Colorado car ‘puffing’ ban may be nearing end

It would be legal to leave cars running unattended – if they have remote-start systems – under a Colorado bill headed to the governor.

The bill updates the state’s ban on so-called “puffing,” or leaving a car running while the driver is away.

The practice is common on frigid Colorado winter mornings, but can leave the driver with a ticket because “puffing” makes cars vulnerable to theft. Legislative analysts say there are about 50 “puffing” tickets issued per year across Colorado.

The bill exempts car owners with remote-start systems. Drivers would have to keep a keyless start fob out of proximity of the so the vehicle can’t be moved.

The measure passed the Senate 33-1 Monday and has already passed the House.