Georgia used to have a state law that made it unlawful to leave your car engine running, but it was repealed by the legislature in July 2007.

Thankfully, with the onset of colder weather, it is totally legal to leave your car running on private property, but there are some exceptions.

Exceptions to free idling laws

There is no statewide ban on leaving the car running, but depending on where you live, local ordinances can vary.

• Columbus dropped its idle-related laws in 1978

• Atlanta limits idle time to 15 minutes (25 minutes if it is below 32℉). Penalties can be up to $500

It is also illegal to leave a child, and in some areas a pet, in a car and can sometimes be prosecuted as “reckless conduct.”

How long should you let your car run?

According to Consumer Reports, letting your car run for longer than it takes to warm up and defog the windows is unnecessary.

A car’s engine is fully lubricated to run smoothly in winter within 20 to 30 seconds, so the myth that it needs a while to get ready to run is untrue. Experts advise the quickest way to warm your car is to drive it.

Despite any instructions you may have inherited from the cautionary tales, letting your car idle for longer than a minute or so is unnecessary and wasteful.

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