6/24/2008
Florida is the latest state to impose idling restrictions on heavy trucks.

The state Environmental Regulation Commission approved a rule last week banning trucks of 8,500 pounds gross vehicle weight rating and above from idling for more than 5 consecutive minutes.

The rule goes into effect on Dec. 15 There are several exemptions, including:

• Idling while stopped for traffic conditions over which the driver has no control.
• If idling is necessary to verify that the vehicle is in safe operating condition as required by law and that all equipment is in good working order, either as part of a daily vehicle inspection or as otherwise needed, provided that engine idling is mandatory for such verification;
   idling is necessary to accomplish work for which the vehicle was designed, other than transporting goods, for example: operating a lift, crane, pump, drill, hoist, mixer, or other auxiliary equipment other than a heater or air conditioner;
  
• If idling is necessary to operate defrosters, heaters, air conditioners, or other equipment to prevent a safety or health emergency, but not solely for the comfort of the driver;
  
• Idling while the driver is sleeping or resting in a sleeper berth. This exemption expires at midnight September 30, 2013.