Passaic, NJ Environmental Rules: Vehicle Idling Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- General idling cap
- 3 minutes per hour
- Proximity trigger
- Within 150 feet of a residential area
- Restricted hours (general)
- 8:00 p.m.–8:00 a.m.
- Heavy vehicle (>10,000 lb) cap
- 5 minutes, 6:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.
- Exceptions
- Traffic congestion, emergency work
- Fine
- Up to $1,000 per offense
Summary
Passaic caps vehicle idling at three minutes in any hour for a stationary motor vehicle within 150 feet of a residential area between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., under Code of the City of Passaic § 193-5C. A separate five-minute, 6:00 p.m.-to-7:00 a.m. limit applies to trucks over 10,000 pounds under § 193-13B(5).
C. Standing motor vehicles. No person shall operate or permit the operation of any motor vehicle or any auxiliary equipment attached to such a vehicle for a period longer than three minutes in any hour while the vehicle is stationary for reasons other than traffic congestion or emergency work on a public right-of-way or public space within 150 feet (46 meters) of a residential area between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. the following day.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4978046; v41 updated 2026-07-01; through 07-01-2026).
Full Breakdown
the following day, unless the vehicle is stopped by traffic congestion or performing emergency work such as repairing utilities. , and only where the idling creates a 'noise disturbance' across a residential property line. Both provisions are enforced by the noise control officer; under the stationary-source article the noise control administrator may issue an abatement order in lieu of a summons unless the violation is willful, per § 193-16B. Together the two sections mean a passenger car or delivery van parked near a residential block after dark has three minutes before its idling becomes a citable offense, while a heavy truck gets five minutes but during an earlier evening-to-morning window.
Violations & Fines
Under § 193-7C, a general violation carries a penalty of up to $1,000 per offense; a willful violation carries a minimum $25 up to $1,000. Under the stationary-source article's § 193-16C, penalties are the same, and a continuing violation counts each day as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I leave my car idling in Passaic?
Do trucks get a different idling limit in Passaic?
Who enforces the idling limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Passaic
Compare Passaic to another location·View the New Jersey environmental rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.