I have not been pulled over for a possible violation in such a long time I can't really remember. I have been stopped at border checks and once recently when there was some guy escaped from a local holding pen, er I mean jail. Those time I just put the windows down about 2/3rds, kept the engine running, flip on the interior lights so they can see into the truck, handed them all the necessary paperwork, and answered their questions. Once I was asked about the rifle in my gun rack, I acknowledged it's existance, then I was asked if it was loaded, I replied what good is an unloaded gun? Here in New Mexico your vehicle is treated like your home, private, and there were no further questions regarding it's presence. I don't turn off the engine, none have ever asked for it to be turned off. If they did ask me to turn it off I would probably ask why that was necessary first, not to say that I would not comply, but it running vrs not running to me has no relevance. Either you get a ticket or you don't and a running engine is not the basis for them stopping you, your driving is.
CD
Geez, I know where I'm moving to.