Information for Drivers

Nine counties in North Central Texas do not meet federal air quality standards for ozone; and thus, 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 idling restrictions has been included as a control strategy in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) 8-Hour Ozone Attainment Demonstration State Implementation Plan (SIP), which is the clean air plan for the region. 

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?

Funding 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.

• TCEQ Idling Limitation Rule
• Electrified Truck Stop Locations

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:

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

• Ways to Reduce Idling
• On-Board and On-Site Technologies
• Electrified Truck Stops
• Anti-Idling Street Sign [PDF]
• Idling Restrictions Brochures (English / Spanish) [PDF]

Funding for Idle Reduction Technology

• NCTCOG's Funding Page
• Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP)
• National Idle Reduction Network News
• SmartWay Transport Partnership (EPA Region 6)

If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Amanda Brimmer at 817-608-2354 or abrimmer@nctcog.org.