Travis County, TX Environmental Rules: Vehicle Idling Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Idle limit
- 5 consecutive minutes
- Vehicle weight trigger
- Over 14,000 pounds GVWR
- Authority
- 30 TAC Chapter 114
- Max civil penalty
- 500 dollars
Summary
Heavy-duty diesel vehicles operating in Travis County are subject to the TCEQ five-minute idling rule under 30 TAC Chapter 114. Travis County signed the Memorandum of Agreement enrolling unincorporated areas in this enforceable air-quality program.
Sec. 382.0191. IDLING OF MOTOR VEHICLE. (a) In this section, "idling" means allowing an engine to run while the motor vehicle is not engaged in forward or reverse motion. (b) The commission may not prohibit or limit the idling of any motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 8,500 pounds that is equipped with a 2008 or subsequent model year heavy-duty diesel engine or liquefied or compressed natural gas engine that has been certified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency or another state environmental agency to emit no more than 30 grams of nitrogen oxides emissions per hour when idling.
Full Breakdown
Travis County is part of the eight-county Austin Round Rock near-nonattainment region for ozone and signed onto the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Locally Enforced Motor Vehicle Idling Limitations. Under 30 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 114 Subchapter J, operators of motor vehicles with gross vehicle weight rating over 14,000 pounds may not idle the primary engine for more than five consecutive minutes when the vehicle is not in motion. Exceptions cover sleeper berth use during federally mandated rest, traffic conditions, mechanical work, and ambient temperatures below 40 or above 80 degrees Fahrenheit when occupied. Local peace officers enforce alongside TCEQ investigators.
Violations & Fines
Civil penalty up to 500 dollars per violation under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 382, with TCEQ administrative orders possible for repeat fleet offenders. Most warnings issue first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the rule apply to my pickup truck?
What about extreme heat or cold?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Travis County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Travis County to another location·View the Texas environmental rules overview
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