A bill headed to the Colorado governor’s office would make it legal to leave unattended cars running – if they have remote-start systems.
The bill updates the state’s ban on “puffers,” cars left running while the driver is away.
The practice is common among Coloradans on cold winter mornings, but has been illegal because puffers are vulnerable to theft. Studies have shown about 50 puffer tickets are issued per year in Colorado.
The bill exempts car owners with remote-start systems if drivers keep a keyless start fob away from vehicle so it can’t be moved.
The Senate 33-1 passed the bill 33-1 on Monday.
In December, Montezuma County Sheriff Steve Nowlin said deputies didn’t issue tickets for puffer violations, but that puffers presented a problem because they seem to encourage automobile theft.
“We have had many vehicles stolen from our residents and visitors because of puffer cars,” he said.
The sheriff’s office is part of Beat Auto Theft Through Law Enforcement, or BATTLE team, and Nowlin said deputies conducted “puffer patrols” throughout the winter.
“We want to prevent auto thefts and educate our citizens to the dangers,” Nowlin said. “If your vehicle is stolen while left unattended, there is a strong possibility that your auto insurance will not pay for your loss.”
