Senate Approves Legislation Limiting Idling Time for Trucks
The Pennsylvania Senate on Feb. 6, 2008, unanimously approved legislation that prohibits commercial diesel vehicles from idling for more than five minutes every hour.
The Pennsylvania Medical Society supports Senate Bill 295, which is intended to reduce noise and exhaust emissions. The bill now goes to the state House of Representatives for consideration.
Anyone in violation of the limit would face a $50 to $150 fine. The bill provides exceptions for:
- Traffic
- Operation of equipment to prevent an unsafe situation or health emergency
- Maintenance or inspection
- Armored vehicles loading or unloading
- Mechanical problems
- Passenger buses
- Compliance with driver rest periods in certain weather conditions
- Diesel motors 2007 or newer with California Air Resources Board certification
Last Updated: 2/8/2008