Annapolis Police Ticket Unattended, Running Cars

Annapolis police issued five tickets to residents Wednesday for leaving their cars running unattended in streets and driveways across the city this week, causing a stir among some who were unaware of the state law.

Police spokeswoman Amy Miguez said five residents were found in violation of the unattended motor vehicle state statute, which comes with a $70 fine.

In Thursday's police briefing, Miguez explained the law:

"Maryland Vehicle Law requires that a person in charge of a motor vehicle may not leave it unattended until the engine is stopped, the ignition locked, the key removed, and the brake effectively set. Officers will be out ticketing vehicles left running, unlocked and unattended with the key in the ignition all over the city."

Underscoring its importance, Miguez said 30 percent of cars stolen in Annapolis since September were the result of the vehicle's owners leaving them unattended and running.

The enforcement on Wednesday morning, when temperatures dropped to the teens, perplexed some on the police department's Facebook page. Travis Loop asked why it was against the law to warm up his car.

"Just a friendly suggestion: maybe give citizens a warning and inform them of the law, rather then a costly ticket," wrote Loop. "It is like punishing regular folks that are just trying to stay warm."

Miguez said police advise residents to take precautions and bundle up if they are going to warm their cars up before leaving in the morning.

"We understand that's a concern—yesterday was one of the coldest mornings of the year, but vehicles were still stolen," she said.

The law, Article 21, section 11.01 of Maryland State Code, is meant to prevent unauthorized use of the vehicle—whether by a thief or underage person; and to prevent situations where an improperly secured vehicle could roll into a roadway.