Illinois Incentives and Laws for Idle Reduction

The list below contains summaries of all Illinois incentives and laws related to Idle Reduction.

State Incentives

Idle Reduction Weight Exemption

A vehicle equipped with idle reduction technology may exceed the state's gross, axle, or bridge 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. The vehicle operator must carry written certification showing the weight of the technology and must be able to demonstrate or certify that it is fully functional. (Reference Senate Bill 1644, 2011, and 625 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/15-112)

Clean Diesel Retrofit and Idle Reduction Grants

The Illinois Clean Diesel Grant Program (Program) provides funding to local governments, school districts, school bus companies, colleges, universities, mass transit districts, businesses, truck owners/operators, and non-profit organizations for the installation of diesel oxidation catalysts, closed crankcase ventilation systems, particulate matter filters, and anti-idling equipment, including direct-fired heaters and auxiliary power units. In addition, funding may be available for diesel-electric hybrid vehicles. The Program is part of the Illinois Green Fleets Program, which targets school buses, shuttle buses, diesel vehicles operating in residential areas, and over-the-road trucks located and spending significant driving time in Illinois.

School Bus Retrofit Reimbursement

The Illinois Department of Education will reimburse any qualifying school district for the cost of converting gasoline buses to more fuel-efficient engines or to engines using alternative fuels. Restrictions may apply. (Reference 105 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/29-5)

Laws and Regulations

Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Acquisition Goals

To help achieve the statewide goal of reducing petroleum use by 20% by July 1, 2012, as compared to 2008 petroleum use, Illinois state agencies must work towards meeting the following goals:

• By July 1, 2015, at least 20% of new passenger vehicles purchased must be hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and 5% must be battery electric vehicles (EVs);
• By July 1, 2025, at least 60% of new passenger vehicles purchased must be HEVs and 15% must be EVs;

Agencies that operate medium- and heavy-duty vehicles must implement strategies to reduce fuel consumption through diesel emission control devices, HEV and EVs technologies, alternative fuel use, and fuel-efficient technologies. Agencies must also implement strategies to promote the use of biofuels in state vehicles; reduce the environmental impacts of employee travel; and encourage employees to adopt alternative travel methods, such as carpooling.

(Reference Executive Order 11, 2009)

Idle Reduction Requirement

A person that operates a diesel powered motor vehicle in certain counties and townships may not cause or allow the motor vehicle, when it is not in motion, to idle for more than a total of 10 minutes within any one hour period. If the vehicle is waiting to weigh, load, or unload cargo or freight, it may idle for up to 30 minutes within a one hour period. Specified areas include the counties of Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane, McHenry, Will, Madison, St. Clair, and Monroe, and the townships of Oswego (Kendall County) and Aux Sable and Goose Lake (Grundy County). Exceptions apply, including those pertaining to vehicle weight, traffic, auxiliary power use, outside temperature, and emergency vehicles. (Reference 625 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/11-1429)