Idle reduction describes technologies and practices that reduce the amount of time an engine idles. Idling wastes fuel and increases engine wear. Small changes in idling time can lead to noticeable benefits, including cost savings, less pollution, and reduced noise.
Engines idle for a variety of reasons, such as to keep vehicles warm, operate emergency lighting or radios, or power off-board equipment. Each year, U.S. passenger cars, light-duty trucks, medium-duty trucks, and heavy-duty vehicles consume more than six billion gallons of diesel fuel and gasoline—without even moving. Roughly half of that fuel is wasted by passenger vehicles.
Learn more about idle reduction technologies by visiting the Alternative Fuels Data Center.
Engines idle for a variety of reasons, such as to keep vehicles warm, operate emergency lighting or radios, or power off-board equipment. Each year, U.S. passenger cars, light-duty trucks, medium-duty trucks, and heavy-duty vehicles consume more than six billion gallons of diesel fuel and gasoline—without even moving. Roughly half of that fuel is wasted by passenger vehicles.
Learn more about idle reduction technologies by visiting the Alternative Fuels Data Center.
Exhaust Retrofit Technology
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There are many reliable, efficient, and cleaner vehicle options available to reduce the environmental impact of your truck.
To reduce exhaust emissions, including particulate matter (PM), hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and other air pollutants from diesel engines, an exhaust retrofit device can be installed on new or existing internal combustion engines for vehicles. |
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Some examples include:
To learn more about Exhaust Retrofit Devices and their benefits, visit the EPA's Clean Diesel and DERA Funding page.
- Diesel Oxidation Catalyst:
This exhaust after-treatment technology catalyzes a chemical reaction to break down pollutants by oxidizing hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and water.
- Passive Diesel Particulate Filter – This technology is designed to filter out diesel PM from the exhaust gas of a diesel engine. A catalytic material allows the trapped PM to be burned-off or oxidized using heat from the exhaust gas.
- Active Diesel Particulate Filter – This technology is better suited for low exhaust temperatures or engines with high PM emissions. Either an electric current or fuel injected at the catalyst is used to raise the catalytic temperature to the appropriate range to oxidize the PM trapped at the filter.
To learn more about Exhaust Retrofit Devices and their benefits, visit the EPA's Clean Diesel and DERA Funding page.
Anti-Idling Law in New York City
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In New York City, you can report an idling vehicle, other than an authorized emergency vehicle, that is parked with its engine running for more than three minutes, or parked next to a school with its engine running more than one minute. And, you can earn cash for your complaint!
Civilians who report an idling vehicle can earn a percentage of the fine, which can amount to 25 percent of the total fines imposed. Fines range from $350 to a maximum of $2,500 for a repeat offense. |