In the winter, part of the sleepy-eyed morning routine is warming up your car in your driveway or parking spot so you don't shiver all the way to work.

But, according to a specific and relatively obscure law, warming up your car could land you a $250 fine.

In New Jersey, cars that have been stopped for three or more hours (like, say, when you park your car overnight) can only idle for 15 minutes. And that's only if the temperature is below 25 degrees.

Perhaps surprisingly, this rule even applies in your own driveway.

To make matters worse, if your car hasn't been stopped for the requisite minimum three hours, the idling limit goes down to a paltry three minutes.

What are the fines?

For the first offense, you are subject to a fine of $250. The second offense will earn you a $500 fine.

And for the third and any subsequent offenses? $1,000 each.

Are there exceptions?

The idling requirements are not wholly unforgiving. If you're stuck in traffic, the rule doesn't apply. Also if you're having your car inspected.

Email: torrejon@northjersey.com

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