Engine Idling (On-Road Engines)

Policy Summary

The George Washington University (GW) is committed to protecting the environment by adhering to the District of Columbia’s regulations regarding motor vehicle engine idling. No vehicle performing university business, whether owned or leased, should be allowed to idle for more than three (3) minutes. Any fines assessed against the university resulting from violation of this policy are the responsibility of the offending department.   

Related Regulations

This policy is necessary for compliance with District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR) Title 20, Chapter 9, Section 900.1. 

Who is Governed by this Policy 

• Students
• Staff
• Faculty

Policy

District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR) Title 20, Chapter 9, Section 900 requires that “[n]o person owning, operating, or having control over the engine of a gasoline or diesel powered motor vehicle on public or private space, including the engine of a public vehicles[sic] for hire, buses with a seating capacity of twelve (12) or more persons, and school buses or any vehicle transporting students, shall allow that engine to idle for more than three (3) minutes while the motor vehicle is parked, stopped, or standing, including for the purpose of operating air conditioning equipment in those vehicles, except as follows: 

(a) To operate private passenger vehicles; 

(b) To operate power takeoff equipment such as, but not limited to, dumping, cement mixers, refrigeration systems, content delivery, winches, or shredders; or 

(c) To idle the engine for no more than five (5) minutes to operate heating equipment when the ambient air temperature is thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit (32°F) or below.” 

All University Faculty and Staff: 

Departments that operate university-owned or leased vehicles are responsible for making sure their staff are aware of this regulation and are responsible for paying any fines assessed against the university for non-compliance with this regulation. 

University Departments Working With Contractors Operating Vehicles On-site: 

Departments employing contractors operating vehicles on-site are responsible for making their contractors aware of this regulation.  The contractors should also be independently aware of and responsible for compliance with this regulation, and are responsible for paying any fine resulting from non-compliance with this regulation.  Many of the exemptions specifically named above apply to contractors, such as those operating dump trucks, cement mixers, shredders, or refrigerated delivery trucks.  

Related Information

• DC Department of the Environment 

Contacts