Florida enacts idling rules for trucks

Florida enacts idling rules for trucks

Florida is the latest state to impose idling restrictions on heavy trucks.

The state Environmental Regulation Commission approved a rule last week banning trucks of 8,500 pounds gross vehicle weight rating and above from idling for more than five consecutive minutes.

The rule goes into effect on Dec. 15 There are several exemptions, including:

* Idling while stopped for traffic conditions over which the driver has no control;

* If idling is necessary to verify that the vehicle is in safe operating condition as required by law and that all equipment is in good working order, either as part of a daily vehicle inspection or as otherwise needed, provided that engine idling is mandatory for such verification;

* If idling is necessary to accomplish work for which the vehicle was designed, other than transporting goods, for example: operating a lift, crane, pump, drill, hoist, mixer, or other auxiliary equipment other than a heater or air conditioner;

* If idling is necessary to operate defrosters, heaters, air conditioners, or other equipment to prevent a safety or health emergency, but not solely for the comfort of the driver;

* Idling while the driver is sleeping or resting in a sleeper berth. This exemption expires at midnight September 30, 2013.