Idling and Air Quality
Contaminants from vehicle exhaust are major contributors to deteriorating air quality in Toronto. Recent studies by Health Canada and other agencies link a number of contaminants from vehicle emissions to significant respiratory health effects. Reducing these contaminants in Toronto's air by restricting unnecessary idling is part of a comprehensive air quality strategy for the City. The goal of this strategy is to improve air quality and respiratory health.

What is the purpose of the by-law?
The by-law is intended to reduce unnecessary idling in the City. It limits idling to no more than three minutes in a given 60 minute period. The by-law allows transit vehicles to idle when picking up or discharging passengers and also allows limited idling when transit vehicles are waiting for passengers. As well, the by-law provides for idling during extreme outdoor temperatures to ensure heating or cooling inside a vehicle.

If you wish you may read the idling control by-law: Chapter 517 of the Municipal Code.

How will the by-law be enforced?
The City's intention is to achieve compliance with the by-law through voluntary measures. If these measures are not successful, the by-law provides for a fine of up to a maximum of $5,000 for infractions of the by-law. For further information about issuing a complaint, by-law compliance or by-law enforcement, you may contact:

Permit Parking
City Hall
100 Queen St W
Main Floor, West Tower
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2
Phone: 416-392-7873
Fax: 416-392-1911
E-mail: pparking@toronto.ca

Why should we reduce the unnecessary idling of vehicles?
There are known environmental impacts and economic costs associated with vehicle emissions.

Environmental and Health Impacts

• Motor vehicles and related activities are the major sources of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, suspended particles and volatile organic compounds in the City. Nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds are the two main substances involved in the formation of ozone, a component of smog.

• Ozone and suspended particles are included in the group of chemicals associated with significant respiratory health effects and hospital admissions.

• Toronto Public Health has been promoting the idle-free message through its ongoing programs on smog and air quality, and the City’s Corporate Smog Alert Response Plan.

For further information about the environmental and health impacts of unnecessary idling, contact the Environmental Protection Office of Toronto Public Health at 416-392-6788.

Economic Costs and Operational Impacts

• It has been estimated that 3 per cent of Ontario's fuel is wasted by idling. An idling diesel engine will burn about 2.5 litres per hour. An idling gasoline engine will burn about 3.5 litres per hour. Ten seconds of idling uses more fuel than restarting the engine.

• Lubricant contamination occurs from excessive idling. This is because engine operation at idling temperatures creates soot deposits and condensation of water vapour that mixes with sulphur oxides to become sulphuric acid in the crankcase.

You may obtain further information about saving energy at the Energy Efficiency Web site.

What are the alternatives to unnecessary idling?

• From a cold start, it is better to warm up an engine by driving it rather than idling. Warm up times are reduced to half and fuel consumption is reduced.

• If you are concerned about turning off your engine because you may have trouble restarting it, a well maintained starter system and engine is a better alternative than idling.

• A condition referred to as "hot stall", where older diesel engines may be difficult to restart, should not occur if the engine is shut down properly.