Unless specifically defined herein, the terms used in this article have the meanings commonly ascribed to them in the field of air pollution control, unless the context provides otherwise.
Idle.
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.
Any self-propelled device powered by an internal combustion engine and designed to operate with four or more wheels in contact with the ground, in or by which a person or property is or may be transported, and is required to be registered under Texas Transportation Code, section 502.002, excluding vehicles registered under section 502.006(c).
Primary propulsion engine.
A gasoline- or diesel-fueled internal combustion engine attached to a motor vehicle that provides the power to propel the motor vehicle into motion and maintain motion.
(Ordinance 2009-04-09 adopted 4/13/09)
An offense under this article is punishable as follows:
(1) 
Minimum of $200.00 fine per unit for the first offense.
(2) 
Minimum of $400.00 fine per unit for the second offense.
(3) 
Maximum fine not to exceed $500.00 per unit for the third and subsequent offense.
(Ordinance 2011-10-34 adopted 10/10/11)
The provisions of this article do not apply to:
(1) 
A motor vehicle that has a gross vehicle rating of 14,000 pounds or less or of 14,400 pounds for motor vehicles equipped with a system that provides heating, cooling, or electrical service to a commercial vehicle's sleeper berth for the purpose of reducing the idling of the vehicle;
(2) 
A motor vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight rating of 14,000 pounds or less, after September 1, 2009;
(3) 
A motor vehicle forced to remain motionless because of traffic conditions over which the operator has no control;
(4) 
A motor vehicle being used by the United States military, national guard, or reserve forces, or as an emergency or law enforcement motor vehicle;
(5) 
The primary propulsion engine of a motor vehicle providing power source necessary for mechanical operation other than propulsion, and/or passenger compartment heating or air conditioning;
(6) 
The primary propulsion engine of a motor vehicle being operated solely to defrost a windshield;
(7) 
The primary propulsion engine of a motor vehicle that is being used to supply heat or air conditioning necessary for passenger comfort/safety in those vehicles intended for commercial passenger transportation or school buses, or for transit operations, in which case idling up to a maximum of thirty (30) minutes is allowed;
(8) 
The primary propulsion engine of a motor vehicle that is 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 construction or maintenance;
(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 who operates the vehicle and is not employed by the owner;
(11) 
A 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;
(12) 
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 or while the vehicle is being loaded or unloaded; and
(13) 
Any motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 8,500 pounds 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.
(Ordinance 2009-04-09 adopted 4/13/09; Ordinance 2011-10-34 adopted 10/10/11)