alabama law says.
If you like to start your car on cold Alabama mornings, be careful: leaving it running could technically be illegal.
Alabama law does not explicitly ban idling, but it does prohibit walking away from a car without turning off the engine, taking the key, setting the brake and locking it — a rule meant to prevent theft and accidents.
Even a locked car or one with a remote starter isn’t exempt. The safest move? Stay nearby while your car warms up or bundle up instead.
In 2024, Alabama law enforcement reported 1,978 motor vehicle thefts, totaling more than $35.7 million in stolen property according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Leaving a car running while unattended can make it an easy target, highlighting why the law requires drivers to turn off the engine, remove the key and lock their vehicles. 
There’s no specific statewide fine for leaving a car unattended while running, but some cities take it seriously. In Birmingham, for instance, police have issued citations to drivers caught warming up their vehicles unattended. Even without a set penalty, it’s a risk worth avoiding.
Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at jlindahl@gannett.com.

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