Vermont Business Magazine As Vermonters prepare for colder weather, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is urging drivers to switch off their engine to limit unnecessary idling. Idling vehicles impact our health, climate, and environment by causing excess engine wear, wasting fuel and money, and polluting the air.
“Motor vehicles are a major source of air pollutants and greenhouse gases in Vermont,” said DEC Commissioner Misty Sinsigalli. “The exhaust from vehicle idling not only degrades air quality for all Vermonters but is also most detrimental to children, older adults, and people with heart or lung disease.”
If every gasoline- and diesel-powered car and truck in Vermont reduced unnecessary idling by one minute per day over one year, Vermonters would save over one million gallons of fuel and more than $3.8 million in fuel costs as well as contribute to cutting carbon dioxide emissions by more than 10,000 metric tons.
You can help protect Vermont’s clean air and avoid unnecessary idling by:
- Turning off your vehicle when you are stopped for 10 seconds or more, except in traffic (30 seconds for heavy-duty vehicles).
- Warming up your engine and vehicle by driving gently. If needed, limit idling to 30 seconds (three to five minutes for heavy-duty vehicles), even in cold weather. Make sure windshield defrosting is adequate before driving.
- Use indoor spaces or waiting rooms instead of sitting in your idling vehicle.
In Vermont, the state law limits all motor vehicle idling to five minutes in any 60-minute period with some exceptions. Local jurisdictions may have additional idling limitations in place. The School Bus Idling Rule also states that school buses shall not idle while picking up and dropping off children on school property. Learn more about idling online.
The Department of Environmental Conservation is responsible for protecting Vermont's natural resources and safeguarding human health for the benefit of this and future generations. Visit dec.vermont.gov and follow the Department of Environmental Conservation on Facebook and Instagram.
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