What Is Idling?

Idling is when a bus or vehicle is motionless, but the engine is still running.

What Are Toxic Air Contaminants?

Toxic Air Contaminants (TACs) are an air pollutant, identified in regulation by the ARB, which may cause or contribute to an increase in deaths or in serious illness, or which may pose a present or potential hazard to human health.  For more information, click here.

Why Is Idling A Problem?

When buses and other vehicles idle unnecessarily, children, parents, teachers, and near-by residents are exposed to diesel particulate matter and other toxic air contaminants, as well as the associated potential cancer risk and other adverse health effects such as allergic reactions and asthma. 

What Is The ARB Doing?

In order to reduce exposure to the harmful toxic air contaminants in the exhaust of school transportation buses and vehicles, as well as other heavy-duty vehicles that operate at or near schools, the ARB adopted a Statewide Air Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) to limit school bus and other heavy-duty vehicles idling to only when absolutely necessary.

What Can I Do?

• Know the Law  
• Visit the program website to learn more 
• Report violations 
• You should turn off your engine whenever you can if you park near a school.  Passenger vehicles emit harmful pollutants too 
• Educate your family and friends 
• Read the EPA fact sheet, "What You Should Know About Diesel Exhaust and School Bus Idling" 
• Teachers-Have students design handouts for parents and create posters (click on poster icon below to download sample posters) 

How Do I Report A Violation?

• Kids-Tell a teacher or an adult
• Submit an online complaint form at  http://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/complaints/complaints.htm 
• Call the ARB at 1-800-END-SMOG 
• Contact your local air pollution control or air quality management district at http://www.arb.ca.gov/capcoa/roster.htm