DC prohibits idling any motor vehicle for more than three minutes while parked, stopped, or standing under DCMR Title 20 Section 900, enforced by DOEE and MPD with civil fines starting at $1,000 for commercial vehicles.
Under 20 DCMR 900 the operator of a motor vehicle may not allow the engine to idle more than three minutes while not in motion. The limit drops to one minute when the vehicle is adjacent to a residential area. Exceptions include traffic stops, emergency vehicles, and powering refrigerated cargo or wheelchair lifts. The Air Quality Construction General Permit also requires idle controls on diesel construction equipment. DOEE inspectors and MPD officers may issue notices of infraction; commercial fleets face heightened scrutiny near schools and bus depots.
$1,000 per offense for commercial vehicles and $500 for non-commercial vehicles; repeat violators may face license-related action and EPA referral for diesel fleets.
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