Connecticut Incentives and Laws for Idle Reduction
The list below contains summaries of all Connecticut incentives and laws related to Idle Reduction.
State Incentives
School Bus Retrofit Program
The Connecticut Clean School Bus Program was created to: 1) establish grants for municipalities and local and regional school boards for reimbursement of the cost of retrofitting full-sized school buses that are projected to be in service on or after September 1, 2010; 2) develop and implement an outreach plan and educational materials, and; 3) assist municipalities and local and regional boards of education and bus companies in retrofitting their full-sized school buses. (Reference Connecticut General Statutes 22a-21j through 22a-21k)
Idle Reduction Weight Exemption
A commercial vehicle equipped with idle reduction technology may exceed the state's gross vehicle weight limits by up to 400 pounds to compensate for the additional weight of the idle reduction technology. The additional weight may not exceed the actual weight of the idle reduction unit. (Reference Connecticut General Statutes 14-267c)
Laws and Regulations
Idle Reduction Requirement
School bus operators may not idle a school bus engine for more than three consecutive minutes except under the following conditions: uncontrollable traffic conditions or mechanical difficulties; operation of heating, cooling, safety or auxiliary equipment; outdoor temperatures are below 20 degrees Fahrenheit; maintenance of a safe temperature for students with special needs; school bus repair; or receipt or discharge of passengers on a public highway or road. (Reference Connecticut General Statutes 14-277)
