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Posted: Sun 2:42 PM, Jan 16, 2011
Reporter: KKCO Email
Updated: Sun 10:48 PM, Jan 16, 2011

It's against the law to "Puff" in Colorado and State Patrol is cracking down

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO)_In the State of Colorado it’s illegal to leave your car running when you’re not in it. It’s called "Puffing" and this week authorities will be cracking down on it.

According to national statistics, a vehicle is stolen approximately every 40 seconds in the United States and in Colorado more than 12,000 are stolen a year.

Colorado State Patrol has designated this week "Puffer Week."

The agency wants to remind motorists they can help prevent auto theft by not leaving their cars unlocked and running while letting them warm up or running an errand.

On the Front Range, Colorado State Patrol will be increasing morning patrols looking for puffers and distributing educational warning flyers.

The Grand Junction Police Department says it won’t be issuing tickets for puffing this week but will be educating people on the issue if they see it happening.

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KKCO firmly believes in freedom of speech for all and we are happy to provide this forum for the community to share opinions and facts. We ask that commenters keep it clean, keep it truthful, stay on topic and be responsible. Comments left here do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of KKCO 11News.
  • by 5 O Joe Location: NE CO on Jan 19, 2011 at 07:35 PM
    As a Police Officer, I would have a problem with citing people for this. First off, I don't feel the need to protect you from your own stupidity. Secondly I, as most Officers do, frequently leave my vehicle running when on scene (many patrol cars have a device installed to allow this without the keys left in the vehicle) and would find that hypocritical of myself. Also the statute, 42-4-1206, (www.minche.com/colorado) does not define what is unattended. If your remote starter, or other installed device, does not allow the vehicle to be driven, then is it not electronicaly "attended"? As far as private property, the laws do not specify whether or not they apply or if only street / public parking areas are included. There are other comments about wasting time, there is down time as an Officer, but I would not waste my time on this. I do'nt have any problem with the "educational" approach to puffing though. Any cop should look at their own actions before citing someone else.
  • by Gerald Location: GJ on Jan 18, 2011 at 10:16 AM
    So if a car jacker doesn't rob you then the government needs to make sure you are robbed somehow. That is all our local guv is doing now.. rob rob rob the citizens.. new shiny roads that the citizens won't be able to even drive on much longer...
  • by Tracy Location: Fruita on Jan 17, 2011 at 09:34 PM
    OMG!! Is the state patrol really that bored? Really, there are better things to do. That just shows how hard up they are for ticket money!!
  • by todd Location: fruita on Jan 17, 2011 at 09:01 PM
    great, as some of the pepole of the grand valley run around drunk off the butts, driving a 4000 lbs weapon, csp is worried about puffing,it make me ill, the law en forcement in this happy valley, gpd.fpd sherrif,csp, stinks,you need more money for a bigger office, go out and write some tickets, pro active, not reactive,
  • by Anonymous on Jan 17, 2011 at 06:44 PM
    to annonymous: You missed the part stating unattended! I guess if he is running radar he would still be in the car! DUHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!
  • by Annonymous Location: GJ on Jan 17, 2011 at 03:50 PM
    So does this mean that a Trooper needs to shut his car off while on the side of the road running radar? Is that considered "Puffing" by statute? After all they are just sitting for hours with the engine running.
  • by John Location: GJ on Jan 17, 2011 at 03:47 PM
    Unbelievable....one would think the Colorado State Patrol would be better used enforcing red light violations, speeders, reckless drivers, etc. than ticketing someone trying to warm up their car to defrost the windshield before driving. Guess not.... what a waste of time, money & resources.
  • by Rachel Location: GJ on Jan 17, 2011 at 12:25 PM
    Cars built in the last 10 years do not need to be "warmed up" to run efficiently, it just wastes gas. Older cars may run better warm, but they should remain locked. That's what spare keys are for.
  • by Concerned Parent Location: Grand Junction on Jan 17, 2011 at 07:10 AM
    During the winter I like to start up my car in the mornings so that it will be warm when my children and I get in it to go to school. Isn't it better for a vehicle to be warmed up before driving off? What about folks that have diesel engines where they have to let their trucks warm up are tickets going to be distributed for the type of vehicle a person owns?
  • by Joe Location: Clifton on Jan 17, 2011 at 06:16 AM
    I sure wish someone would jaywalk so the police have something to do.
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