Travis County opted into TCEQ Rule 30 TAC 114.512, which prohibits commercial motor vehicles over 14,000 pounds GVWR from idling for more than five consecutive minutes within Austin and surrounding counties, with several work-related exemptions.
Austin sits within a TCEQ-approved Locally Enforced Motor Vehicle Idling Limitations area under 30 TAC 114.512. Heavy commercial vehicles exceeding 14,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating cannot idle longer than five consecutive minutes when operated by employees, contractors, or fleet drivers. Exemptions cover idling for safety inspections, mechanical work, traffic conditions, sleeper-berth temperature control between October and April, and emergency response. Austin Police, Travis County Sheriff, and TCEQ field officers may issue citations. Personal passenger vehicles are not regulated. The rule supports federal ozone attainment for the Austin-Round Rock metro and reduces diesel particulate exposure near schools and freight corridors.
First-offense fines run up to $500 under Texas Health and Safety Code Section 382.0518, with repeat violations climbing higher. Fleet operators may face TCEQ enforcement orders and corrective action plans for company-wide noncompliance.
See how Austin's vehicle idling restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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