Idling is when engines are left running while the vehicle is parked. Idling motors can create twice as much pollution to the environment and poses a risk to everyone’s health.
Idling your vehicle:
- Burns fossil fuels, emitting gases and particulates that pollute the air
- Wastes money by burning unnecessary gallons of fuel each year
- Causes damage to your engine, including cylinders, spark plugs, and exhaust system
Did you know? 1 minute spent idling produces more carbon monoxide than 3 packs of cigarettes!
How does idling affect health?
Pollutants emitted by vehicle tailpipes can enter the body and impact brain, heart, and lung function. They can affect pregnancy outcomes, lower life expectancy, and impact the risk for obesity and diabetes.
Who is most at risk?
- Infants and young children
- Pregnant people
- Older people (65 & older)
- People with pre-existing conditions
- Communities with poor air quality
How can I reduce idling?
If you’re waiting more than 10 seconds, turn off your ignition. Restarting your car does not burn more fuel.
Warm up your engine by driving it. Today’s vehicles do not need to warm up, even in winter.
Create an anti-idling campaign. Work with your school to create anti-idling signs in areas where people idle.
Find alternative transportation. Use public transportation, or other alternatives like walking, biking or carpooling.
Some cities have anti-idling laws. New York City fines people ($100-$2000) who idle their vehicles for more than 1 minute outside a of a school, or 3 minutes in the rest of NYC.
Here are some tips to help enforce anti-idling laws in New York City:
- Anonymously report an idling vehicle, other than an authorized emergency vehicle, by calling 311.
- NYC Citizens Air Complaint Program – Submit a time-stamped video or photo of a truck or bus idling for 3 minutes to the NYC Department of Environmental Protection. You can be awarded 25% of the fine for your enforcement efforts.