Is It Illegal to Let Your Cold Car Warm Up in Michigan?
Snow & Ice Driving Coming Soon
Now that we have been hit with our first taste of cold here in Michigan, the question often arises: Is It Illegal to Let Your Cold Car Warm Up in Michigan?
Law Changes
A change in Michigan a few years back was the Michigan House Bill 4215 amended the law, rescinding wording that made the practice illegal. This allows vehicle owners to warm up their vehicles in their private driveways without the risk of penalty. You can warm a car or truck in your driveway without a ticket. You cannot warm your car in a private roadway or parking lot.

Icy Days Ahead
Law Tested In Roseville Michigan
Great news if you are not a fan of this cold weather back in the Metro Detroit area. I remember a Roseville man getting headlines in the news (not me), getting a ticket for warming his car in his driveway. The un-named gentleman challenged a $128 dollar ticket. Later the Michigan law got amended. Check out this story at this link Click Here
The Answer Is Yes You Can
To answer the question, yes you can warm a car or truck but in your driveway. Before the summer of 2017, Michigan vehicle owners were ticketed for leaving their vehicles unattended unless they locked the doors and used a remote start, even if their cars were sitting in the driveway.
Keep warm everyone, I have a feeling it’s going to be a long winter. Time for me to start, “RED,” that is what I named my truck. Not looking forward to the drive-in today. Be careful everyone. Don’t forget snow will also be in the forecast, so get your shovels ready.
Keeping Your Cool Also
You warm up your cold car in the winter. What about cranking up the AC and let your car cool off on a hot summer day. But is that legal in Michigan? House Bill 4215 gives Michigan motorists the right to leave unattended vehicles in their own driveways. This means it is legal for vehicle owners to cool off their cars before driving on a hot summer day. Hopefully, you can remember this the next time you want to warm up your cold car in Michigan!
One Friendly Reminder
The countdown to Spring 2024 is currently at 141 days and counting.
5 Unique and Unusual Thanksgiving Traditions to Consider
Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated with a blend of family, food, and traditions, some of which are deeply rooted in history. But, if you think this holiday is all about the turkey and pumpkin pie, you’re in for a surprise. There are also some more unique and unexpected customs that have found their way into the Thanksgiving celebration.
Traditions surrounding Thanksgiving.
Over time, families and close-knit groups of friends often create their unique Thanksgiving customs, which they observe annually. Many families engage in acts of giving back by volunteering at local food banks or shelters, to share their good fortune with those in need. Some base their day around the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, a tradition since 1924. Then, there’s the age-old custom of partaking in or watching a friendly game of touch football with friends and family. It has also become synonymous with Thanksgiving, creating opportunities for connection and fun.
Commonly practiced annual traditions that some deem as unusual.
Despite the presence of commonly practiced annual traditions, there are some customs that may strike certain people as unusual. For instance, consider the annual Presidential Turkey Pardon, officially known as the “National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation.” On Thanksgiving Day, the President extends clemency to a specially selected turkey, sparing it from becoming the centerpiece of a meal and ensuring that it lives out its days freely on a farm.
According to the National Turkey Federation, this tradition started in 1947 when President Harry Truman received a live turkey from them. In 1963, President Kennedy returned the gift from the National Turkey Federation to its farm of origin, according to the White House website. Sometime during the Nixon administration, the President began sending the turkey to a petting farm near Washington after the receiving ceremony and photos, although no formal pardon was given. President George H.W. Bush offered the first actual turkey pardon. On November 14, 1989, he declared that year’s turkey had “been granted a presidential pardon as of right now.”
But this is just the start when it comes to unusual Thanksgiving customs. Check out the following list for even more unique and eccentric traditions associated with the Thanksgiving holiday.
Born in Mt Clemens, Screamin’ Scott has been a part of the Detroit airwaves for 30-plus years. With 40 years of experience in radio. When he’s not out on the streets for WCSX, you can find him devoting time to local charities with his, “Screamin Angels”; and for 16 years with Rock 4 Tots charity. And last 10 years with his local band, "Chit!." Screamin Scott likes to write about nostalgic Detroit area memories, classic rock, and local metro Detroit topics.