The list below contains summaries of all Connecticut incentives and laws related to Idle Reduction.
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 regarding the program, and; 3) assist municipalities and local and regional boards of education and bus companies to retrofit their full-sized school buses. (Reference Connecticut General Statutes 22a-21j and 22a-21k)
A commercial vehicle equipped with an 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 added idle reduction technology. The additional weight may not exceed the actual weight of the idle reduction unit. (Reference Senate Bill 1081, 2009)
School bus operators are prohibited from idling the engine of any school bus for more than three consecutive minutes when the school bus is not in motion except under the following conditions apply:
1) The school bus is forced to remain motionless because of traffic conditions or mechanical difficulties over which the operator has no control;
2) It is necessary to operate heating, cooling, safety or auxiliary equipment installed on the school bus;
3) The outdoor temperature is below 20 degrees Fahrenheit;
4) It is necessary to maintain a safe temperature for students with special needs;
5) The school bus is being repaired; or
6) The operator is in the process of receiving or discharging passengers on a public highway or public road.
(Reference Connecticut General Statutes 14-277)