Many people believe they must keep their engines running to maintain efficiency, but idling wastes fuel, damages vehicles and harms the environment. No one benefits from this costly habit. To address concerns associated with engine idling, Engine Off North Texas coordinates with governments across the 10-county nonattainment area to encourage the adoption and enforcement of idling restrictions for heavy-duty commercial vehicles (with a 30-minute limit for buses).

Idling means running a vehicle engine when it is not moving. While some idling is hard to avoid, most idling is wasteful and avoidable. An idling car wastes up to one-half gallon per hour; a medium-duty truck may waste even more. While individual episodes may be small, the cumulative impacts of idling are large.

Each gallon of fuel burned emits about 20 pounds of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. Tailpipe emissions contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, which can damage lungs. Idling laws differ by location, vehicle type/weight, fuel type and outside temperature. Fines reach up to $500 per violation.

To be a part of the solution, turn off vehicles when not moving and use waiting rooms at depots and assembly areas instead of idling when available.

For information or to report an incident, call 877-689-4353 or visit EngineOffNorthTexas.org.