- North Carolina bans unattended idling in public areas.
- Police use the law mainly to help prevent car thefts.
- Unattended running vehicles are common theft target
Just about all drivers leave their car idling on occasion, if not with some regularity, whether out of habit or convenience. As winter settles in across the northern hemisphere, that habit becomes even more common, with many drivers running their engines longer to warm up the cabin before heading out.
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Now, a little-known law highlighted in North Carolina is serving as a reminder for plenty of Americans. Leaving a car idling, especially while unattended, can result in a ticket in some public places.
The Dawson Rule Explained
Known in North Carolina as the Dawson Rule, unattended idling is considered a class 3 misdemeanor. As one might expect, it sits at the bottom of the enforcement ladder there.
It only applies in public areas like highways, public roads, gas stations, and parking lots. Private property is generally excluded in North Carolina.
Onslow County Sheriff Chris Thomas told local station WNCT that enforcement isn’t exactly a priority, but the reasoning behind the rule is still relevant and not for the reason most drivers might expect.
“The only time the law is in effect is if it’s on a public right of way or public vehicular area,” Thomas explained. “Locking and securing your car, and turning it off, is more important for us so the vehicle doesn’t get stolen because a lot of times it would be a crime of opportunity.”
That’s the interesting wrinkle here. While the statute itself lives under North Carolina’s idle reduction and air quality efforts, law enforcement tends to view it less as an environmental regulation and more as a theft prevention tool.
In practice, officers aren’t cruising parking lots writing tickets for idling engines, but they are dealing with the aftermath when running, unattended cars disappear.
That said, the rule isn’t exclusive to North Carolina. 16 states and DC have unattended idling rules of one kind or another. Most limit owners to three to five minutes. In some states, like New York, other motorists are encouraged to report violators.
The reminder here is simple. Be sure that wherever you idle that you do it legally and safely.