No, leaving your car running unattended is illegal in Virginia under § 46.2-813.1 of the Code of Virginia, with exceptions for remote starts under 15 minutes in residential areas. Local ordinances, such as those enforced by the Alexandria Police Department, further restrict this practice in high-theft zones. Violations may result in fines up to $250, and insurers may deny claims for theft if negligence is proven.
Key Regulations for Leaving Your Car Running Unattended in Virginia
- § 46.2-813.1 (2024 amendment): Prohibits leaving a vehicle unattended with the engine running unless actively attended or under remote start for ≤15 minutes in non-commercial zones. Localities may impose stricter limits.
- Local Ordinances: Cities like Richmond and Arlington enforce additional restrictions in designated high-crime areas, with penalties escalating for repeat offenses. Check municipal codes for real-time updates.
- Insurance Implications: Virginia’s “attractive nuisance” doctrine may hold owners liable for theft-related damages if the vehicle is left running, per Virginia Supreme Court rulings (e.g., State Farm v. Nationwide, 2023).
Enforcement prioritizes high-theft corridors, such as Interstate 95 corridors in Northern Virginia, where law enforcement agencies collaborate with VDOT to monitor violations. Compliance officers from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles conduct periodic audits in commercial districts. Owners should verify county-specific rules, as Alexandria’s 2025 ordinance now requires engine shutdown within 2 minutes of unattended operation in public parking facilities.