Leaving Your Car ‘Puffing’ is Dangerous and Illegal in Texas

With colder weather that means more time to let your car warm up while you get ready for work but leaving your car "puffing" a term used for idling your car could lead to having it stolen by thieves.

According to the Texarkana Texas Police Department, your vehicle puffing can grab the attention of would-be thieves who are looking for the opportunity to drive away in your car.

It doesn't matter if you are warming up your car in the driveway, or leaving your vehicle unattended at the gas pumps or convenience store it only takes a couple of seconds for someone to hop in your car and take off, says, TTPD.

According to statistics, there were 94 vehicles stolen last year in Texarkana, Texas and in most incidents, keys were left in the ignition.

Ways to Prevention

• Lock Your Doors
• Take Your Keys
• Hide Valuable Items From Plainview

The Texarkana, Texas Police Department says thinking these extra precautions can deter the thieves and give you a better chance of having your vehicle stolen.

What is Puffing?

When the weather is cold outside, the tailpipe of your vehicle releases exhaust that can make a person vulnerable to getting their vehicle stolen.

Is it illegal?

30 states which includes Texas leaving a vehicle unattended with keys in the ignition whether it's running or not is a violation of the Texas Transportation Code, a Class C misdemeanor with a fine up to $500. It is now illegal in Arkansas as well, the law went into effect in January 2020.