SCHOOLS ARE NOT DRIVE-THRUS!

NOTE: This petition is aimed for the California legislature. PLEASE ONLY SIGN THIS PETITION IF YOU ARE A CALIFORNIA RESIDENT.

California does not regulate the idling of vehicles 10,000 lbs. or less which includes light-duty vehicles such as passenger cars, SUVs, vans and pickup trucks. This means motorists at school dismissal can let their engines run while waiting for students. A line up of mostly idling vehicles is known as caravan idling -- just like drive-thrus -- which creates idling "hot spots" near school entrances. The result is needless CO2 emissions, wasted energy, and most importantly an adverse impact on air quality in the vicinity impacting people, especially students. The EPA states:

"Idling vehicles contribute to air pollution and emit air toxins, which are pollutants known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health effects. Monitoring at schools has shown elevated levels of benzene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and other air toxics during the afternoon hour coinciding with parents picking up their children. Children’s lungs are still developing, and when they are exposed to elevated levels of these pollutants, children have an increased risk of developing asthma, respiratory problems and other adverse health effects. Limiting a vehicle’s idling time can dramatically reduce these pollutants and children’s exposure to them."

California recognized this issue in 2016 when the state legislature adopted ACR-160. This resolution addresses the issue of vehicular air pollution, specifically motor vehicle idling and children. It encourages motorists to not idle their motor vehicles near places where children congregate. Unfortunately resolutions are non-binding; they are not enforceable.

NOTE: This petition is intended for California residents only.

This petition calls for the regulation of the idling of vehicles 10,000 lbs. or less on school property or where children congregate. In the interest of student health, the California Department of Education can be expected to disseminate this regulation in the greater school community.

This petition will be submitted to supportive members of the California legislature after 2,000 signatures have been reached. 

LANGUAGE OF PROPOSED REGULATION: http://idlefreecalifornia.org/pdf/Regulation_Idling_LDVs_Schools_CA_PROPOSED.pdf