 On May 8, 2008, the Regional Transportation Council (RTC), which is the policy body for the North Central Texas Council of Governments' (NCTCOG) Transportation Department, approved a resolution supporting locally enforced motor vehicle Idling restrictions in North Central Texas. As a result, the RTC is encouraging local government adoption of the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality’s (TCEQ) idling limitations rule as well as entrance into a North Texas memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the TCEQ for the purpose of enforcement.
When idling, heavy-duty diesel vehicles produce roughly 15 times more emissions than light-duty gasoline vehicles; which further contributes to the air quality problem in Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and can lead to possible adverse health effects. To address these unnecessary emissions, locally enforced idling restrictions have been included as a control strategy in the DFW 8-Hour Ozone Attainment Demonstration State Implementation Plan (SIP) and is one of several policies the NCTCOG has committed to implement by the start of the 2009 ozone season.
Under this rule, all vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 14,000 pounds or greater may not idle for more than five minutes within participating jurisdictions. This includes both public and private vehicles and is currently applicable between April and October, which is the peak of the ozone season. Several exemptions exist related to vehicle type, operations, and air-conditioning/heating provisions. NCTCOG has developed a Local Government Guide for public entities to use as a resource in implementing and enforcing idling restrictions in North Central Texas.
If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Amanda Brimmer at (817) 608-2354 or abrimmer@nctcog.org. It is requested that local governments keep NCTCOG apprized of implementation and enforcement efforts.
NOTES:
- On July 20, 2011, the TCEQ approved changes to the Locally Enforced Motor Vehicle Idling Limitations Rule.
Changes include:
1) extending the enforcement period to year-round;
2) adding an exemption for armored vehicles;
3) reinstating the exemption for government-mandated rest-periods; and
4) removing prohibition of idling in neighborhoods, school zones, and near hospitals.
These revisions are effective August 11, 2011. More information is available at on TCEQ’s website at www.tceq.texas.gov/rules/adopt.html.
- In the 82nd Texas Legislative Session, two bills were passed related to enforcement of idling rules.
- SB493 -
This bill exempts 2008 and newer trucks with Certified Clean Idle engines from idling restrictions. These engines emit no more than 30 grams of nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions per hour and generally have a sticker on the chassis of the truck identifying it as a “Certified Clean Idle” engine or as having a “Verified Clean Auxiliary Power System (APS)”. In addition, this bill increases the maximum gross vehicle weight limit by up to 400 pounds for trucks equipped with an idle reduction system. This bill went into effect immediately.
- HB1906 - This bill makes violation of locally enforced motor vehicle idling limitations a class C misdemeanor. This will be of most significance to counties, helping to simplify the process for citing offenders. This rule goes into effect on September 1, 2011.
Important Documents:
North Texas Idling Restrictions: click to learn more about what each stage entails.
Local Government Participation in North Central Texas:
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 |
City of Venus |
|
| City of Lake Worth |
Town of Westlake |
|
| City of Lancaster |
|
|
*Upon Approval from TCEQ
Health Concerns Associated with Excessive Idling
Legislative Documents
Technology Options
Ways to Reduce Idling
Local Idle Reduction News:
Idle Reduction Funding:
Additional Information:
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