This is a hot topic every fall/winter so here is a compilation of local/state laws/ordinances regarding this.
There is no state law in Minnesota prohibiting leaving a vehicle running while unattended.
You can view/search all Minnesota Statutes here: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/
Some cities do have ordinances prohibiting leaving a vehicle running while unattended.
*DISCLAIMER: This information was compiled by searching each cities ordinances for the word ‘unattended’, ‘keys’ and ‘ignition’, and reading each result for relevant information.
This is provided as a tool to help others find relevant information, and this is not legal advice. You are advised to do your own research in addition to this compilation of links. This group/website is not run or monitored by any law enforcement agency. For more information regarding any of these laws/ordinances, please contact the appropriate authority for your area.
If you find that any of this information is outdated, inaccurate or if there are links that no longer work – please contact me and let me know.
You can view a directory of city websites and direct links or ordinances for each city in Anoka County here: https://acblotter.wordpress.com/county-city-information-directory/
City of Anoka https://library.municode.com/mn/anoka/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CD_CH66TRVE_ARTIISTSTPA_DIV1GE_S66-47KEBEREVE
City of Blaine
None
City of Coon Rapids
None
City of Columbia Heights:
10.305 TRAFFIC, MOTOR VEHICLES. (A) (1) https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/columbiahts/latest/columbiaheights_mn/0-0-0-7688
City of Columbus
None
City of Centerville
None
City of Circle Pines
None
City of East Bethel
Sec. 70-148 https://library.municode.com/mn/east_bethel/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH70TRMOVE_ARTVRESN_S70-148LEUN
City of Fridley
None
City of Ham Lake
None
City of Lexington
CHAPTER 9 SECTION 9.14
https://www.ci.lexington.mn.us/page/open/648/0/CHAPTER%209%20-%20PARKING%20REGULATIONS.pdf
City of Lino Lakes
None
City of Oak Grove
None
City of Ramsey
Sec. 54-37
https://library.municode.com/mn/ramsey/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH54TRVE_ARTIISTSTPA_S54-37REKECA
City of St. Francis
None
Stats
In 2018, 81,911 vehicles were stolen with keys left in them in the United States. (Source)
The total number of vehicles stolen in the United States in 2018 was 748,841.
(Source)
The percentage of vehicles stolen with keys in them accounts for 10.93% of the total number of vehicles stolen that year. (Source: Math)
Insurance Information Institute – Vehicle Theft Stats: https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-auto-theft
Vehicle Theft Prevention
Take Your Keys ALWAYS Campaign – State of Minnesota
You Hold The Key to Prevent Auto Theft – State of Minnesota
Minnesota Auto Thefts Data Dashboard – Interactive Statistics
Minnesota Top Ten Most Stolen Vehicles (Posted 2022)
Minnesota Auto Theft Prevention – Tips from the Experts
Minnesota Auto Theft Prevention Toolkit – MN Dept. of Commerce
National Insurance Crime Bureau – Auto Theft Prevention
What to do if your car is stolen – State of Minnesota