Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Idling Restriction FAQs

Beginning August 2005, it will be a violation of state law for

operators of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of more than

14,000 pounds to idle for over five minutes during the Central

Texas Ozone Season (April 1 through October 31).

For more information call 512-343-SMOG.To view the

complete regulation, visit either www.engineoff.org or http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/assets/public/legal/rules/rules/pdflib/114j.pdf

Why is it important?

Unnecessary idling costs money, both in excess fuel consumption and in shortened engine life. Idling emissions contribute to air pollution, which can cause adverse health effects. U.S. EPA estimates that excess idling is responsible for:

Over 1 billion gallons of diesel fuel consumed annually in the U.S.
11 million tons of carbon dioxide, 200,000 tons of oxides of nitrogen, and 5,000 tons of particulate matter emitted annually in the U.S.
Increased engine maintenance costs and a 20% decrease in engine life (calculate)
Impaired driver rest and health
Elevated noise levels

Who�s affected by the new regulation?

Drivers of motor vehicles weighing over 14,000 pounds (see example) operating in Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis and Williamson Counties (map) are subject to the regulation, regardless of the state or county in which the vehicle is registered. Motor vehicles are defined as vehicles with an internal combustion engine and four or more wheels which can transport a person or property and which are required to be registered under Texas Transportation Code 502.002. Vehicles in federal Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) gross vehicle weight classes 4,5,6,7 and 8 weigh over 14,000 pounds.

What are the *exceptions?

(1) a motor vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight rating of 14,000 pounds or less, and if before September 1, 2007, does not have a sleeper berth;

(2) a motor vehicle forced to remain motionless because of traffic conditions over which the operator has no control;

(3) a motor vehicle being used by the United States military, national guard, or reserve forces, or as an emergency or law enforcement motor vehicle;

(4) the primary propulsion engine of a motor vehicle providing a power source necessary for mechanical operation, other than propulsion, and/or passenger compartment heating, or air conditioning;

(5) the primary propulsion engine of a motor vehicle being operated for maintenance or diagnostic purposes;

(6) the primary propulsion engine of a motor vehicle being operated solely to defrost a windshield;

(7) the primary propulsion engine of a motor vehicle that is being used to supply heat or air conditioning necessary for passenger comfort and safety in vehicles intended for commercial or public passenger transportation, or passenger transit operations, in which case idling up to a maximum of 30 minutes is allowed;

(8) the primary propulsion engine of a motor vehicle being used to provide air conditioning or heating necessary for employee health or safety while the employee is using the vehicle to perform an essential job function related to roadway construction or maintenance;

(9) the primary propulsion engine of a motor vehicle being used as airport ground support equipment;

(10) the owner of a motor vehicle rented or leased to a person that operates the vehicle and is not employed by the owner; or

(11) a motor vehicle when idling is necessary to power a heater or air conditioner while a driver is using the vehicle's sleeper berth for a government-mandated rest period. This subsection expires September 1, 2007.

*Go to the Texas Register in order to obtain the most current information about the idling rule exemptions

What are the penalties for noncompliance?

Twelve jurisdictions in the five-county region (Cities of Austin, Bastrop, Elgin, Lockhart, Luling, Round Rock, and San Marcos; and Counties of Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson) agreed to impose fines on violators if necessary to ensure compliance with the new rules. An eight-month public education and outreach program preceded enforcement of the rules, which will begin April 1, 2006. Inside city limits, cities can either take violators directly to court and seek penalties of $1000 or more, or adopt a municipal ordinance and write tickets to violators for fines up to $500. Enforcement outside city limits will be done by counties taking violators directly to court for penalties of $1000 or more. Contact your local jurisdiction for specific information.

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