Idle Free Schools

Sample Idling Policy for School Buses

School Name:

Policy Number: #

Effective Date:

Applicability:

This policy applies to the operation of every school-owned and/or contracted school bus that
operates at [Insert Name of School.

Rationale

Diesel exhaust from idling school buses can accumulate in and around the bus and pose a
health risk to children, drivers and the community at large. Exposure to diesel exhaust can
cause lung damage and respiratory problems. Diesel exhaust also exacerbates asthma and
existing allergies, and long-term exposure is thought to increase the risk of lung cancer. Idling
buses also waste fuel and financial resources.

Purpose

Eliminate all unnecessary or avoidable idling by [Insert Name of School] school buses such that
idling time is minimized in all aspects of school bus operation.

Guidance

1.	Turn off the engine as soon as possible after arriving at school loading or unloading areas.
Only restart the bus when you are ready to depart.

2.	Limit your idling time during early morning warm-up to what the manufacturer recommends
(generally no more than five minutes).

3.	Drive farther behind a vehicle with visible exhaust or a noticeable odor.

Turn Your Key, Be Idle Free!

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