2012-06-04 Attention drivers in Yunlin! Turn off your idling engines or you will be fined! To reduce the adverse impacts of motor vehicle engine idling on ambient air quality, the EPA promulgated the Administrative Measures for Motor Vehicle Idling on March 1, 2012, and beginning June 1, 2012, drivers who do not turn off their ignition if idling for more than 3 minutes will be fined according to the administrative measures.

Starting on March 1, 2012, Yunlin County’s Environmental Protection Bureau launched a three-month anti-idling campaign to increase public awareness of the benefits of not idling. The EPB went to the county’s elementary schools, post offices, banks, and train and bus stations and explained to 1,014 vehicle users the benefits of not idling. In addition, information booths were set up in three colleges in the county and on bustling streets on weekends to educate the public about the new policy.

Starting on June 1, 2012, representatives from the EPB will carry out patrols in areas where idling has been common. The EPB will first issue a warning to any driver found to be idling their vehicle. If they fail to turn off their engine, the vehicle will be videotaped as an infrared thermometer is used to measure the temperature of the engine’s exhaust pipe. Non-compliant vehicle users or drivers will be fined from NT$1,500 up to NT$60,000 according to Item 1 in Article 34 of the Air Pollution Control Act.

Idling pollutes the air and harms health; a simple turn of your key can keep the air clean. Every time you turn off your car engine instead of idling, you’ll make the air healthier and help the environment. So stop idling and “turn it off” when your vehicle isn’t going anywhere!