Are school buses subject to the 3 minute idling limit?
Yes, except for when they are sitting in traffic or loading or unloading passengers. However, school districts are encouraged to sign a No Idling Pledge, in which they agree to implement practices to eliminate or reduce idling (see www.StopTheSoot.org). Because children are especially vulnerable to the effects of diesel exhaust, drivers should turn off engines even when loading and unloading students. Diesel exhaust from queuing school buses often enters a school’s ventilation system where the entire school population is exposed.
