Anti-Idling Ordinance

Starting January 1, 2017, vehicles weighing 14,000 pounds or more(PDF, 101KB) are prohibited from idling more than five minutes (30 minutes for buses) within the City of San Antonio. In addition, no driver using the vehicle's sleeper berth may idle the vehicle in any of the following areas:

  • in a school zone
  • within 1,000 feet of a public school during its hours of operation
  • within 1,000 feet of a hospital
  • in a residential area

The Anti-Idling Ordinance (PDF) was adopted by City Council on June 30, 2016.

Exemptions

Idling for longer than five minutes is permitted if the following circumstances occur:

  • A military, emergency, law enforcement or armored vehicle.
  • A vehicle being used as airport ground support equipment.
  • Vehicles being operated as rental equipment.
  • Vehicles sitting in traffic jams.
  • Vehicles being operated for maintenance or diagnostic purposes.
  • Vehicles made after 2008 equipped with heavy-duty diesel or a natural gas engine certified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
  • Vehicles providing a power source necessary for mechanical operation (loading and unloading, truck refrigeration) and/or passenger compartment heating or air conditioning.
  • Vehicles being operated to defrost a windshield.
  • Vehicles being used to supply air conditioning or heating for passenger comfort and safety in commercial or public transportation are allowed to idle up to a maximum of 30 minutes.
  • Vehicles being used to supply air conditioning or heating for employee health and safety when the employee is using the vehicle to perform roadway, utility construction or maintenance.
  • Vehicles being used to run heat or air conditioning while driver is using the vehicle’s sleeper berth for a government-mandated rest period.

Violations

Effective January 1, 2017, City of San Antonio Parking Enforcement and Park Police will issue tickets to drivers of vehicles that idle for more than five minutes. The penalty for idling is a fine not to exceed $500. Violation of the idling ordinance is also considered a Class C misdemeanor.

Report Idling Vehicles

Issues Caused by Idling

Idling Is Expensive
Idling may consume a gallon of fuel or more per hour, depending on the vehicle.
Idling Threatens Health
Breathing vehicle emissions increases the risk of respiratory illness, especially in children.
Idling Pollutes
Emissions from vehicles combine in sunlight to form ground-level ozone pollution.

Related Links

Anti-Idling Summary Card(PDF, 4MB)

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