Environmental Protection311Search all NYC.gov websites
Did You Know?
- Idling in NYC has been prohibited since 1972!
- NYC has the longest ongoing air quality monitoring program of any US City? Check out the NYC Community Air Survey.
- Air quality has improved dramatically in NYC but there’s still work to do in neighborhoods like Southwest Queens, North Brooklyn, and the South Bronx.
Citizens Air Complaint
Idling for longer than three minutes or more than one minute while adjacent to a school is illegal.
If you witness a vehicle idling illegally, you can potentially receive a reward for your enforcement efforts through our Citizens Air Complaint Program.
Idling is Polluting
Pollutants from exhaust worsen asthma, increase the risk of heart disease/stroke, and cause premature death.
We respond to 311 idling complaints and Citizen Idling Complaint submissions.
No idling more than 3 minutes! Exceptions: emergency vehicles or vehicles operating necessary machinery.
No idling for more than 1 minute around a public or private school.
A City-Wide Campaign to Shut It Off
We are partnering up with rock star and environmentalist Billy Idol to launch a public awareness Anti-Idling campaign for New York City. A motor vehicle may not idle for more than three minutes in New York City, except in a school zone, where the limit is one minute. The campaign will run through the end of March with the goal of encouraging drivers to shut off their engine when they’re not driving. Download a free Mobile Wallpaper or Desktop Wallpaper to show your support!
This $1 million campaign includes 12 high-profile billboard locations, gas station TV, radio and social media ads, as well as LinkNYC and TaxiTV exposure and placement on City fleet vehicles.
Radio Partners
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