6/12/06-Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed a bill into law June 9 limiting idling for large trucks in certain areas of the state. However, drivers idling their trucks while sleeping or resting are exempt from the rule.
The new law, previously HB4782, prohibits diesel-powered vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of more than 8,000 pounds from stationary idling longer than 10 minutes per hour in areas that include Chicago and East St. Louis, IL.
While waiting to weigh, load or unload cargo or freight, truckers will have their idling limited to no more than 30 minutes per hour, “unless they are in a line of vehicles that regularly and periodically moves forward.”
Violators will face $50 fines for a first offense. Second or subsequent offenses within any 12-month period would result in $150 fines. Certain exceptions apply.
The idling rule will be waived when temperatures are less than 32 degrees Fahrenheit or higher than 80 degrees.
Truckers will also be allowed to operate defrosters, heaters, air conditioners, or other equipment necessary “to prevent a safety or health emergency.”
The idling prohibition will not apply when idling of trucks is required “to operate auxiliary equipment to accomplish the intended use of the vehicle,” such as controlling cargo temperature, loading, unloading or mixing.

3/29/06-The Senate unanimously approved a bill March 28 that would limit idling for large trucks in certain areas of the state. Drivers idling their trucks while sleeping or resting would be exempt from the proposed rule.
The bill, which already passed the House, now heads to Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s desk.
Sponsored by Rep. Elaine Nekritz, D-Des Plains, HB4782 would prohibit diesel-powered vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of more than 8,000 pounds from stationary idling longer than 10 minutes per hour in areas that include Chicago and East St. Louis, IL.
While waiting to weigh, load or unload cargo or freight, truckers would have their idling limited to no more than 30 minutes per hour, “unless they are in a line of vehicles that regularly and periodically moves forward,” Nekritz wrote.
Violators would face a fine of $50 for a first offense. A second or subsequent offense within any 12-month period would result in a $150 fine.
Certain exceptions would apply.
The proposed idling rule would be waived when temperatures are less than 32 degrees Fahrenheit or higher than 80 degrees.
Truck drivers would also be allowed to operate defrosters, heaters, air conditioners, or other equipment necessary “to prevent a safety or health emergency.”
The idling prohibition wouldn’t apply when idling of trucks is required “to operate auxiliary equipment to accomplish the intended use of the vehicle,” such as controlling cargo temperature, loading, unloading or mixing.
For bill status, call (217) 782-5799. In Illinois, call 1-800-252-6300.

3/13/06-The House voted 89-25 to approve a bill that would limit idling for large trucks in certain areas of the state. The bill has been sent to the Senate.
Sponsored by Rep. Elaine Nekritz, D-Des Plains, HB4782 would prohibit diesel-powered vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of more than 8,000 pounds from stationary idling longer than 10 minutes per hour in the Chicago area and the East St. Louis, IL, area.
While waiting to weigh, load or unload cargo or freight, truckers would have their idling limited to no more than 30 minutes per hour, “unless they are in a line of vehicles that regularly and periodically moves forward,” Nekritz wrote.
Violators would face a fine of $50 for a first offense. A second or subsequent offense within any 12-month period would result in a $150 fine.
Certain exceptions would apply.
The proposed idling rule would be waived when temperatures are less than 32 degrees Fahrenheit or higher than 80 degrees.
Truck drivers would also be allowed to operate defrosters, heaters, air conditioners, or other equipment necessary “to prevent a safety or health emergency.”
The idling prohibition wouldn’t apply when idling of trucks is required “to operate auxiliary equipment to accomplish the intended use of the vehicle,” such as controlling cargo temperature, loading, unloading or mixing.
In addition, drivers idling their trucks while sleeping or resting would be exempt from the proposed rule.
HB4782 is in the Senate Rules Committee.
For bill status, call (217) 782-5799. In Illinois, call 1-800-252-6300.