Support us

IdlingAustria

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Austria

81. Idling

Idling means allowing a vehicle's engine to continue running while the vehicle is stationary and the engine is not being used to move the vehicle. This may occur while waiting, parking, loading or unloading or before beginning a journey.

Unnecessary idling consumes fuel and produces exhaust emissions, air pollution and noise. Many countries or local authorities restrict prolonged or unnecessary idling, although exceptions may apply when the engine is required for safety, technical equipment or another necessary purpose.

A stationary vehicle with its engine running is idling. (Volkswagen Golf)
Wikimedia.org • Spacekid • CC0
What is idling?

Idling means keeping a vehicle's engine running while the vehicle remains stationary and the engine is not being used to propel it.

Why should unnecessary idling be avoided?

Unnecessary idling uses fuel, produces exhaust emissions and creates noise without moving the vehicle.

Is idling illegal everywhere?

No. Rules differ between countries and local authorities. Some prohibit unnecessary idling generally, while others restrict it only in particular locations or circumstances.

Does an idling engine still produce exhaust emissions?

Yes. A combustion engine continues to produce exhaust gases while running even though the vehicle is not moving.

Does idling use fuel?

Yes. A combustion engine consumes fuel while it remains running, even when the vehicle is stationary.

Should you leave the engine running while waiting for someone?

Where it is safe and legal to switch the engine off, unnecessary prolonged idling should generally be avoided. Local rules may specifically require the engine to be switched off.

Is waiting at a red traffic light the same as parking with the engine idling?

No. A vehicle temporarily prevented from moving by traffic conditions is different from a vehicle voluntarily parked or waiting. The rules concerning engine shutdown may therefore differ.

Can an engine remain running when vehicle equipment needs power?

Some laws provide exceptions when the engine is genuinely required to operate refrigeration, hydraulic equipment, emergency equipment or another essential system. The precise exceptions depend on local law.

Should you rev the engine while stationary?

Unnecessary engine revving should be avoided because it increases noise, fuel consumption and emissions. It may also be specifically prohibited by local traffic or noise regulations.

Do electric vehicles idle?

Not in the conventional combustion-engine sense. An electric vehicle can remain stationary while switched on without an internal-combustion engine running, although electrical systems such as heating or air conditioning may still consume energy.

1 Austria 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Shared-use path 10 Tunnel 11 Cycling street 12 Pedestrian zone 13 One-way traffic 14 Quay 15 Slope 16 Bus lane 17 Bus stop 18 Dead end 19 Stop sign 20 Give way 21 Roundabout 22 Priority road 23 Give way to oncoming traffic 24 Railway crossing 25 Mandatory direction 26 Turn prohibition 27 School area 28 Overtaking 29 Crossing animals 30 Wrong-way driving 31 Roadworks 32 Height limit 33 Width limit 34 Weight limit 35 Priority at the next junction 36 Traffic lights 37 Pedestrian lights 38 Speed feedback 39 Driving licence 40 Location marker 41 Traffic mirror 42 Emergency telephone 43 International border 44 Cycling route 45 Parking 46 No parking 47 No stopping 48 Disabled parking 49 Reversing 50 Uncontrolled crossroad 51 Road surface 52 Provisional licence 53 Runaway truck ramp 54 City limit 55 Cyclist crossing 56 Horn 57 Licence plate 58 Charging station 59 Dangers 60 Cyclist 61 Bus 62 Police 63 Ambulance 64 Police signals 65 European emission standard 66 Pothole 67 Private property 68 Path 69 Particulates 70 Air pollution 71 Rush hour 72 Road code 73 Street gutter 74 Cargo bike 75 Forestry vehicle 76 Construction vehicle 77 Semi-trailer truck 78 Trolleybus 79 Speed pedelec 80 Delivery vehicle 81 Idling 82 Tow truck 83 Four-wheel drive 84 No vehicles 85 Bicycle 86 Motorcycle equipment 87 Tram 88 Rail track 89 Caravan 90 Trailer 91 Tow hitch 92 Fire truck 93 Siren 94 Convoy 95 Emergency vehicle lighting 96 Agricultural machinery 97 Electric bicycle 98 Electric vehicle 99 Pedelec 100 Quadricycle ...