University of Texas at Arlington
OP-T2-36: Prohibiting Idling

Application Idling vehicles use up several billion gallons of fuel and emit large quantities of air pollution and greenhouse gases each year in the United States. Idle reduction technologies and practices are an important way to cut petroleum consumption and emissions. Idling of any vehicle for more than five minutes from April through October is prohibited in the City of Arlington. Fines vary (Reference Texas Administrative Code 30.114.510-30.114.517). UT Arlington as part of their sustainability initiatives and as a good neighbor policy, has adopted the following idling policy. UT Arlington’s policy applies to the operation of all vehicles that are on the main campus or any of the university’s offsite campuses. Rationale Exhaust from idling engines can accumulate in and around the emission source and pose an exposure to faculty, students, staff, drivers, operators, and the community at large. UT Arlington is located in an EPA non-attainment area where every effort must be given to improving air quality. It has also been determined that these exhausts are toxic and that long-term exposure has a potential for increased health risk. Policy - To ensure compliance with current regulatory requirements, and to eliminate unnecessary idling of all UT Arlington vehicles and outside vehicles that has a gross weight rating of 14,000 pounds or higher on UT Arlington controlled property for more than five (5) minutes, unless one or more of the listed exceptions exist. All UT Arlington personnel shall be made aware of this policy prior to operations and refreshed as necessary. It is the responsibility of the department supervisor, operations manager, or other designated personnel where equipment is operating to implement and enforce this policy. - All drivers/operators and/or their companies shall be made aware of this policy when they operate on UT Arlington property and shall be provided a copy of this policy and requirements if requested. - UT Arlington staff or agents functioning as operators on behalf of UT Arlington shall be instructed on this policy and record of that instruction maintained by UT Arlington for a minimum of three (3) years. - When drivers/operators arrive at loading or unloading areas to drop-off or pick-up passengers, supplies, food, goods, equipment, etc., they shall turn off their vehicle’s engine as soon as possible but no later than five (5) minutes after arrival. - Operators of all vehicles/equipment shall turn off their engines when the vehicle/equipment is not performing its primary function but no later than five (5) minutes after the equipment is no longer performing its primary function. - Idling for “warm-up” prior to vehicle or equipment operations on UT Arlington property shall be limited to a maximum of five (5) minutes. - Locations where vehicles normally work/idle or are expected to arrive and idle shall have a sign posted that informs the driver of the five (5) minute idling restriction. - Equipment/vehicle associated with UT Arlington construction projects shall limit engine idling to equipment working periods only and only if the availability of the equipment’s function is required as part of an ongoing task. - Vehicles delivering goods and products to UT Arlington controlled construction sites shall be limited to a maximum idle time of five (5) minutes unless the engine is being used to provide power for operation of off-loading equipment. Exceptions The provisions of this policy do not apply to: - A motor vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight rating of 14,000 pounds or less and is not an UT Arlington vehicle. - Idling when the vehicle/equipment is “queuing” as part of normal operations and procedures; - Operation of the engine for required testing, servicing, repairing, security or diagnostic purposes outside the normal maintenance area; - Idling of the diesel engine to operate equipment necessary to prevent a safety or health emergency or for providing emergency services for which the vehicle was designed; - Idling of the engine when it is directly connected to or providing auxiliary power either as a “power take-off” or equivalent for; - Providing mechanical work functions for which the vehicle or equipment was designed; - Collection or transfer of waste or recyclable materials by an authorized agency or Contractor; - The vehicle is used as a law enforcement of emergency motor vehicle; - The vehicle is idling to defrost a windshield Enforcement Failure to comply with this policy will result in a warning for the first violation if operator is unaware of the policy, or if aware of the policy, non-compliance will result in a fine of $25; second violation will result in a fine of $50; and third violation will result in more stringent action to include additional fines and the possibility of removing violator’s vehicle / equipment from the campus.