La Crosse drivers: No warming up unattended cars - WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and Sports

LA CROSSE (WKOW) -- La Crosse residents are being reminded of a local ordinance that prevents them from walking away while they warm up their cars.

A WKBT-TV report says the city's ordinance prevents people from leaving unattended vehicles running. It applies to vehicles on the street or in other public places, and it carries a fine of $114.

Police Lt. Patrick Hogan says the ordinance is in place to protect people from car thieves. He says when vehicles are left unlocked with the key in the ignition, someone passing by who might not have thought about stealing a car might be tempted to take advantage of an easy opportunity.

Police say the ordinance doesn't apply to cars that use electric starter because keys aren't left in the vehicle that way.