Does the City have an idling by-law?
What is Idling?
Why does the City have an Idling By-law?
Who does the idling by-law effect?
Does the by-law apply to City vehicles and HSR transit?
What are the exemptions from the by-law?
Does the idling by-law apply to drive thrus?
Who enforces the idling by-law?
What is the penalty?
Where can I complain/report about an idling vehicle?
Where can I complain about an idling bus?
Where can I complain about a smoking vehicle?
Where can I get a vehicle emissions test?
Where can I get an Idling sign?
What can I do to promote anti-idling in the City?
Does the City have an idling by-law?
Yes. The City of Hamilton passed an idling By-law, Bill No. 160, on May 16, 2007. The by-law limits vehicle idling to no more than 3 consecutive minutes in a sixty minute period (with specified exemptions). Transit vehicles are permitted up to 15 minutes for stopovers.
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What is Idling?
Idling is defined as the operation of the engine of a vehicle while the vehicle is not moving forward or in reverse and not being used to operate auxiliary equipment that is essential to the basic operation of the vehicle.
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Why does the City have an Idling By-law?
Idling vehicles release carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulates, nitrogen oxides, and other toxic air pollutants. These emissions have significant impacts on local air quality and health in the City. The City passed an idling by-law to help protect citizens from these air pollutants.
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Who does the idling by-law effect?
The by-law applies to the entire City of Hamilton – personal vehicles, private fleets and City vehicles. The by-law limits limits vehicle idling to no more than 3 consecutive minutes in a sixty minute period (with specified exemptions). Transit vehicles are permitted up to 15 minutes for stopovers.
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Does the by-law apply to City vehicles and HSR transit?
The by-law applies to the entire City of Hamilton – personal vehicles, private fleets and City vehicles. The by-law limits limits vehicle idling to no more than 3 consecutive minutes in a sixty minute period (with specified exemptions). Transit vehicles are permitted up to 15 minutes for stopovers.
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What are the exemptions from the by-law?
The following motor vehicles and situations are exempt form the by-law
- Trains, bicycles, motorcycles, trolleys, boats.
- Police, Fire and Emergency vehicles while engaged in operational activities.
- Agricultural vehicles unlicensed under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act
- Vehicles assisting in a roadside emergency activity such as towing or boosting the battery of another vehicle.
- Vehicles where idling is required as part of the repair process or where the vehicle is in the possession of a commercial vehicle repair facility.
- Vehicles stuck in traffic, due to an emergency, mechanical or weather conditions to which the driver has no control.
- Vehicles in a parade.
- Armoured vehicles where contents are guarded.
- Commercial vehicles using heating or refrigeration systems for the preservation of perishable cargo.
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Does the idling by-law apply to drive thrus?
No. The by-law limits vehicle idling to no more than 3 consecutive minutes in a sixty minute period. However, there may be times when vehicles are stuck in line due to traffic congestion or line queues.
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Who enforces the idling by-law?
Municipal Law Enforcement Officers under the City’s Parking and By-Law Services enforce the idling by-law.
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What is the penalty?
Any person who contravenes the idling by-law is guilty of an offence and upon conviction liable to a fine of not more than $5,000.
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Where can I complain/report about an idling vehicle?
Reports of idling vehicles are collected by Parking and By-Law Services via email at mle@hamilton.ca or phone at 905-546-2782, Monday - Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
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Where can I complain about an idling bus?
HSR Transit is permitted to idle up to 15 minutes for stopovers and has an End of Line idling policy. Please contact HSR Transit at 905-527-4441 with your complaint.
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Where can I complain about a smoking vehicle?
Vehicle seen smoking (dirty black emissions) on roadways should be reported to 1-888-758-2999.
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Where can I get a vehicle emissions test?
The Province runs the Drive Clean Program for personal and commercial vehicle emissions testing. Contact 1-888-758-2999 for more information.
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Where can I get an Idling sign?
Idling signs are available from Green Venture. Please contact 905- 540-8787
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What can I do to promote anti-idling in the City?
Tell others that the City is an idle free community. If you wish to involved in idling education or get materials to start your own education campaign contact Green Venture at 905- 540-8787 or www.greenventure.ca or Natural Resources Canada’s Idle Free Zone at 613- 996-4397
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