City of Dallas Idling Restrictions

To improve air quality in the City of Dallas, Dallas has implemented an Idling Ordinance for motor vehicles weighing more than 14,000 pounds.  These vehicles are prohibited from idling for more than five minutes in the City of Dallas.  The law is enforced from April 1st to October 31st each year (Ozone Season).  City Marshals will be issuing citations to drivers of idling vehicles.  The penalty for idling is a fine up to $500.

Idling for longer than five minutes is permitted in certain situations which include:

• Traffic conditions;
• Providing a power source necessary for mechanical operation, not including propulsion, and/or passenger compartment heating or air conditioning;
• Maintenance or diagnostic purposes;
• Defrosting a windshield;
• Providing 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 road way construction or maintenance;
• Provide heat or air conditioning for the driver while using the sleeper berth during a federally mandated rest period.

A complete list of exceptions is available at www.engineoffdallas.com.

Idling Alternatives

Rather than idling, there are options to provide A/C and heat that allow the drivers to remain comfortable, while saving money on fuel and reducing emissions from idling. The options include:

• Automatic Engine Shut Down/Start Up
• Direct Fired Heater
• Auxiliary Power Units/Generator Sets
• Truck Stop Electrification and On-Vehicle Electrification

More information can be found in the Idling Flyer.