The Statutory Ban against Idling of Motor Vehicle Engines
Super:
The Motor Vehicle Idling (Fixed Penalty) Ordinance comes into effect on December 15, 2011. If a driver causes the engine of an idling vehicle to operate for more than three minutes in aggregate within any 60-minute period, a Traffic Warden or Environmental Protection Inspector may issue a penalty notice to the driver, imposing a fixed penalty of HK$320.
Idling Prohibition - Exemption Arrangements
In view of practical or operational needs, the Ordinance has provided some exemptions for certain conditions.
Exemptions applicable to all vehicles
Weather conditions
Under the following weather conditions, all vehicles will be exempted from the idling prohibition:
When a hot weather warning or rainstorm warning is in force, and until midnight on the same day after the warning has been cancelled.
Exemptions applicable to all vehicles
Traffic conditions
Vehicles that are stationary because of traffic conditions are exempted from the idling prohibition.
Exemptions applicable to all vehicles
Mechanical difficulties
Vehicles that are idling because of mechanical difficulties over which the drivers have no control are exempted from the idling prohibition.
Exemptions applicable to all vehicles
Testing or repairs
Vehicles that are idling for the purposes of compliance testing or for vehicle repairs are exempted from the idling prohibition.
Exemptions applicable to all vehicles
Boarding or alighting of passengers
Vehicles with passengers boarding or alighting are exempted from the idling prohibition.
Other than in exempted situations specified in the Ordinance, all drivers should remember to switch off idling engines.
Switch off idling engines
Make it a habit.
