Columbia Leaving vehicle unattended with motor running ordinance (§ 14-298)
Chapter 14: Motor Vehicles and Traffic · Article V. Stopping, Standing and Parking
In short: Before leaving a vehicle unattended on a street, you must stop the motor and cut off the electric current.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
No person shall leave a motor vehicle unattended or unattached on the street without first stopping the motor and cutting off the electric current.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 14-298
Text from Supplement 139 (September 3, 2026).
Last checked November 1, 2026. The city's official copy controls; this page is a reading copy, not legal advice.