5/29/08-A bill has died that was intended to reduce unnecessary idling of motor vehicles throughout the state.
SB123 would have applied the restrictions to cars and trucks idling for more than three minutes. Those same vehicles would have been exempt from the idling restriction when temperatures are colder than 20 degrees.
The state’s Department of Environmental Protection already has regulations in place to limit idling for all vehicles, but the agency says it has been difficult to enforce because there is no specific penalty.
Violators would have faced fines between $35 and $90, plus other fees.
Exemptions to the idling restriction would have included situations when vehicles are stuck in traffic or when idling is necessary to operate defrosters, heaters or air conditioners “to ensure the safety or health” of drivers or passengers. Operating auxiliary equipment “to accomplish the intended use of the motor vehicle” also would have been exempted.
In addition, the idling prohibition would not have applied when idling is necessary for maintenance work or inspection.

4/16/08-The Legislature’s Public Safety Committee voted 17-5 to approve a bill that is intended to reduce unnecessary idling of motor vehicles throughout the state.
SB123 would apply the restrictions to cars and trucks idling for more than three minutes. Those same vehicles would be exempt from the idling restriction when temperatures are colder than 20 degrees.
The state’s Department of Environmental Protection already has regulations in place to limit idling for all vehicles, but the agency says it has been difficult to enforce because there is no specific penalty.
Violators would face fines between $35 and $90, plus fees.
Exemptions to the idling restriction would include situations when vehicles are stuck in traffic or when idling is necessary to operate defrosters, heaters or air conditioners “to ensure the safety or health” of drivers or passengers. Operating auxiliary equipment “to accomplish the intended use of the motor vehicle” also would be exempted.
In addition, the idling prohibition would not apply when idling is necessary for maintenance work or inspection.
The bill has moved to the Judiciary Committee. For bill status, call (860) 240-0555.

3/13/08-A bill on the move in the statehouse is intended to reduce unnecessary idling of motor vehicles throughout the state.
The Legislature’s Transportation Committee voted 28-3 to approve a bill that would apply the restrictions to cars and trucks idling for more than three minutes. Those same vehicles would be exempt from the idling restriction when temperatures are colder than 20 degrees.
The state’s Department of Environmental Protection already has regulations in place to limit idling for all vehicles, but the agency says it has been difficult to enforce.
Violators would face fines of at least $35.
Exemptions to the idling restriction would include situations when vehicles are stuck in traffic or when idling is necessary to operate defrosters, heaters or air conditioners “to ensure the safety or health” of drivers or passengers. Operating auxiliary equipment “to accomplish the intended use of the motor vehicle” also would be exempted.
In addition, the idling prohibition would not apply when idling is necessary for maintenance work or inspection.
SB123 is awaiting clearance for consideration on the Senate floor.
For bill status, call (860) 240-0555.