Are Remote Starters Illegal on Manual Transmission Cars?

Remote starters have become a popular feature in cars, especially for use in winter.

The feature allows drivers to start their engines remotely to heat up or cool down before they even get in.

Yet, not all states allow the use of remote starters in manual transmission cars.

In this blog post, we will discuss the specific states that disallow this feature and the reasons behind the ban. Let’s get started.

So, Are Remote Starters Illegal on Manual Transmission Cars?

It depends. The legality of remote starters on manual transmission cars varies by location.

In some areas, the use of remote starters on manual transmission cars is completely prohibited due to the safety risks involved.

While in other areas there are stipulations added for use.

Remote starters can also be bad for the environment.

They can cause emissions to increase. When you use the remote start feature, the car runs and produces unnecessary emissions.

This can be particularly problematic if the car runs unattended for an extended period of time.

Additionally, if not installed properly, the remote starter can cause the car to consume more fuel. This produces more emissions than it would if you started it when ready to drive.

Before using a remote starter on a manual transmission car, research and understand the local laws and regulations.

What Are the Potential Dangers of Using a Remote Starter on A Manual Transmission Car?

There are several potential dangers of using a remote starter on a manual transmission car:

The Car Could Roll Away

A major concern with remote starters on manual transmission cars is the potential for the car to roll away.

Remote starters start the engine but do not engage the transmission, so the car is not in park or neutral.

If the handbrake is not engaged, the car could roll away, particularly if parked on an incline. This can lead to accidents, injury, property damage, and liability issues.

To prevent this, it’s crucial to engage the handbrake, park on a level surface, and check the car’s position before remotely starting the engine.

Furthermore, it’s important to consult with the vehicle’s manufacturer or a professional to ensure proper installation and compatibility of the remote starter.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Another potential risk associated with remote starters on manual transmission cars is carbon monoxide poisoning.

In an enclosed space or with an improper exhaust system, carbon monoxide can build up and pose a serious health risk.

When using a remote starter, it’s important to make sure the exhaust system works properly and not to use it in enclosed spaces.

Additionally, it’s important to install a carbon monoxide detector in the area where the car is parked, to detect any potential buildup of the gas.

What Specific States Have Stipulations on Remote Starters on Manual Transmission Cars?

Almost all states now prohibit remote starting of manual cars. However, the five most vocal states are New York, Massachusetts, Oregon, California, and Minnesota.

All 5 of these states have put specific safety stipulations on the use of remote starters on manual transmissions. Let’s explore the specific laws and the reasoning behind them.

New York

According to the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC), the use of remote starters in cars with manual transmissions is prohibited by state law.

The reasoning behind this ban is that remote starters can cause the car to move unexpectedly, which can lead to accidents and injuries.

Individuals who use them may be cited and fined.

Minnesota

Minnesota state law prohibits the use of remote starters in cars with manual transmissions.

The reasoning behind this ban is the same as New York’s, to prevent accidents and injuries caused by the car moving unexpectedly.

Remote starters can be dangerous on manual transmission vehicles as they can cause the car to move while it’s running, potentially causing accidents or injuries.

According to CBS, the city of Minneapolis is an exception to this law, particularly when the weather is below a certain temperature.

Be sure to check with your specific local authorities to see if there are any further exemptions available to you in your area.

Oregon & Massachusetts

There are no laws in Oregon or Massachusetts that prohibit the use of remote starters in manual transmission cars.

Remote starters can be used on manual transmission cars in Massachusetts, as long as the car is in neutral or parked before the engine can be started remotely.

As a general safety practice, when using a remote starter, it is always important to ensure that the car is in neutral or parked before starting the engine remotely, to prevent the car from moving unexpectedly.

Anti-Idling State Laws & How They Affect Using Remote Starters

Another set of laws to keep in mind when thinking of using remote starters is the Anti-Idling laws.

Anti-idling laws prohibit the unnecessary idling of vehicles, and they typically provide exemptions for vehicles that need to keep their engines running for safety or operational reasons, such as emergency vehicles, buses, and trucks that are actively loading or unloading.

According to Reader’s Digest, the use of remote starters may be affected in states that limit engine idling time or have exemptions for cold weather.

We have listed most of the vocal states with anti-idling laws in the table below.

However, be sure to search for your specific location for changes or updates on the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s website.

What States Have Anti-Idling Laws?

California	California’s anti-idling law, enacted in 2008, prohibits a vehicle from idling for more than five minutes. They provide exemptions for vehicles that are required to keep engines running for safety or operational reasons.
Colorado	Colorado’s anti-idling law limits idling to no more than three minutes with safety and operational exemptions. This includes emergency vehicles, buses, and trucks that are actively loading or unloading.
Connecticut	Connecticut’s anti-idling law limits idling to no more than three minutes. It has exemptions for vehicles that need to keep their engines running for safety or operational reasons.
Delaware	Delaware’s anti-idling law limits idling to no more than three minutes. It has exemptions for vehicles that need to keep their engines running for safety or operational reasons.
Maine	Maine’s anti-idling law limits idling to no more than five minutes. It includes exemptions for vehicles that need to keep their engines running for safety or operational reasons.
Massachusetts	Massachusetts’ anti-idling law limits idling to no more than five minutes with safety and operational exemptions with safety and operational exemptions.
New York	New York’s anti-idling law limits idling to no more than three minutes with safety and operational exemptions.
Rhode Island	Rhode Island’s anti-idling law limits idling to no more than three minutes with safety and operational exemptions.
Vermont	Vermont’s anti-idling law limits idling to no more than three minutes with safety and operational exemptions.
Washington	Washington’s anti-idling law limits idling to no more than five minutes with safety and operational exemptions.

 

It is important to note that this list is not exhaustive and anti-idling laws can change over time.

It is best to check with your state’s department of environmental protection or your local government for the most up-to-date information on anti-idling laws and exceptions in your area.

Conclusion

Several states in the US disallow the use of remote starters in manual transmission cars.

The main reasons for the ban are to prevent accidents and injuries caused by cars moving unexpectedly and to reduce emissions that are harmful to the environment.

Car owners need to check their state’s laws and the US EPA rulings before installing a remote starter in their manual transmission cars.