When the temperature in Louisiana drops below freezing (which, let’s face it, is practically arctic for us), folks start warming up their cars in the morning. It doesn’t even matter if there’s no frost on the windshield or ice on the doors, we just want that car toasty when we hop in. That’s why remote car starters are so popular around here.

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But hold up, before you press that magical button while sipping your coffee in your PJs, you might want to know this: warming up your car unattended might actually be "illegal" in Louisiana. Yep, you read that right. It’s been the law for decades.

Here’s the deal: Louisiana law falls under something fancy-sounding called Title 32, Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation. Specifically, Revised Statute 32:145, which talks about “Unattended Motor Vehicles.” It basically says:

"No person driving or in charge of any motor vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the motor, locking the ignition, removing the key, and effectively setting the brake thereon, and, when standing upon any grade, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway."

In plain English, that means if you want to warm up your car, you better have the parking brake on, the doors locked, and, you guessed it, stay near your car. “Unattended” is the keyword here, and it’s the part that trips everyone up. If you’re inside your house, sipping coffee while your car warms up in the driveway, that’s technically against the law.

And here’s the kicker, this law isn’t new. It’s been around since 1962. Back then, the idea of a remote car starter was about as realistic as flying cars or a robot that makes you gumbo. It was science fiction!

So, is it illegal to hit that remote start while you’re lounging in your PJs? Technically, yes. But will a cop come knocking on your door with a ticket? Probably not. Still, there’s always a slim chance, so keep it in mind. Or, better yet, just grab a coat, brave the “cold,” and hang out by your car like it’s the 1960s again.

Louisiana Residents Advised to NOT Travel to These 9 Places

The United States Department of State regularly issues travel advisories for Americans to help keep them safe during their vacations. There are four levels of advisories: exercise normal precautions, exercise increased caution, reconsider travel and do not travel. These are nine of the 19 destinations under a Level 4: DO NOT TRAVEL advisory.

Gallery Credit: Michelle Heart