Short answer: yes, but it depends on what the furniture is made of, how it is coated, and how often it is cleaned. Urban outdoor furniture placed beside a busy road is not just dealing with weather. It is also exposed to soot, traffic film, nitrogen oxides, sulfur compounds, rubber dust, and the occasional splash of road grime. Exhaust alone rarely destroys good-quality furniture outright, but over time it can dull finishes, embed dirt in porous surfaces, and combine with moisture to make corrosion more likely.
For commercial street furniture, the safest choices are powder-coated aluminum, galvanized or stainless steel with high-quality powder coating, HDPE, and dense timber with a proper finish. Powder-coated metal is a strong option because the coating creates a smooth barrier that is easier to wipe down. Stainless steel hardware helps, especially in damp climates. I would be more cautious with untreated steel, low-grade painted metal, and porous materials that trap oily road film. They may look fine for a season, but constant exhaust makes them harder to keep clean and can shorten their service life.
Design matters too. Sloped seats, open frames, and smooth edges shed water and dirt better than flat surfaces and tight crevices. Avoid hidden ledges where soot can settle. Removable cushions should use solution-dyed acrylic or similarly cleanable outdoor fabric, and they should be brought in or covered during long dirty periods. If the furniture is fixed in place, choose designs that can be pressure-washed or scrubbed without damaging the finish.
Maintenance is the real deciding factor. Near a busy road, a quick rinse every week or two during dry weather, plus a deeper clean each month, makes a big difference. Use a mild detergent and soft brush, then rinse thoroughly. Do not let exhaust film sit through the rainy season, because the grime holds moisture against the surface. Check welds, feet, and fasteners for early corrosion, and touch up chips in powder coating before rust starts.
So, can urban outdoor furniture withstand being near a busy road with constant exhaust? Good commercial-grade furniture can, but it will not stay pristine on its own. Specify durable materials, insist on quality coatings, and plan a realistic cleaning schedule. If you do that, the furniture can hold up well; if you ignore maintenance, even sturdy pieces will age faster than expected.