Truck Idling Engine laws are on the books in many states across the country. These states want to reduce truck idling and general emissions from large engines or sometimes just emissions near neighborhoods or schools. CDL drivers who want to take their job seriously have to be a step ahead in knowing laws like these. The more you know, the less likely you put in danger of large fines by an innocent slip-up.
Here is a quick breakdown of all the states that (as of the posting of this article) have Engine Idling laws in place specifically about truckers.
NO TRUCK IDLING:
Wyoming – You can’t idle outside a business or residential area. That covers a lot of places but doesn’t account for open stretches of road. Idle at your own risk. (Reference Wyoming Statutes 31-5-505 and 31-5-509)
3 MINUTES ALLOWED:
Delaware – (Reference Delaware Administrative Code Title 7, Section 1145)
District of Columbia (Washington DC) – An exception is given for Truck Idling when operating a heater when it’s freezing outside. But that only extends the time to 5 minutes. (Reference District of Columbia Municipal Regulations(PDF) Title 20, Chapter 9, Section 900.1)
Hawaii – Doubtful that you’ll find yourself delivering in this state. But just in case, it’s only 3 minutes of idling allowed. (Reference Hawaii Administrative Rules Title 11, Chapter 60.1-34)
New Jersey – This state also has an exception for sub-freezing temperatures and another one for sleeping berths. Worth looking at the details. (Reference New Jersey Administrative Code 7:27-14.3 through 7:27-14.10 and 7:27-15.8)
Virginia – (Reference Virginia Administrative Code 9-5-40-5670(C))
5 MINUTES ALLOWED:
California – California has plenty of details regarding truck idling, about where, when, and how you aren’t allowed to pollute the air. (Reference California Code of Regulations Title 13, Section 2485)
Maine – You’ll find more exceptions for weather and loading/unloading here than just about anywhere else. (Reference Maine Revised Statutes Title 38, Section 585-L)
Maryland – (Reference Maryland Statutes, Transportation Code 22-402)
Massachusetts – (Reference Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 16A, and Department of Environmental Protection Regulations 310 CMR 7.11(1)(b))
New Hampshire – The only state with three tiers of weather-dependent time limits. Basically, the colder it gets the longer you can idle. (Reference New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, Administrative Rules Env-A 1102.02 and 1102.03)
New York – (Reference New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Regulations Chapter III, Subpart 217-3)
Oregon – (Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 825.605 and 825.610)
Pennsylvania – Actually references Californian laws as the standard for this law. Sounds complicated. (Reference Title 35 Pennsylvania Statutes, Chapter 23B, Section 4603)
Rhode Island – (Reference Rhode Island General Laws 23-23-29.2 and 31-16.1)
Texas – Only applies between the months of April and October, and only in certain cities, and a bag of other “only if” reasons. Looks pretty laid-back overall. (Reference Texas Statutes, Health and Safety Code 382.0191; and Texas Administrative Code 30.114.510-30.114.517)
Utah – (Reference Utah Code 41-6a-202, 41-6a-1401, 76-3-204, and 76-3-301)
Vermont – (Reference Vermont Statutes Title 23, Chapter 13, Section 1110 and Title 16, Chapter 23, Section 1045)
10 MINUTES ALLOWED:
Illinois – Can be up to 30 mins if weighing, loading, or unloading. (Reference Senate Bill 1256, 2019, and 625 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/11-1429)
South Carolina – Exemptions for truck idling, include sleeping and both high and low temperatures. (Reference South Carolina Code of Laws 56-35-10 to 56-35-80)
15 MINUTES ALLOWED:
Nevada – (Reference Nevada Administrative Code 445B.576)
West Virginia – This law also references California Emissions law. (Reference West Virginia Code 17C-13A-1 through 17C-13A-3)
Keep in mind that these truck idling laws might be changed or added to at any time. Be aware of posted signs around you and don’t hesitate to ask around about local or city laws. In the end, Engine Idling laws aren’t in place to punish you for keeping the cab warm. They’re for kids’ safety, a healthy environment, and other good reasons. So, following them benefits more than just your clean record. If you are confronted by law enforcement, here is a good article to keep yourself grounded: 8 Tips When You Get Pulled Over
