Don’t Forget, It’s Illegal to Cool Off Your Car in Colorado

It's getting warm out there, Colorado. The dog days of summer are arriving on the Western Slope, and that means plenty of days with near triple-digit heat. Thank goodness for air-conditioning.

August is the time of year when people in Grand Junction often bake cookies right on the dashboard of their cars because it gets that hot out. It's also the time of year when you could get a ticket thanks to Colorado's Puffer Law.

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Cooling Off Your Car in Colorado

Colorado's Puffer Law is in place 365 days a year. Not only is it illegal to warm up your car in the winter unattended, but it's also illegal to let it run during the summer to allow your A/C to cool down the car.  Colorado Revised Statute 42-4-1206 says it is illegal to start your car and then leave it running unattended. Did you know about 40% of Colorado is unaware of this law?

What is the Puffer Law Fine in Colorado?

Most people who are unaware of this law often think it has something to do with Marijuana. It's not that kind of puff. It's the puff of your exhaust coming out of the car that can get you a ticket. The minimum fine for starting your car and letting it run is $60. The fine may be more depending on where you live.

Tips to Help Keep Your Car Cool in the Summer

One of the easiest solutions for keeping a parked car cool is to park it in the shade when possible. Having a windshield visor or covering your dash and steering wheel will help, and so will leave the windows open a tiny bit for venting. Covering leather will help reduce the temp. You can also explore legal window tinting to help keep the head out.