San Francisco, CA Environmental Rules: Vehicle Idling Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Citation
- Transportation Code § 7.2.86
- Time limit
- 5 minutes while parked
- Applies to
- Commercial vehicles, Private Buses, for-hire vehicles
- Exception
- Actively loading/unloading passengers
Summary
San Francisco limits commercial vehicles, private buses and for-hire vehicles to five minutes of idling while parked on any public right-of-way under Transportation Code Section 7.2.86.
To cause or permit the engine of a commercial vehicle, Private Bus, or motor vehicle for hire to idle while Parked upon any public right of way within the City and County of San Francisco for more than five minutes; provided, however, that if such vehicle is temporarily stopped for the sole purpose of loading or unloading passengers, it may idle no longer than is reasonably necessary to load or unload passengers. (60.5)* (Amended by Ord. 287-08, File No. 081340, App. 12/5/2008; Ord. 56-15, File No. 120967, App. 5/8/2015, Eff. 6/7/2015)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-96: Codes: last updated to include changes made by legislation through Ordinance 133-26, File No. 260686, approved July 23, 2026, effective August 23, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Transportation Code Section 7.2.86 bars causing or permitting the engine of a commercial vehicle, Private Bus, or motor vehicle for hire to idle while parked on any public right-of-way in San Francisco for more than five minutes. A narrow exception applies when the vehicle is temporarily stopped solely to load or unload passengers, in which case it may idle only as long as reasonably necessary for that loading. The rule targets diesel exhaust and noise from idling commercial fleets rather than private passenger cars, which this section does not cover.
Violations & Fines
Idling a covered commercial vehicle, private bus, or for-hire vehicle beyond five minutes while parked on a public right-of-way violates Section 7.2.86 and is subject to citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the five-minute idling limit apply to my personal car?
Can a bus idle while loading passengers?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Francisco
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