Information for Drivers

Ten counties in North Central Texas do not meet federal air quality standards for ozone and are required to take measures to reduce pollution to within acceptable levels.  Because of this, and the inherent health impacts of poor air quality, efforts are being made to reduce emissions from all pollution sources, which include minimizing excessive idling of heavy-duty vehicles.  To address these unnecessary emissions, locally enforced motor vehicle idling limitatons have been included as weight of evidence in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) 8-Hour Ozone Attainment Demonstration State Implementation Plan (SIP), which is the clean air plan for the region. 
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What is the Rule?

What Types of Vehicles Does This Rule Apply To?

What Cities and Counties Have Idling Rules in North Central Texas?

How Can I Reduce My Idling?

What Funding is Available for Idle Reduction Technology?

What is the Rule?
Gas and diesel vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of greater than 14,000 pounds may not idle the main engine of the vehicle for more than five minutes within participating jurisdictions.  Vehicles with a sleeper berth are exempt during the government-mandated rest-period so long as the idling is not occurring within a two-mile radius of a facility offering external heating and air conditioning connections.  Motorists may be ticketed for idling in participating areas.  This rule is in effect year round.


Several exemptions exist related to vehicle type, operations, and air-conditioning/heating provisions.  The idling rule does not apply to:

 

  • Military, emergency, law enforcement, or armored vehicles
  • Airport ground support equipment
  • The owner of an idling vehicle that is leased or rented to a person not working for the owner
  • A vehicle idling due to traffic congestion
  • A motor running to power mechanical operations or for diagnostic or maintenance purposes
  • A vehicle idling solely for the purpose of defrosting a windshield
  • A vehicle idling to ensure employee health and safety during roadway construction or maintenance
  • A vehicle idling to ensure passenger safety and comfort in commercial and public-transit vehicles (30-minute limit)
  • A vehicle with a sleeper berth while the driver is on a government-mandated rest-period and not within a two-mile radius of a facility offering external heating and air conditioning connections
  • Heavy-duty diesel or compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, model year 2008 or newer, over 8,500 GVWR, certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or other State agency to emit no more than 30 grams of nitrogen oxides emissions per hour when idling such vehicles are referred to as having "Certified Clean Idle" engines.

What Types of Vehicles Does This Rule Apply To?
Any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of greater than 14,000 pounds without a "Certified Clean Idle" engine.  This may include, but not limited to, the following types of vehicles:

Beverage Trucks

Larger Motor Homes

Bucket Trucks

Rack Trucks

Delivery Trucks

School Buses

Dump Trucks

Service Body Trucks

Flat Bed Trucks

Stake Trucks

Fuel Trucks

Step Vans

Furniture Trucks

Tanker Trucks

Garbage Trucks

Tow Trucks

Heavy-Duty Utility Trucks

Tractor-Trailer Rigs

Home Fuel Trucks

Transit Buses

Inner-City Tour Buses

Utility Trucks

What Cities and Counties Have Idling Rules in North Central Texas?
Cities and counties within the ten-county ozone nonattainment area that have adopted the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s (TCEQ) Idling Limitation Rule and signed the North Texas Memorandum of Agreement are able to enforce this rule utilizing local enforcement personnel.  Below is a map of the North Central Texas cities and counties where idling restrictions are being enforced.  For a list of idling regulations nationwide, visit the American Transportation Research Institute website.

map

How Can I Reduce My Idling?
Alternative technologies allow drivers to remain comfortable and safe, save money on fuel, and reduce emissions.

Funding for Idle Reduction Technology

CLICK HERE to receive e-mails on Air Quality and Transportation Funding Opportunities.

If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Lori Clark at 817-695-9232
or lclark@nctcog.org.