No. Connecticut General Statutes § 14-107a prohibits leaving a motor vehicle unattended while the engine is running, with limited exceptions.
Leaving a car running unattended in Connecticut is illegal under state law, though enforcement varies by municipality. Local ordinances, such as those in Hartford or New Haven, may impose additional penalties. A 2026 state legislative review is evaluating stricter enforcement mechanisms, including potential fines tied to idling emissions violations.
Key Regulations for Leaving Your Car Running Unattended in Connecticut
- State Statute Enforcement: § 14-107a explicitly bans unattended vehicles with running engines, punishable by fines up to $99 for first offenses. Subsequent violations escalate to $198.
- Local Ordinance Variations: Cities like Bridgeport and Stamford impose supplementary idling restrictions, often limiting engine operation to under 3 minutes unless in traffic.
- Exemptions: Emergency vehicles, law enforcement, and vehicles actively warming in extreme cold (below 20°F) are exempt under state guidelines.
Violations are typically enforced by municipal police or the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) during anti-idling campaigns.