SHOULD KNDW ABDUT
r DUCE POLLUTION
J AND SAVE MONEY
Buss ENGINE IDLING
WHAT CAN
You Do?
Shut it down:
Follow the
Massachusetts
anti-idling rule.
You Hold the Key:
Use your common sense
to reduce idling. You’ll
save fuel, wear and tear,
and help clean the air.
&EPA
New England
For more information:
Visit www.epa.gov/ne/
eco/diesel/, or call the
EPA Air Quality Hotline at
1-800-821-1237
uses play an important role in transporting people
from place to place. They are a key element of public
transportation and tourism by making travel convenient
and affordable. However, there is growing concern about
the health effects associated with exposure to diesel
exhaust. Like other vehicles on the road, buses contrib-
ute to the air pollution that causes ozone smog, acid
rain, and global climate change.
Diesel exhaust affects everyone, but people with heart or
lung disease, asthma, or other respiratory problems are most
sensitive to the small particles in diesel exhaust. Fortunately,
new emission standards and new technology for the diesel and
gasoline vehicles of the future will dramatically reduce these
health risks. If you drive a bus, there are several things you can
do now to use less fuel, save money, and reduce pollution.
THE ANTI-IDLING LAW
IN MASSACHUSETTS
A Massachusetts law and regulation prohibit unnecessary idling
of all motor vehicles that are stopped for a foreseeable period
of time over five minutes (Chapter 90 section I 6A and 3 10
CMR 7.11). So, if your vehicle is going to be stopped for more
than five minutes, shut it down. The law does account for
some exceptions, for example while an engine is being repaired.
Drivers and/or companies who violate this anti-idling rule may
be subject to enforcement actions and fines. Local, state, or
federal enforcers may levy fines and penalties. The penalty
amounts vary, depending on which agency is enforcing the
law, but they range from $100 initial fines issued by local
and state agencies to $27,500 in civil penalties per violation
imposed by the federal government.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE PROBLEMS
ASSOCIATED WITH IDLING?
IDLING CAUSES POLLUTION
• Idling vehicles emit significant amounts of pollution including:
carbon dioxide, which contributes to global climate change;
nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, both of which
contribute to the formation of ozone smog; poisonous carbon
monoxide; and particulate matter, which contributes to asthma,
heart disease, lung damage, and possibly cancer.
continued
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IDLING POSEs HEALTH RISKS To EVERYONE INCLUDING
DRIVERS
o While sitting in an idling vehicle, drivers are exposed to the vehicle’s pollution more
so than when the vehicle is in motion since there is no airflow to vent the emissions.
IDLING WASTES FUEL AND MONEY AND CAUSES EXCES-
SIVE ENGINE WEAR
o It is more fuel efficient to turn off your motor than to idle. Recent studies found that fuel
consumption during engine start-up is equal to about 30 seconds of engine idling if the
engine is within normal operating temperature.
o Running an engine at low speed (idling) causes twice the wear on internal parts
compared to driving at regular speeds.
MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT
DIESEL ENGINES AND DLING
PRE-TRIP SAFETY INSPECTION
MYTH : The law says you can’t idle for more than five minutes. I have to conduct a safety
check, so I have to break one law to obey another.
FACT : One exception to the anti-idling rule (the “service” exception) allows idling for
more than five minutes to conduct a pre-trip safety inspection. In most instances, when no
serious defects are found, thorough pre-trip safety inspections can be completed in IS to
20 minutes. After the pre-trip is done, shut it down until you’re ready to drive.
FOR THE COMFORT OF PASSENGERS: EARLY BOARDING
AND WAITING FOR PASSENGERS
MYTH : I must keep the engine running for an extended period of time while waiting for
passengers to board my bus. If I don’t, they will complain about being too hot or too cold.
FACT : Depending on the weather, many buses will maintain a comfortable interior
temperature for a while without idling. On a case-by-case basis, enforcement personnel
may use their discretion to account for heating and cooling in extreme temperatures.
To assure compliance, bus operators should consider installing auxiliary power units to
maintain comfortable interior temperatures without idling.
BACKGROUND : In most cases, the five minutes of idling allowed under state law
is enough to ensure that passengers will be comfortable when they reach their seats.
Because many newer buses are equipped with air conditioning and windows that do not
open, buses that do not have auxiliary power units must run their engines at some point
to supply ventilation and climate control (air conditioning in summer and heat in winter)
for passengers. But out of habit, some drivers leave their vehicles running for the entire
waiting period. It’s better for the environment—and it obeys the law—to shut it down
between drop off and pick up times.
SPECIFIC Tips FOR BUS AND FLEET OWNERS
You may want to show your company officials this Fact Sheet. They can do their part to
reduce idling, too.
o Reducing idling saves owners money in two ways: it reduces fuel use and reduces wear
and tear on the engines. During in-service training, reinforce how important it is to the
company to reduce idling as much as possible.
o When buying new buses, purchase ones already equipped with devices that minimize
idling and warm-up time automatically.
o Consider installing small generators or auxiliary power units that help maintain
comfortable interior temperatures while the bus engine is shut down. These devices
substantially reduce the fuel consumed and emissions generated during long-duration
idling, saving you fuel and maintenance costs.
This information about idling
was developed by:
Massachusetts
o e p a r I oh a ,i
EN Vt RON MENTAL
PROTECTION
GEPA
New England
1 Congress Street
Suite 1100
Boston, MA 02114-2023
www.epa.gov/ ne/eco/diesel /
EPA Air Quality Hotline:
1-800-821-1237
Th Crry OF BOSTON

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