REDUCTION OF EMISSIONS FROM IDLING MOTOR VEHICLES

Houston Code of Ordinances ch. 21, art. X

in effect

Houston Code of Ordinances § 21-301 Definitions.

Sec. 21-301. - Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings assigned to them in this section, except where the content clearly indicates a different meaning: Commercial or public passenger transportation means a mode of transportation provided by a bus or motor coach designed to accommodate ten or more passengers (including the operator) for compensation and that is powered by an engine, but specifically excluding railroad and light rail. Engine means a mechanical device that converts heat energy produced from the internal combustion of gasoline or diesel fuel and an oxidizer into mechanical power or motion. Idle means the operation of an engine in the operating mode where the engine is not engaged in gear, where the engine operates at a speed at the revolutions per minute specified by the engine or vehicle manufacturer for when the accelerator is fully released, and there is no load on the engine. Motor vehicle means any self-propelled device powered by an engine, designed to operate with four or more wheels in contact with the ground, and with gross vehicle weight rating of more than 14,000 pounds, in or by which a person or property may be transported, and is required to be registered under the Texas Transportation Code, but specifically excluding motor vehicles being used by the United States Military, National Guard, or Reserve Forces, as an emergency or law enforcement motor vehicle, motor vehicles being used by the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County for public health and safety purposes, or vehicles being actively loaded or unloaded. Passenger transit operations means a regional mode of public transportation that is funded through a portion of the taxes of the region being served. Primary propulsion engine means an engine attached to a motor vehicle that provides the power to propel the motor vehicle into motion and maintain motion. (Ord. No. 2015-1086, § 2, 11-4-2015)

Houston Code of Ordinances § 21-302 Idling prohibited.

Sec. 21-302. - Idling prohibited. It shall be unlawful for an owner or operator of a motor vehicle operated within the city limits to cause or allow the primary propulsion engine of a motor vehicle to idle for more than five consecutive minutes when the motor vehicle is not in motion. (Ord. No. 2015-1086, § 2, 11-4-2015)

Houston Code of Ordinances § 21-303 Affirmative defenses.

Sec. 21-303. - Affirmative defenses. The restrictions in section 21-302 of this Code do not apply to: (1) A motor vehicle that is equipped with a 2008 or subsequent model year heavy-duty diesel engine or liquefied or compressed natural gas engine that has been certified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency or another state environmental agency to emit no more than 30 grams of nitrogen oxides emissions per hour when idling; (2) A motor vehicle forced to remain motionless because of traffic conditions over which the operator has no control; (3) The primary propulsion engine of a motor vehicle that is being used to supply heat or air conditioning necessary for passenger comfort and safety in vehicles intended for commercial or public passenger transportation, or passenger transit operations, in which case idling up to a maximum of 30 minutes is allowed; (4) The primary propulsion engine of a motor vehicle being used to provide air conditioning or heating necessary for employee health or safety in an armored vehicle while the employee remains inside the vehicle to guard the contents while the vehicle is being loaded or unloaded; (5) The primary propulsion engine of a motor vehicle being used to provide air conditioning or heating necessary for employee health or safety while the employee is using the vehicle to perform an essential job function related to roadway or utility construction or maintenance; (6) The primary propulsion engine of a motor vehicle providing a power source necessary for mechanical operation, other than propulsion, and/or passenger compartment heating, or air conditioning; (7) The primary propulsion engine of a motor vehicle being operated for maintenance or diagnostic purposes; (8) The primary propulsion engine of a motor vehicle being operated solely to defrost a windshield; (9) The primary propulsion engine of a motor vehicle being used as airport ground support equipment; (10) The owner of a motor vehicle rented or leased to a person that operates the vehicle and is not employed by the owner; or (11) The motor vehicle when idling is necessary to power a heater or air conditioner while a driver is using the vehicle's sleeper berth for a government-mandated rest period and is not within two miles of a facility offering external heating and air conditioning connections at a time when those connections are available. (Ord. No. 2015-1086, § 2, 11-4-2015)

Houston Code of Ordinances § 21-304 Penalties; actions authorized to enforce article.

Sec. 21-304. - Penalties; actions authorized to enforce article. (a) Any person who violates any provision of this article shall be guilty of an offense and upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not less than $500.00 nor more than $1,000.00 for each violation. Each day in which any violation shall occur shall constitute a separate offense. (b) The city, acting through the city attorney or the city attorney's designee, is hereby authorized to enter into agreements in lieu of litigation to achieve compliance this article. (Ord. No. 2015-1086, § 2, 11-4-2015)

Source: City of Houston, Code of Ordinances and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tx/houston/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH21HE_ARTXREEMIDMOVEFetched: 10/26/2026