Engine Idling from vehicles contribute particulates and other pollutants to the atmosphere which effect the health of people and the environment. Small particulates from diesel engines can enter and lodge in the lungs of people and can aggravate asthma and cause lung damage. Pollutants from automobiles contribute to acid rain, ozone formation, and global climate change.
Who is at most risk:
The elderly, children, and people with existing lung or heart disease, asthma, and other respiratory conditions are more sensitive to air pollution. Children are more vulnerable to health problems because they breathe faster, inhale more air per kilogram of body weight than adults, and are still growing.
Is there a law about idling?:
Yes, Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 90, Section 16A states that: "No Person shall cause, suffer, allow, or permit the unnecessary operation of the engine of a motor vehicle while said vehicle is stopped for a foreseeable period in excess of five minutes." The law list exemptions and allowable fines for offenses.
What is the Town of Lexington doing?:
At the 2004 annual town meeting, the Town Moderator appointed town officials, town meeting members, a member of the Board of Health, local residents, and local business representatives to serve on the Article 40 Engine Idling Committee to review engine idling concerns. The committee will survey the community to evaluate current idling behavior, initiate a public education campaign to increase public awareness, and assess the need for a by-law regulating idling behavior. The committee will present their final recommendations to town meeting in 2006.
Idling Myths:
Myth #1: "The engine should be warmed up for long periods prior to driving."
Reality: Idling is not an effective way to warm up your engine, even in cold weather. The best way to do this is to drive the vehicle. With today's modern engines, you need no more than 30 seconds of idling on winter days before starting to drive.
Myth #2: "Idling is good for the engine."
Reality: Excessive idling can actually damage engine components, including cylinders, spark plugs, and the exhaust system.
Myth #3: "Shutting off and restarting the vehicle when it's stopped is bad for the engine and uses more gasoline than if you leave it running."
Reality: Frequent restarting has little impact on engine components. Component wear caused by restarting the engine is estimated to add $10 per year to the cost of driving, money that will likely be recovered several times over in fuel savings from reduced idling.
Idling Facts:
Fact #1: Idling wastes fuel and money. Every 10 minutes of idling costs you at least 1/10 of a liter of wasted fuel. Keep in mind that every liter of gasoline produces 5.4 pounds of carbon dioxide.
Fact #2: Idling contributes to global warming. Vehicle idling can have a powerful effect on the outdoor air quality at the local and community level.
Fact #3: Diesel and gasoline exhausts contain more than 40 hazardous pollutants. Idling your vehicle with the air conditioner on can increase emissions by 13 percent.
What can you do?:
The Lexington Health Department encourages residents, visitors, and businesses of Lexington to reduce the amount of engine idling whenever possible.
 | Fill out the online engine idling survey and mail or fax to the Health Department: Survey |
| Turn off your engine when you are waiting for longer than 10 seconds. Get into the habit by turning your vehicle off when picking your child up from school, while waiting at a drive thru ATM and fast food restaurant, and/or while running into a convenience store or coffee shop. |
| Keep your car well maintained to increase gas mileage and decrease emission |
| Reduce vehicle warm-up idling to 30 seconds, even in cold weather |
| Avoid using a remote starter, as most factory remote starters have default of 15-20 minutes of engine run time before shutting off. |
| Use public transportation, carpool, walk, jog, or ride your bike instead of driving. |
| Assist the Health Department in spreading the news; tell your neighbor, friends, and family the importance of decreasing engine idling. |
Educational Material for print:
| Engine Idling Educational Brochure |
| Engine Idling Educational Flyer |
Additional Links:
Environmental Protection Agency
Mississauga, Canada: Idle Free Campaign
Natural Resources Canada: Idle Free Zone
For more information please contact Derek Fullerton of the Lexington Health Department at 781-862-0500 Ext. 237 or email at dfuller@ci.lexington.ma.us