Idling in the U.S.
California Idling Regulations

The information below contains some of the regulations in effect in the state of California.

CALIFORNIA IDLING REGULATIONS
Area
Maximum Idling Time
Fines
Exemptions
California 5 minutes
$300 minimum,
Subsequent penalties range from $1000 - $10,000
- Bus passengers are onboard or 10 min prior to boarding
- Resting in sleeper berth beyond 100' of residential units; Exemption expires 01/01/2008
- Traffic conditions
- Queuing beyond 100' of residential
- Adverse weather conditions or mechanical difficulties
- Vehicle safety inspections
- Service or repair
- Power takeoff involving cargo or work functions
- Prevent safety or health emergency
- Emergency vehicles
Source
CA Code of Regs, Title 13, Div. 3, Art. 1, Ch. 10, -2485. California Air Resources Board (800) 242-4450, www.arb.ca.gov
City of Sacramento 5 minutes (prohibits refrigiration unit operation within 100' of residential or school unless loading/ unloading)
Not <$100 nor >$25,000 per offense (Title 1, Ch. 1.28.010)
- Traffic Conditions / control
- Traffic Conditions
- Vehicle safety inspection
- Service or repair
- Conform to manufacturer's specifications
- Power takeoffs involving cargo or work functions
- Prevent safety or health emergency
- Hours of service compliance at truck/rest stop
- To recharge hybrid electric vehicles
Source
Sacramento City Code, Title 8, Ch. 8.116. City of Sacramento Department of Transportation (916) 264-5011, www.cityofsacramento.org/transportation
Placer County 5 minutes (prohibits refrigiration unit operation within 1000' of residential or school unless loading/ unloading)
$50 Minimum
- Traffic conditions/control
- Traffic conditions
- Vehicle safety inspection
- Service or repair
- Conform to manufacturer's specifications
- Power takeoffs involving cargo or work functions
- Prevent safety or health emergency
- Hours of service compliance at truck/rest stop
- To recharge hybrid electric vehicles
- Operate intermittent equipment
- Alternatively fueled vehicles
- Attainment areas
Source
Placer County Code, Art. 10.14. Placer County Air Pollution Control District (530) 745-2330, www.placer.ca.gov/airpollution/airpolut.htm