Vehicle Idling Restrictions: Mountain View vs San Jose
How do vehicle idling restrictions rules compare between Mountain View, CA and San Jose, CA?
Mountain View and San Jose have similar restriction levels.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
California Code of Regulations Title 13 §2485 caps heavy-duty diesel idling at five minutes statewide, enforced across Santa Clara County by CARB and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. The county fleet idle-reduction policy mirrors the limit for county-owned trucks and buses.
View full Mountain View rules →San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
California Code of Regulations Title 13 §2485 caps heavy-duty diesel truck idling at five minutes statewide, and §2480 prohibits school-bus idling near schools. San Jose enforces these limits through Bay Area Air Quality Management District and police officers.
View full San Jose rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide limit | 5 minutes for heavy-duty diesel | - |
| School bus rule | No idling within 100 feet | - |
| State authority | 13 CCR §2485 and §2480 | - |
| Regional agency | BAAQMD enforcement | - |
| First fine | $300 minimum CARB penalty | - |
| Heavy-duty truck limit | - | Five minutes idling |
| School-bus rule | - | No idling near schools |
| State rule | - | 13 CCR §2485 and §2480 |
| Regional rule | - | BAAQMD Regulation 11 |
| First-offense fine | - | $100 minimum penalty |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Does the rule cover passenger cars?
No. Light-duty vehicles under 10,000 pounds are exempt from the five-minute state cap. Residents may still file nuisance complaints through county code enforcement if idling is chronic and disruptive in residential areas.
How do I report an idling truck?
Call CARB at 800-END-SMOG or BAAQMD at 1-800-334-ODOR. Note license plate, location, time, and approximate duration. BAAQMD inspectors typically respond to industrial sites within 24 to 48 hours.
San Jose FAQ
Can I idle my passenger car to warm it up?
Light-duty cars are not covered by the five-minute heavy-duty rule, but residential idling can still draw nuisance complaints in San Jose, especially overnight near homes.
How do I report an idling truck in San Jose?
Call CARB's idling hotline at 800-END-SMOG, file a BAAQMD complaint at 1-800-334-ODOR, or submit through the My San Jose app with the truck's license plate and location.
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