Tough New York City law cracks down on idling cars

The fumes from idling taxicabs and delivery trucks can be so bad outside city schools that teachers race to close their classroom windows at certain times of the day to protect their students.

A new law seeks to cut that pollution by giving vehicles just 60 seconds to idle in a school zone.

The measure signed into law this month cuts the allowed idling time from three minutes to one minute around schools, and gives more city agencies the power to issue violations. It also requires an annual violations report so officials can track enforcement.

Councilman John Liu, lead sponsor of the bill, said the law was not only intended to reduce pollution in school areas — helping the city's high child asthma rates — but was also meant to improve public awareness about idling throughout New York City.

There is no federal anti-idling law, but about 30 states and dozens of municipalities have their own measures, typically limiting time to around three to five minutes. New York City's three-minute law has been in place citywide since 1971, but advocates say it is rarely enforced or advertised. Continue reading the remaining 73% ...