I don’t mean this to be disrespectful in anyway to those that are more traditional then me but I believe Hash-m doesn’t mind if I drive on Shabbos. First let me state that I truly respect those who feel differently and that there argument is quite logical I just believe mine has credence as well. The traditional argument as best as I know it is it says in the Torah that you shall not kindle a fire on the Sabbath and by starting the ignition you are starting a fire. Here are the reasons I differ.
(1) Kindling a fire in those days required a great deal of effort on those that were attempting this act by rubbing two sticks together while turning an ignition switch isn’t basically effortless.
(2) When you kindle a fire in those days it was for heat or use of food and not for transportation.
(3) If an individual who is not Jewish drives you or you stay at a hotel you are spending monies (which is a form for work) on those who might enjoy the Shabbos in their own way as well.
(4) It becomes extremely difficult for those that are elderly, in-firmed, poor or live further way to hear words of wisdom if they can’t use transportation to get there and I believe it’s more important to hear the words directly then have them interrupted from far away.
(5) G-D wants Shabbos to be joyful, peaceful, thoughtful and not create divisions within our community which can occur when we don’t visit each other. Cars are a great way to visit distant communities.