In winter, when it’s cold, taking the car is a real nightmare. It is almost impossible to be behind the wheel without using the air conditioning, especially when the outside temperature is around 0°. For all motorists who use the car to go to work or travel to a distant destination, the heating system is a particularly lifesaver. But did you know that under certain conditions, you risk being fined?
Heating in the car – Source: spm
Why shouldn’t you turn on the heating in the middle of traffic?
Let’s face it, when it’s cold, as soon as we get in the car, we tend to mechanically turn on the heating. This gesture, which may seem trivial, can sometimes have serious consequences. However, we all make certain mistakes: many times, when we are waiting for someone in the car, and it is very cold outside, we leave it running with the heating on. The same thing happens in the middle of a traffic jam. We keep the car in neutral: the engine idling, the windows tightly closed and the heating on to achieve a more bearable and comfortable climate in the passenger compartment.
Except no one is supposed to ignore the law! We remind you that this behavior is reprehensible and punishable by law. It is written in article 157 of the Traffic laws (paragraph 7-bis): “ It is forbidden to leave the engine running while the vehicle is parked to keep the vehicle’s air conditioning system running; of the infraction follows the administrative sanction of payment of a sum of €223 to €444“. The law is very strict in this matter, even if it is little known, and whoever exceeds it runs the risk of paying it very expensive, such as retirement Jean-Baptiste Ledall, lawyer.
Traffic during the heat wave – Source: spm
Environmental issues and fuel waste
But why this ban? The reason is mainly environmental: it is linked to gas emissions, especially when you are in urban centers. Although it is not yet clarified, it is unlikely that this law will also apply to electric cars, since they do not pollute the environment, like traditional gasoline or diesel vehicles.
In addition, apart from the ecological issue, there is another detail that you must take into account: by leaving the engine running to make the most of the air conditioning, you consume fuel unnecessarily. Sure, you won’t risk damaging the battery, but you won’t save gas. For example, if you use the air conditioning on the road, consumption increases by 10%. On the other hand, if you use it in the city, consumption can exceed 20%. When stationary, the engine revs up to 1,000 rpm and consumes 0.033 liters per minute.
If we add to this increase in fuel consumption the damage caused to the environment and the risk of paying a fine, it would be enough to have a little common sense to change this bad habit. So be patient and roll down your windows!
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