In Michigan, a man starts his car in his driveway, and goes inside for a few minutes while the engine and vehicle interior “warmed up”. He comes out five minutes later, to see a $128.00 ticket for leaving his vehicle unattended, with the engine running, and the keys in the ignition. Outraged, he posted the ticket to Facebook, where people all over the country have expressed dismay. “Why?” one person simply asked.
The fact is, if the same thing happened in Chicago or anywhere else in Illinois, and a police officer happened to walk on by, the very same result could occur. In Illinois, it is a petty traffic offense to do what this man did. Section 11-1401 of the Illinois Vehicle Code makes it illegal for anyone driving or in charge of a motor vehicle to leave it standing unattended without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition, removing the key from the ignition, and effectively setting the brake. If parked on an incline, the driver also needs to turn the front wheels toward the curb or side of the road. It does not matter where the vehicle is situated, as long as it is located somewhere within the State of Illinois where an officer might have a lawful right to be at any given moment, including a driveway, parking lot or other non-roadway. So, before you do what this guy did, make certain that you do not leave the vehicle unattended while it is warming up, lest you receive a similar traffic citation.
If you are charged with a traffic violation, you may face consequences that may have an effect upon your driving privileges as well as your insurance rates. An experienced attorney will protect your rights, your driving privileges, and your insurability, and make certain that you are treated fairly in court. Call the lawyers at Mitchell S. Sexner & Associates LLC. Our experienced traffic violation attorneys are ready to help you. You can consult with us, absolutely free and with no obligation, at either our office in Chicago, in Arlington Heights, or at another Chicago-area location close to you. Call (312) 644-0444 today.
