Chapter 10.08 - IDLING OF VEHICLES

Sections:

10.08.010 - Purpose.#

The purpose of this chapter is to educate owners and operators of vehicles of the adverse effects of vehicle idling, to protect the public health and improve the environment by reducing emissions while conserving fuel, and to enforce the provisions of this chapter after the appropriate notification has been provided to vehicle owners and operators.

(Ord. No. 2019-04, § I, 4-3-2019)

10.08.020 - Definitions.#

For purposes of this chapter, these definitions shall apply:

"Driver" means any person who drives, operates, or is in actual physical control of a vehicle.

"Idle" means the operation of a vehicle engine while the vehicle is stationary or not in the act of performing work or its normal function.

"Owner" means the person or persons listed on the vehicle's registration.

"Vehicle" means any self-propelled vehicle that is required to be registered and have a license plate by the Utah department of motor vehicles.

(Ord. No. 2019-04, § I, 4-3-2019)

10.08.030 - Property subject to this chapter; enforcement.#

A.

This chapter shall be enforceable on all public property and on private property that is open to the general public, unless the private property owner:

1.

Has a private business that has a drive-through service as a component of the private property owner's business operations, and posts a sign provided by or acceptable to the city informing its customers and the public of the city's time limit for idling vehicle engines; or

2.

Adopts an idle reduction education policy approved by the city.

B.

Law enforcement personnel shall exercise reasonable caution and utilize customary safety procedures in their enforcement of this chapter.

C.

A citation may be issued by any official designated by the city.

D.

Citations and warnings shall be given to the vehicle's driver or owner, or if the vehicle is left unattended, left in a prominent place on the vehicle such as the window or windshield.

(Ord. No. 2019-04, § I, 4-3-2019)

10.08.040 - Idling restriction within city limits.#

No driver, while operating a vehicle within city limits, nor any vehicle owner, who is allowing another to operate a vehicle, shall cause or permit a vehicle's engine to idle for more than two minutes, except in the following circumstances: A.

Idling while stopped:

1.

At the direction of an official traffic control device or traffic control signal; or

2.

At the direction of a peace officer or emergency responder;

B.

Idling as needed to operate heaters or air conditioners where the temperature is below thirty-two (32) degrees Fahrenheit or above ninety (90) degrees Fahrenheit, as measured at the Salt Lake City Airport and determined by the National Weather Service, for the health or safety of a driver or passenger, including service animals;

C.

Idling for the minimum amount of time required for the operation of defrosters or other equipment to clear the windshield and windows to provide unobstructed views and ensure visibility while driving;

D.

Idling as needed for emergency vehicles to operate equipment;

E.

Idling as needed to ascertain that a vehicle is in safe operating condition and equipped as required by all provisions of law, and that all equipment is in good working order, either as part of the daily vehicle inspection, or as otherwise needed;

F.

Idling as needed for testing, servicing, repairing, installation, maintenance or diagnostic purposes;

G.

Idling for the period recommended by the manufacturer to warm up or cool down a turbocharged heavy duty vehicle;

H.

Idling as needed to operate auxiliary equipment for which the vehicle was primarily designed or equipped, other than transporting goods, such as: operating a transportation refrigeration unit (TRU), lift, crane, pump, drill, hoist, ready mixed equipment, except a heater or air conditioner;

I.

Idling as needed to operate a lift or other piece of equipment designed to ensure safe loading and uploading of goods or people;

J.

Idling to recharge a battery or other energy storage unit of a hybrid electric vehicle;

K.

Idling as needed for vehicles that house K-9 or other service animals; or

L.

Idling by on duty police officers as necessary for the performance of their official duties.

(Ord. No. 2019-04, § I, 4-3-2019)

10.08.050 - Penalties.#

Violation of this chapter is a civil offense and shall be penalized as follows: 1.

First offense: A warning but no fine.

2.

Subsequent offenses: A civil fine in an amount determined by the consolidated fee schedule.

(Ord. No. 2019-04, § I, 4-3-2019)