Amazon paid millions in fines after the company racked up idling infractions from its delivery services.
But what is the typical fine amount for idling — and what is idling even considered in New York City?
Here’s what to know about the infractions Amazon paid for, and how to avoid it yourself.
What is vehicle idling in NYC?
Under New York City law, it’s considered idling when an unauthorized vehicle has had its engine running for more than three minutes and is parked. If it’s parked near a school, a vehicle is considered idling when it’s running whilst parked for more than a minute.
NYC’s law applies to all vehicles — even buses and delivery trucks — except under specific circumstances, such as authorized vehicles handling emergencies or buses when temperatures are low.
The city’s Department of Environmental Protection enforces the law, which can result in a fine of $350 to $2,000.
New York law also bans idling specifically for heavy-duty diesel trucks and buses. The rule bans idling for more than five minutes unless it’s colder than 25 degrees Fahrenheit outside, and if the vehicle has been stopped for two hours, according to NYC 311.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation can fine drivers anywhere from $250 to $15,000 if caught, the city’s website says.
If you see a vehicle idling, you’re asked to report it to 311 or to file a complaint online. City officials even offer a potential reward with assisting in enforcement efforts through the Citizens Air Complaint Program, according to NYC’s website.
People cannot file complaints against passenger cars, but may against certain buses and trucks.
Amazon fined more than $9 million
Last week, NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that the city has received more than $9 million from Amazon in idling fines the company has gotten over time, according to the mayor’s office.
Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Lisa F. Garcia said that Amazon “has long been among the top worst idling offenders in the city.”
“Through the Citizens Air Complaint Program, New Yorkers can report idling with a video upload — helping us cut air pollution and improve quality of life,” Garcia said in the release.
Mamdani said that no company is above the law.
“Amazon is worth $2 trillion. Yet, it did not deign to pay the millions of dollars it racked up in unpaid fines as its trucks illegally polluted our air and forced New Yorkers to breathe in their exhaust. We are going to collect every dollar they owe the people of this city,” the mayor said in his statement.
Amazon spokesperson Leigh Anne Gullett told USA TODAY: “We’ve worked with city officials to resolve these fines, many of which didn’t reach the delivery service partners whose vehicles were cited because of gaps in how violations were tracked. We’ve since established a new process to help ensure potential future violations reach the right parties.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Amazon pays millions after idling in NYC. Can I be fined, too?