University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
OP-T2-36: Prohibiting Idling

The University encourages the use of lower impact transportation alternatives that increase fuel efficiency, provide more sustainable fuel options and help reduce the miles traveled on campus, to campus and as part of the University of Minnesota enterprise. The University also strives to reduce emissions to the environment. University Services Anti-idling Policy: Unnecessary idling of University Services’ department vehicles is not permitted and may only be idled under certain circumstances. Idling is allowable only if there is a business justification (e.g., running a liftgate). A general rule is that if the vehicle will be stopped for longer than a wait at a stop light the vehicle should be shut off. Under normal weather conditions no vehicle shall idle for more than two minutes. For non-diesel fueled vehicles if the temperature is below positive twenty degrees Fahrenheit a warm up of three minutes will be allowed if the vehicle has been shut off for more than four hours. All vehicle manufacturers agree that vehicles do not need a warm up period before starting a trip. For diesel fueled vehicles an appropriate warm up period is allowed. However, once the engine in properly warmed up it can be shut off for stops. In addition, the city of Minneapolis established an anti-idling ordinance in 2008. Diesel engined commercial motor vehicles may not idle longer than five minutes in a sixty minute time period and no longer than thirty of sixty minutes when loading or unloading, except under certain exceptions, including weather, safety, or repair needs. All non-commercial vehicles may idle no longer than three minutes in a sixty minute time period, again with certain exceptions. A fine up to $200 dollars may be charged per violation. For more on the ordinance, see http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/airquality/antiidling_home.asp.