Leave Your Car Idling and You Could Get a Ticket

PALMER PARK, Md. (AP) - Motorists in Prince George's County have been warned they risk getting tickets if they leave their keys in their idling, unattended vehicles.

County police officers have been told to look for idling, unattended vehicle infractions as they patrol neighborhoods and shopping areas. The violations could lead to increased insurance premiums and fines.

"It's one point on your license and a $60 ticket," Lt. Terence Sheppard, a spokesman for the Prince George's County Police Department, said Wednesday.

The stepped-up enforcement is timed to coincide with the arrival of colder weather when drivers are more likely to allow their vehicles to warm up in their driveways while they return inside for a cup of coffee or to pick up belongings.

"Thieves find it easier to steal a car with the keys already in it," said Sheppard. As of Oct. 31, 12,420 vehicles had been reported stolen in the county.

"Nationally, approximately 40 percent of vehicles are stolen with the keys in the ignition. Regionally, that number is right around 30 percent," said P.G. Police Capt. Kevin Davis.

In Hyattsville Wednesday, police knocked on the door of Emil Ragland's home when they saw his unattended Mercury Sable idling in his driveway. They gave him a warning.

"This is the way I take my son to school, so since I take him to school I had to come out here and warm it up," Ragland said, adding that from now on he will start the car and drive off. Police have said they will try community education, but infractions could eventually be issued.

Prince George's police have mounted similar enforcement efforts in past winters, which may have contributed to a decline in car thefts. There were 13,056 vehicles reported stolen in 2004, a nearly 5 percent decline from the previous year.

In neighboring Montgomery County, police have said they don't plan any stepped up enforcement, but they also are discouraging motorists from leaving their vehicles unattended. Fairfax County, Va., also did not plan on special enforcement.

District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department officers can issue citations if a car is found idling unattended for two minutes.

(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)