Be Aware Of This Anti Idling Law In New Jersey This Winter

Winter has arrived in New Jersey in a big way, with Arctic temperatures hitting the state even before the calendar rolls over to 2023. That means getting the car started in the morning could be challenging – and many people might be tempted to idle it for a few minutes before trying to drive. But be careful! There is an anti-idling law in New Jersey that might slip under the radar for much of the year – but just might take you by surprise in the winter. To save a good amount of money and a whole lot of inconvenience that no one needs in the winter months, here’s everything you need to know about how New Jersey handles warming up your car in the winter.

When winter hits New Jersey, it can slow everything to a crawl - except for those of us who need to get to work!

Brian James/Flickr

After shoveling out the driveway, it’s time to clean off the car - because snow on the roof could be a road hazard. This is a well-known regulation.

Ben Sutherland/Flickr

However, another regulation is less well-known - and it comes into play when people try to warm up their car. In New Jersey, it’s illegal to leave a car idling for more than three minutes for any purpose.

Chris Connelly/Flickr

Does it actually help to leave a car idling to warm it up? It actually doesn’t - the car will warm up faster while being driven.

Huhu Uet/Wikipedia

Leaving a car warming up will just expel emissions without getting anything done, which is why the NJ Department of Transportation passed regulations limiting idling and revised them in 2019.

Mike Maguire/Flickr

This is a civil offense, so idlers won’t be facing arrest, but they will be facing $250 fines for a first offense and double for each subsequent offense.

Bradley Gordon/Flickr

Maybe this is why more people take public transportation in the winter - then kick-starting the thing in the morning is someone else’s problem!

Jim Maurer/Flickr

What are your winter habits when it comes to getting your car started when it’s cold out? Tell us all the details in the comments section. If you want to learn more about this anti-idling law in New Jersey, you can find the official regulation text on the New Jersey government website. How does New Jersey handle snow overall? Check out this look at the state’s snowiest town.