This article was originally posted on https://californianewswire.com
CALIFORNIA NEWSWIRE (LOS ANGELES, Calif.) — California Safe Schools (CSS), in partnership with the California Air Resources Board (CARB), has launched a statewide public-education campaign to help Californians recognize unnecessary diesel idling, understand California’s idling requirements, and report suspected violations near schools, homes, childcare facilities, hospitals, senior facilities, and other sensitive locations.
The campaign initially focuses on communities in Los Angeles City Council District 6-including Arleta, Lake Balboa, North Hills, North Hollywood, Panorama City, Sun Valley, and Van Nuys-with educational and reporting resources available statewide at StopDieselIdling.com.
KNOW CALIFORNIA’S FIVE-MINUTE RULE
Under California regulations, diesel-fueled commercial motor vehicles over 10,000 pounds generally may not idle their primary engine for more than five consecutive minutes. Exceptions include certain traffic conditions, power take-off operations, and some bus operations.
Vehicles displaying a CARB-certified Clean Idle sticker may qualify for additional allowances in unrestricted areas, but generally may not idle for more than five minutes within 100 feet of homes, schools, hospitals, senior facilities, or childcare facilities.
RECOGNIZE. DOCUMENT. REPORT.
California Safe Schools encourages community members to:
* Avoid unnecessary engine idling.
* Watch for recurring diesel idling near schools, homes, childcare facilities, and other sensitive locations.
* Safely document the location, date, time, vehicle description and, when possible, license plate number.
* Report suspected violations to 1-800-CUT-SMOG (1-800-288-7664) or through https://aqmd.gov/complaints.
* Visit https://StopDieselIdling.com for educational and reporting resources.
CARB enforcement data indicate high compliance among inspected vehicles, with approximately 96-97% compliance in recent years. Community observations can nevertheless help identify recurring idling concerns and locations that may warrant attention.
CSS has worked for decades to connect schools and communities with environmental-health information and pollution-prevention resources. The organization previously partnered with Los Angeles Unified School District and the City of Los Angeles to identify diesel-pollution hotspots and support installation of more than 100 “No Idling” signs near schools.
The new Diesel Idling Deterrence Project expands that work by making education and reporting resources available to communities statewide. The project is funded through a CARB Community Air Grants Program.
Founded in 1998 by Robina Suwol, California Safe Schools is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting children’s health and the environment. CSS promotes safer school environments, advances environmental justice, and works to reduce toxic exposures in schools and communities.
For more information, visit: https://www.calisafe.org/.
* * *
This version of news first appeared on CaliforniaNewswire.com © 2026 – all reproduction, syndication and republication rights reserved. Use of this copyrighted content without permission, such as cloning/scraping of content will result in DMCA complaint. To license this content please contact us.
Originally published on CaliforniaNewswire.com — California Safe Schools Launches Diesel Idling Education and Reporting Campaign for Cleaner Air and Healthier Kids