Unnecessary idling adds emissions, noise and wear. Norwegian rules prohibit undue idling, and improper practice may be penalised. The right habit is to switch off the engine when stationary and use start‑stop where appropriate.
What do the rules say?
| Topic | Short explanation | Practical meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Ban on undue idling | Idling without reason is not allowed | Switch off when stopped |
| Sensitive places | Schools, kindergartens and residential areas | Avoid idling at pick‑up/drop‑off |
| Stopping and parking | Idling gives no right to stand illegally | Follow signs and markings |
For definitions of stopping and parking, see Stopping rules. For emergency light signalling, see Hazard lights and warning triangle.
Environment and health
| Effect | Why | Measure |
|---|---|---|
| COâ‚‚/NOx/particles | Emissions without benefit | Switch off when stopped |
| Noise and local nuisance | Idling near people/buildings | Roll a bit away, switch off |
| Wear and energy use | Wasted energy | Use start‑stop where suitable |
See also Eco‑driving.
Practical situations
| Situation | Recommendation | Related topic |
|---|---|---|
| Stand‑still queues | Switch off for longer stops | Motorway driving |
| Winter warm‑up | Scrape windows; avoid long idling | Driving in difficult conditions |
| Pick‑up/drop‑off | Do not leave idling unattended | City driving |
FAQs
- Is start‑stop always best? Useful in queues and at long waits. Disable on steep maneuvers or when quick movement is needed. See Hill starts and engine braking.
- Do the rules apply to EVs? Yes, avoid wasting energy and creating noise.
- What about cold starts? Drive off gently after scraping, rather than long idling. See Eco‑driving.
Summary
Avoid unnecessary idling to reduce emissions, noise and energy use. Switch off when stopped, use start‑stop when suitable, and follow local rules, especially near schools and housing.