Michigan Senate To Vote On Letting Vehicles Run Unattended

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LANSING (WWJ/AP) - Legislation up for a vote in the Michigan Senate would let residents legally leave a vehicle running unattended on private property.

The bill, which won House approval last month, was proposed after a Roseville man was ticketed $128 for leaving a car running in his driveway as the vehicle warmed up.

His complaint over the $128 ticket went viral on Facebook, drawing thousands of shares, angry comments, debate — and the attention of state lawmakers.

A state rule requires people to stop the engine and remove the ignition key before letting a vehicle stand unattended. The legislation would keep the prohibition in place only for vehicles parked on public streets, but not if they are equipped with a remote-start feature.

The Senate plans to vote Tuesday, and the bill is expected to soon go to Gov. Rick Snyder for his signature.