Idling - Is it illegal?

Idling is leaving your engine running while the car is stationary.  This can’t be avoided when you are stuck in traffic, though if you are waiting at roadworks for a long time, it is worth turning off the engine.  The important point is that it is illegal to leave your engine idling on a public road.  Rule 123 of the Highway Code says ‘You MUST NOT leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running or leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road.’  Under the Road Traffic (Vehicle Emissions) Regulations 2002 you can be fined £20 (rising to £40 if not paid within the required time).  In some places like London there are additional measures in place which could increase the fine.

 

So, what’s wrong with it? The answer is lots!  The main problem is what is coming out of the car in the exhaust fumes.  These are very polluting and cause air pollution which contributes to asthma, heart disease and lung cancer.  In fact, an idling car can produce up to twice the emissions of a car in motion.

 

Idling can also be bad for your car because an idling engine isn’t working as efficiently as in a moving car.  The fuel may not burn properly which can leave behind a residue which could harm your exhaust.

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You may think it is all right to leave your car idling on your drive, but if you leave it unattended, this could have an impact on your car insurance, as it would be easy for a thief to steal your car.  You are also still causing pollution, thus harming your neighbourhood. Another big reason to turn off your engine when stationary is to save fuel.  It is a mistake to think that turning the engine off and on again uses more fuel. This is not the case with a modern car though it might be with an older car.

 

So, the next time you stop at the side of the road to pick somebody up, or stop to look at a map, or for any other reason, switch off the engine!