Idle-Free Zones

What is idling?

"Idling" means running your engine when your car isn't moving. Most of the time idling isn't necessary, and it can have negative effects on the environment — and your health.

Why shouldn't I idle?

Exhaust contributes to the formation of ozone pollution, which can cause eye, nose and throat irritation and, in higher concentrations, asthma, bronchitis and decreased lung function.

Long-term exposure to air pollutants, like vehicle emissions, increases the risk of respiratory illnesses, such as allergies, asthma and lung cancer.

What can I do?

  • Promote an anti-idling policy at your child's school or at schools in your area. The AirQ Program provides free "Idle-Free Zone" signs FREE to any school in the Kansas City metro area.
  • Turn off your engine when parked, and encourage friends and family to do the same.
  • Download the Idle Free Zone toolkit from AirQKC.org.
  • Encourage a local business to join KC Idle-Free, a metro-wide partnership of organizations dedicated to reducing auto emissions by decreasing idling.