Idling occurs when an engine is on, but the vehicle is not moving. It is common for an engine to idle when stopped at a traffic light, railroad crossing, or in traffic congestion. During rest periods, engines idle to allow the operator to use the air conditioner or heating system, or to use appliances such as microwaves, computers, and televisions. Idling also occurs during loading and unloading and to keep the engine and fuel warm in cold weather.
Long duration idling consumes diesel fuel and emits pollution.
Emissions from diesel engines contain harmful air pollutants including, volatile organic compounds (VOC), particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases. These pollutants contribute to urban smog, acid rain, poor air quality, decreased visibility also known as regional haze, and a variety of health problems, such as asthma and heart disease.
Children and the elderly are the most vulnerable to disease and health complications due to smog and poor air-quality. Local communities near truck stops, rest areas, and other areas where long duration idling occurs, may benefit from reduced pollution and noise levels as will truck drivers and truck stop employees. |
Did You Know...
Heavy-duty vehicles use over 1 billion gallons of fuel per year idling, spending almost $2 billion. This amounts to about 1 percent of all petroleum imported into the U.S. Idlingof truck and locomotive engines emits 11 million tons of carbon dioxide, 200,000 tons of oxides of nitrogen, and 5,000 tons of particulate matter into the air. Efforts to reduce idling have many benefits including:
- Reduction in the emission of harmful air pollutants
- Reductions in fuel consumption, decreased maintenance costs, and longer engine life which results in cost savings
- Reductions in noise levels
- Decreased dependency on fuel import
Idling longer than 10 seconds uses more fuel and produces more CO2 compared to restarting the engine. Unnecessary idling wastes money and fuel, and produces greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. |
The harmful impact of idling has long been recognized and numerous countries have pursued anti-idling legislation, including Canada, Great Britain, and Japan. In the U.S., many states have state-wide anti-idling laws and several counties and cities have their own anti-idling rules.
In April 2006, EPA OTAQ put together a summary of anti-idling regulations in the U.S. entitled, Compilation of State, County, and Local Anti-Idling Regulations. To read the document click here. |
