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Hi There,
I was wondering whether or not remote start is legal?

I was speaking to one of the sales guy at Autobarn the other day regarding car alarms etc and he asked whether or not I wanted remote start fitted. I asked him if its legal to have it installed

He answered No its not legal but if its done properly with it cutting off when its in gear its all good

So my question is Remote Start Legal?

Thanks,
Tien

Don't do it. It's useless and could cost you lots of money should the car bolt into something stationary. Search the forum on \"remote start\" using the Google function at the bottom of the page.

I believe they are not legal just like the turbo timers are illegal. You are meant to be sitting behind the wheel when engine is running. Thats why in the old days you used to have a switch in the engine bay to stop the car when tuning it.

or something of that nature.


Don't go there girlfriend. You are a P plater. You are therefore an automatic Cop magnet. Regardless how clean your car is. don't give them a reason for defecting you. or even worse.....what JBT is saying.

oh was just wondering cause apparently the guy said he could give me big discounts if i did it along with the alarm

But yeah i didn't think it was legal

yep not legal & your insurer might not cover your car if they found out. probably worth asking them what alarms/immobilisers they like to be fitted on insuree cars.

My understanding of the law (in vic) is that you must be with in 3 metres of the vehicle while it is running. Therefore if you remote start within 3 metres it is legal but not otherwise. Also I beleive remote starting is legal on private property (ie: your driveway).

My car came with it installed when I bought it, together with an alarm with a variety of other features. I've only used it a few times, it really is pretty useless other than as a show off feature. The previous owner of my car was dumb enouth to start it in gear leaving a nice black mark from a BMW on the bumper that took forever for me to polish out (absolute pain). It also mis alligned and slightly bent the bonnet. One of my dad's friends restores cars, he was kind enouth to fix that thankfully and now no one would know what happened.

Its really not worth the extra money in my opinion. If my car didn't have an alarm I wouldn't buy a system with it. although it can be a bit of fun at times and very James Bond! I do have to ask though, if it is completely illegal why are the retailers allowed to sell it?

*sigh* yet another lazy thing that I would put money on originated in the US. Do you know they have drive-through supermarkets there?
Complacency leads to problems as JBT wrote, not to mention that it's better for both engine and gearbox if you were to start the car with the clutch disenganged.

Just another thing I never understood, why do people beep their alarms off when approaching the car and they are like 10-15 metres away?

Remote start was pretty handy when we had it on a hire car last year. Temps were ridiculously cold, so you could remote start it from inside the house, wait 5 minutes, and then run through -18deg C temps to a warm car.

Aside from that, don't see the point.

It was specifically designed for the colder markets so that your car would be warmed up and have clear windows on those colder mornings. Also good in hot weather when you want the airconditioner on for a bit before you get in the car. I don't have it but would consider it when I get my next alarm as not all of us have garages to park in over night and in winter I have to wait for a good 5 minutes or so for my windows to clear up. May be a bit of a wank but it has it's uses. Why is everyone so critical on this forum? Seems that if you don't have then nobody else should have it either

Ben

Meanmx is quite right, remote start does have it positive features. If you want it (if its not too expensive) get it. It is definently a bit of fun to have and does have its uses. Although I wouldn't use it all the time to start your car, just occasionally and when you are 100% sure it is out of gear.

Ben,

Well I'd love to get it but only as long as its Legal last thing i want is my insurance to refuse my claim because the Remote Start is illegal

Well I spoke to another place for alarm ... and asked about remote start

The guy said if its done properly with it wired to ONLY work when in neutral then its legal but if that isn't done then its illegal

I'd be nice to have thats for sure

AZNTieN wrote:I'd be nice to have thats for sure

Whyyyyyy

so i can warm the engine up before i get out and try and beat traffic every morning lol

so on a hot day the inside of the car would be nice and coool as soon as i open that door

It all depends on the price and whether or not its legal

From the Qld road rules:

\"Secure your vehicle before you leave it unattended if you are going to be more than 3 m away. You must:

apply the parking brake
switch off the engine
remove the ignition key
lock the doors if possible.\"

Could you live with yourself if the car was started remotely whilst in gear and maimed someone? Yes, it can and has happened.

How can it be legal. When remote starting it you'll most likely be more than 3 m away from the vehicle. The sales guy is talking through his arse
Stop being so lazy like the yanks. they will also stop developing sh*t like that when price of fuel goes up. Fair enough in Alaska in the middle of winter they have a point. Not in Brisbane

Best way to warm up a car is let it idle for about a minute or so. Then drive it gently until its warmed up. Read the instructions in the owners manual

I'll say it again spend your money on something more sensible. Thats all. & protect the environment a little by not using this little gadget. Our Yanky friend Al Gore would be proud of you.


at the end of the day......its your money and your car. & wer'e being entertained.