Idling

Vehicles that idle unnecessarily increase greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Please turn off your engine when you are waiting in your vehicle at a school, transit terminal, shopping mall or other location in our community. You'll save fuel and reduce your impact on the environment.

COVID-19 message: Waiting to pick up a package or food order?

Please turn your engine off! The parking and idling bylaw is still in effect. One minute of unnecessary idling could result in a $120 fine. Also, who wants to inhale all those car fumes?

Did you know?

• The City of Burlington has an idling control bylaw that limits unnecessary idling to one minute? The parking and idling bylaw is enforced by city parking enforcement officers. As of Apr. 1, 2017, tickets for unnecessary idling are $120.
• Check out the following Take Action Burlington blog posts:
  • Idling gets you nowhere. Turn your engines off! Jan. 2022 and May 2021 posts
  • Idling bylaw still in effect - 2020
  • A back to school reminder for drivers - 2019
  • A back to school reminder for drivers - 2018
  • Idling awareness in Burlington
  • Common idling myths 

School Campaigns

Burlington provides resources to schools running idling awareness campaigns. These campaigns remind parents and caregivers to turn their engines off while waiting to pick up students. Contact sustainability staff at 905-335-7600, ext. 7580 or 7931 or email environment@burlington.ca for the following items:

• Posters
• Bookmarks
• Stickers
• Banner (approximately 12 x 3 feet, two week loan) 

Read a message from Stuart Miller, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board on the benefits of walking or wheeling to school - Fall 2019.

Idling Signs

Do you want to purchase a sign for your business or school?

Idling signs measure 12 x 18 inches (30 x 45 cm) and can be purchased for $30.65 + HST. Pick up your sign at City Hall to avoid shipping charges. Signs  state "Burlington Bylaw as amended" at the bottom right of the sign.

Contact sustainability staff at 905-335-7600, ext. 7580 or 7931 or email environment@burlington.ca to order.

Report Excessive Idling

• Business Hours - call Parking Services at 905-335-7600 or email city@burlington.ca
  (Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.)   
• After-Hours - call Halton Regional Police at 905-825-4777
  (ask for "dispatch" and Police will send a Parking Officer)

Please note that for any unnecessary idling, officers need to observe the idling for one minute as per the bylaw.