NASHVILLE, Tenn. – It is against the law in Davidson County to leave your car running, unattended, with the keys in the ignition.
The Metro Council voted Tuesday night to alter the law slightly after members reported complaints from their constituents that the law is unfair.
"We've allowed folks who have newer vehicles that are equipped with remote starters to start their vehicle," Metro Councilman Duane Dominy explained. "They have an elderly parent that they have to transport or a child, and say, 'I can't just go out there and put them in that cold car. I've got to start it.'"
While there was no opposition to the bill passed Tuesday, some say it doesn't go far enough.
It only applies to those who can start their vehicle remotely, or those who can start their cars and remove the keys from the ignition.
"We're penalizing the regular common average ordinary citizen from being able to warm up their car before they put their children in to take to school or daycare or before they go off to their job because they don't have special technology to start their car," said Councilman Bo Mitchell.
Several council members expressed interest in repealing the law, and said Tuesday night wasn't the last of the discussion.
The bill will go into effect in 20 days unless Nashville Mayor Karl Dean makes it law sooner.
People in Davidson County caught warming their car, with their keys in the ignition are subject to a $50 fine.
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