 When idling, heavy-duty diesel vehicles produce emissions that further contribute to air quality problems in Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and can lead to adverse health effects. To address these unnecessary emissions, locally enforced idling restrictions has been included as a control strategy in the DFW 8-Hour Ozone Attainment Demonstration State Implementation Plan (SIP), which is the clean air plan for the region. The goal is to come into compliance for ozone as early as possible to ensure the greatest quality of life for all residents.
What is the Rule?
How To Report an Idling Vehicle?
What Cities and Counties Have Idling Rules in North Central Texas?
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 thegovernment-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.
How To Report an Idling Vehicle
People can take an active role in improving regional air quality by reporting idling vehicles anonymously. Citizens can easily report a vehicle online or by phone. If reported, a letter will be mailed to the registered owner of the idling vehicle stating that his/her vehicle was anonymously reported for idling. Information on local idling rules, benefits of not idling, as well as possible funding opportunities to aid in the purchase of idle reduction technologies will be included. In addition, the information reported may also be shared with local law enforcement agencies to inform them of possible areas of frequent idling occurrences. Cities and counties can then use these reports to help determine target areas for education and enforcement.
When reporting a vehicle, please provide the following information:
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Date, Time, and City of Citing |
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Specific Location (i.e. parking lot or cross-street) |
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License Plate Number of Tractor or Trailer |
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Vehicle Type |
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The Name of Company (if available) |
What Cities and Counties Have Idling Rules in North Central Texas?
Cities and counties within the nine-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 currently in place.
Cities/Towns |
Counties |
| City of Arlington |
Town of Little Elm |
Collin County |
| City of Benbrook |
City of Mabank |
Dallas County |
| City of Cedar Hill |
City of McKinney |
Kaufman County |
| City of Celina |
City of Mesquite |
Tarrant County |
| City of Colleyville |
City of North Richland Hills |
|
| City of Dallas |
City of Pecan Hill |
|
| City Of Duncanville NEW! |
City of Richardson |
|
| City of Euless |
City of Rowlett |
|
| City of Hurst |
City of University Park |
|
| City of Keene |
Town of Westlake |
|
| City of Lake Worth |
Town of Venus |
|
| City of Lancaster |
|
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If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Amanda Brimmer at 817-608-2354 or abrimmer@nctcog.org. |
