 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.
NOTE: As of September 1, 2009, exemption (12) of the Texas Administrative Code: § 114.510-517 Locally Enforced Motor Vehicle Idling Limitations is expired. This means that truck drivers are no longer exempt from idling during a government-mandated resting period within any jurisdiction in the State that has adopted this rule. Click here for a list of entities in North Central Texas that have adopted the rule.
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 NEW! |
| 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 Euless |
City of Richardson NEW! |
|
| City of Hurst |
City of Rowlett |
|
| City of Keene |
City of University Park |
|
| City of Lake Worth |
Town of Westlake |
|
| City of Lancaster |
Town of Venus* |
|
*Upon Approval from TCEQ
Frequently Asked Questions [COMING SOON]
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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