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Motor vehicles are the largest source of emissions in the District. To reduce these emissions, the District has implemented a law to limit engine idling. With a few exceptions, motor vehicles powered by gasoline or diesel are not allowed to idle for more than three minutes while the vehicle is parked, stopped or standing. Any person or organization owning or operating a vehicle seen violating this regulation will be issued a civil infraction ticket for $500 for a first-time violation.
The only exceptions are as follows:
- Private non-commercial passenger vehicles are exempt.
- When temperatures are below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, vehicles may idle for no more than five minutes.
- Engines may idle when they are necessary for the operation of power takeoff equipment such as dumping beds, cement mixers, refrigeration systems, content delivery equipment, winches, or shredders.
Engine Idling Community Enforcement Program
DOEE is initiating a Community Engine Idling Enforcement Pilot Program to test the feasibility of expanding opportunities for District residents to assist in improving air quality. Under the program, community members desiring to report violations of the engine idling regulations will use the District of Columbia 311 Mobile App (DC311 App) to report and submit information about violations in a manner that will allow for civil enforcement of the regulations. Prior to filing an engine idling violation report, please refer to these guidelines to ensure that the submission has the information necessary for a proper review and entry into the enforcement process.
Check out our video below to learn more about how to file a 311 report for engine idling and what happens after you file the report.
