7/12/06-Gov. Donald Carcieri signed a bill into law Monday, July 10, that is intended to reduce unnecessary idling of large trucks.
The new law, previously H7756, prohibits truck drivers from idling their engines for more than five consecutive minutes in any 60-minute period.
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management will have until July 1, 2007, to develop regulations to limit idling. The restriction will apply only to diesel engines.
Violators will face up to $100 fines. Subsequent violations will result in up to $500 fines.
Among the exemptions that will apply are for situations when vehicles are stuck in traffic, required by law enforcement to stop or “when it is necessary to operate defrosting, heating, or cooling equipment to ensure the health or safety of the driver or passengers or to operate auxiliary equipment; when it is necessary to bring the engine to the manufacturer's recommended operating temperature or when the engine is undergoing maintenance or inspection.”
The new law also clarifies that auxiliary power units and vehicles delivering fuel or energy products are not included in the restriction.

7/5/06-A bill that is intended to reduce unnecessary idling of large trucks has passed the Senate. The measure, which passed the House in May, now heads to Gov. Donald Carcieri’s desk.
Sponsored by Rep. Raymond Sullivan Jr., D-Coventry, H7756 would prohibit truck drivers from idling their engines for more than five consecutive minutes in any 60-minute period.
The measure would give the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management until July 1, 2007, to develop regulations to limit idling. The restriction would apply only to diesel engines.
Violators would pay up to $100 fines. Subsequent violations would result in up to $500 fines.
Among the exemptions that would apply are for situations when vehicles are stuck in traffic, required by law enforcement to stop or “when it is necessary to operate defrosting, heating, or cooling equipment to ensure the health or safety of the driver or passengers or to operate auxiliary equipment; when it is necessary to bring the engine to the manufacturer's recommended operating temperature or when the engine is undergoing maintenance or inspection.”
The bill also clarifies that auxiliary power units and vehicles delivering fuel or energy products are not included in the restriction.
For bill status, call (401) 222-3580.

6/21/06-The House has approved a bill that is intended to reduce unnecessary idling of large trucks. It has been forwarded to the Senate.
Sponsored by Rep. Raymond Sullivan Jr., D-Coventry, H7756 would prohibit truck drivers from idling their engines for more than five consecutive minutes in any 60-minute period.
The measure would give the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management until July 1, 2007, to develop regulations to limit idling. The restriction would apply only to diesel engines.
Violators would pay up to $100 fines. Subsequent violations would result in up to $500 fines.
Among the exemptions that would apply are for situations when vehicles are stuck in traffic, required by law enforcement to stop or “when it is necessary to operate defrosting, heating, or cooling equipment to ensure the health or safety of the driver or passengers or to operate auxiliary equipment; when it is necessary to bring the engine to the manufacturer's recommended operating temperature or when the engine is undergoing maintenance or inspection.”
The bill also clarifies that auxiliary power units and vehicles delivering fuel or energy products are not included in the restriction.
H7756 is in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
For bill status, call (401) 222-3580.
The Senate approved a similar bill – S2767. It has been sent to the House for further consideration.