MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — As colder mornings and quick convenience stops become more frequent, Murfreesboro police are reminding drivers that leaving a vehicle running and unattended within city limits — and anywhere on public roadways in Tennessee — is illegal and dangerous… That was Murfreesboro Police Deputy Chief Steve Jarrell. 

Under Tennessee Code § 55-8-162, the law requires anyone driving or responsible for a motor vehicle to stop the engine, lock the ignition, set the parking brake, and turn the wheels toward the curb on a grade before leaving the vehicle unattended. This is also true on private property. 

However, there is one exception to the law… But the majority of cars, trucks and SUV’s on the road today lack that special auto-start feature… Violators can be ticketed within the Murfreesboro city limits, throughout Rutherford County and throughout the state when a vehicle is found running and unattended on public property.

Law enforcement officials warn that running vehicles left unattended create a significant “crime of opportunity” for vehicle theft. In many cases statewide, thieves simply enter an unlocked, running vehicle and drive away within seconds. Even short stops inside a store, gas station, or residence can provide enough time for a theft to occur.

The good news - overall, vehicle thefts are down this year in the Murfreesboro area…

Beyond theft concerns, public safety officials also warn of serious risks to children. Investigations across the country have documented cases where children climbed into running vehicles, accidentally shifted the vehicle into gear, and caused collisions, property damage, or life-threatening injuries. Even modern vehicles can be put into drive if safety systems are bypassed or malfunction.

Remote Start Systems and Keyfob Safeguards - Many modern vehicles are equipped with remote start systems designed to reduce these risks. With these systems, a vehicle may be started to warm up or cool down, but cannot be placed into gear unless the correct keyfob is physically inside the vehicle. If the brake pedal is pressed without the keyfob present, the engine typically shuts off automatically.

Aftermarket remote-start systems are also available, but law enforcement recommends ensuring any system installed includes engine shutdown protection if the key is not detected inside the vehicle.

What to Do If You See an Unattended Vehicle - Residents who observe an abandoned, immobilized, or unattended running vehicle on public property are encouraged to notify their local law enforcement agency.

Police stress that turning off the engine, removing the key or keyfob, and locking the vehicle every time — even for short stops — remains the most effective way to prevent thefts, injuries, and tragic accidents.