Just miss the light? Turning off vehicle may help save planet?

Question

I saw this comment in a local newspaper and was wondering if someone knew if this was legal? Can you legally shut your engine off at the stop lights?

AND wouldn't that be hard on your vehicle?

So would we be saving the planet but having to buy a new car every couple of years?

Answer 1

Starting an engine uses more fuel !

Answer 2

I have read tips like this before, but I don't recommend doing it, your idling vehicle uses little fuel and the risk of it not starting back up and causing a traffic jam or wreck, tearing up your starter (very expensive to replace now), etc. hardly make it worthwhile or safe.  I am all for shutting off you vehicle if you are stopped in a parking lot, but no on the road.