Explore January’s By-law of the Month
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Learn everything you
need to know about Vaughan’s Idling By-law
By-laws are put in place to ensure a safe and orderly community
for all who live, work and play in Vaughan. Each month, the City of Vaughan
explores a different by-law and what it means for you. This month, let’s take a
look at the Idling By-law (PDF).
Here are the basics
According to the
by-law, motor vehicles cannot idle for more than five consecutive minutes. The
City defines idling as operating the engine of a vehicle while it is not moving
or being used – this could include a parked car or construction equipment that
is running.
The by-law
applies to all public and private properties in Vaughan as well as all roadways
under the jurisdiction of the City and York Region.
There are
exceptions to the by-law, which include:
Violations
- emergency vehicles engaged in operational activities, including training activities.
- vehicles assisting in an emergency activity.
- vehicles that are motionless because of an emergency, traffic or weather conditions, or mechanical difficulties the driver has no control over.
- transit vehicles while passengers are getting on and off as well as when stopping along a transit route (for a maximum of 15 minutes) to adjust to service schedules.
- vehicles where idling is required as part of a repair process or to prepare a vehicle for servicing.
- when the outside temperature is more than 27 C or less than 5 C and idling is necessary to operate the air conditioning or heating equipment, respectively.
Any person violating the Idling By-law may be fined up to
$200 for the first offence and up to $400 for subsequent offences. Any
corporation violating the Idling By-law may be fined up to $400 for the first
offence and up to $800 for subsequent offences.
Vaughan is a
green city
The City is committed
to reducing vehicle emissions that contribute to smog, climate change and
affect air quality, and encourages everyone to limit non-traffic related
idling. The Idling By-law contributes to safeguarding the environmental
well-being of the community and all citizens.
Environmental
sustainability is a key priority for and responsibility of the City, which has
a direct impact on the health and safety of everyone. The City will continue to
lead by example as a responsible steward of Vaughan.
To file a complaint about an idling
vehicle, call Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or email bylaw@vaughan.ca.