11/24/09-A bill from Rep. David Sharpe, D-Bristol, would extend the state’s idling ban to include large trucks and delivery vehicles. Currently, buses cannot idling outside of schools.
H97 would place time restrictions on the idling of trucks weighing more than 10,000 pounds. Restrictions would apply to trucks idling for more than five minutes in any 60-minute period.
The bill was introduced during the 2009 regular session but remained in committee when the session wrapped up. The effort can be picked up from where it left off when lawmakers convene the 2010 regular session early next year.
Violators would face fines of up to $500.
While the bill doesn’t include any idling exemptions for extreme temperatures, the Department of Motor Vehicles would be in charge of setting additional “times or circumstances that reasonably require the idling of an engine.”
The commissioner of motor vehicles also would be responsible for reviewing standards in effect in other states and work toward maintaining consistency with those standards.
Exceptions would be made for situations when idling is necessary to operate defrosters, heaters or air conditioners “to ensure the health or safety of the driver of passengers.” It also would make exceptions for operating auxiliary equipment.
In addition, the idling restriction would not apply when idling of trucks is necessary for maintenance or inspection.
The bill is awaiting consideration in the Legislature’s Natural Resources and Energy Committee. The regular session convenes Jan. 5.
For bill status, call 802-828-2231. In Vermont, call 800-642-3280.