Unnecessary idling poses a risk to people in the vicinity and to the environment. Engine emissions are increasingly connected to a wide variety of health complaints. Automobile exhaust leads to tropospheric ozone formation and other forms of air pollution. It also releases greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, a major contributor to global climate change. No-idling is a simple and cost-effective way to reduce emissions and protect health.

Vehicles idling get zero miles per gallon. Unnecessary idling wastes fuel and pollutes. Running an engine at a low speed also causes more wear and tear on the vehicle. Studies have shown that the break-even point of turning an engine off and restarting it as compared to leaving it on to idle is 30 seconds.

All vehicles should be turned off when not in use or when the driver leaves the vehicle for any length of time. Equipment should not be left idling more than 1 minute and should be turned off unless doing so would hurt its operation.

Exceptions:

• Vehicles at job sites requiring the use of emergency lights or other powered accessories to accomplish their assignment.
• Department of Public Safety vehicles are exempted during emergency and training situations.
• Inclement weather situations where the supervisor authorizes the use of the vehicle/equipment heater-defroster for the work crew’s comfort when the temperature is below freezing or over 90 degrees. In these situations, vehicle may idle for 5 minutes for heating/cooling. At no time should the vehicle be left unattended.

All UofL personnel or agents of UofL that operate a vehicle or powered equipment shall be made aware of this policy prior to operations and refreshed as necessary.

Drivers of vehicles should turn off their vehicles as soon as possible to reduce idling and harmful emissions. Vehicles should be turned off when unloading passengers or goods. Buses should not idle while waiting for students during field trips, athletic events or other events using buses. Engines of service vehicles should be turned off while making deliveries. Vehicles should be turned off while waiting at train crossings.

Where appropriate, signage shall be used to inform drivers of the no-idling policy.