| What is idling? |
| An idling vehicle is one whose engine is running when it is parked or not in motion. Remember, when your car is idling, it is still polluting our air. |
| Why is idling harmful? |
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Vehicle emissions are one of the biggest contributors toward poor air quality in North Carolina. Idling wastes money and natural resources. It can damage vehicles, pollute the air, and harm our health. Air pollution can cause asthma
and other respiratory problems. |
| A few facts about idling |
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Drivers are the key to reducing harmful car emissions. By simply turning off your vehicle while idling (when not in
traffic), you can help reduce air pollution. Thanks for the help! |
| FAQs |
| What pollutants come out of the tail pipe when I idle? How much carbon dioxide do I produce by idling? Should I drive through or walk into a fast food restaurant. Will I get a ticket if I idle? More ... |
| Contact Us |
| Contact air.awareness@ncdenr.gov for more information or to get involved. |
| Related Links |
| Want more information about how you can improve air quality in addition to not idling? |
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| Idling rule for heavy-duty vehicles |
| The N.C. Environmental Management Commission (EMC) has adopted a rule to reduce idling and consequently improve air quality. (Click here to see brochure on idle reduction for heavy-duty vehicles.) The EMC believes that truck operators can reduce harmful emissions by eliminating unnecessary idling of on-road heavy-duty vehicles while saving money in the long run. |
| Excessive Idling Complaint Form |
| Submit this form to file a complaint about suspected cases of unnecessary idling by heavy-duty vehicles. Operators of vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds should not idle their vehicles more than 5 consecutive minutes per hour except for certain cases dealing with safety, health and economic concerns. (See brochure for details.) |
| "Turn Off Your Engine" campaign |
| This is a voluntary campaign aimed at protecting people's health and the environment, especially children and people with respiratory problems, by reducing vehicle emissions which are one of the main contributors to air pollution in our region. Learn how you can receive signs for parking lots and information for your organization or school. |
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