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Can you turn off a car while driving?

I was debating with a friend the other day about whether you can turn off a car while driving. I say that you can’t; he says that you can. Which one of us is correct? Can you turn the ignition off while driving?

avatar
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Strangely enough, you’re both correct! Whether or not you can turn off a car while driving is almost 100% determined by the age of the vehicle.
You can turn off a car while driving if it is an older model. However, newer cars have safety features that won’t allow you to do so.
Regardless, never attempt to turn off a car while driving. When your car turns off, all of the systems shut down. That means that you’ll lose power steering, engine power, and antilock brake functionality. So even if you’re trying to prove a point or win a bet, just don’t do it—you could lose control or
cause an accident
.
Driving safely is of paramount importance. And so is protecting yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle with great car insurance coverage—without overpaying for it.
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