Idling Regulations

The New York City Administrative Code, Title 24, Section 24-163 establishes that no person should allow the engine of a motor vehicle to idle for longer than three minutes while parking, standing, or stopping.

However, there are two exceptions to this rule. The exceptions apply to the following:

1. Legally authorized emergency motor vehicles, and
2. Vehicles whose engine is used to operate a loading, unloading or processing device.

In addition, the legal idling time is reduced from three minutes to one minute around public and private school facilities as set forth in the Local Law of the City of New York Number 5 for the year 2009.

Businesses in the construction industry, and commercial, cultural, and manufacturing establishments that own, rent, and/or use motor vehicles should become familiar with the Idling Regulations. Failure to comply with Idling Regulations might result in significant financial penalties, as set forth in the Rules of the City of New York (RCNY) Title 15, Air Code Penalty Schedule. Please refer to the links below under Additional Information to download the Air Code Penalty Schedule.