Legislative Watch 
LEGISLATIVE
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9/14/06-A bill in the Senate Transportation Committee is intended to reduce unnecessary idling of large trucks in the state. In most instances, drivers idling their trucks while sleeping or resting would be exempt from the rule.
Sponsored by Sen. Ray Basham, D-Taylor, SB1406 would prohibit diesel-powered vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of more than 8,000 pounds from stationary idling for more than 10 minutes per hour in areas that include Detroit and Ann Arbor.
Among the exemptions that would apply are for situations when vehicles are stuck in traffic, required by law enforcement to stop or when idling is necessary “to operate defrosters, heaters, air conditioners, or other equipment solely to prevent a safety or health emergency.”
The operation of auxiliary power units needed to load, unload, mix or process cargo, and control cargo temperature are among the activities that are not included in the restriction.
The idling rule would be waived when temperatures are less than 32 degrees or higher than 80 degrees.
For bill status, call (517) 373-0630.
