North Carolina Idle Reduction Laws and Incentives

State Incentives

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) and Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) Grants

The Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) project focuses on reducing transportation related emissions in North Carolina's non-attainment and maintenance counties for National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Projects that are adjacent to areas may also be eligible if emissions will be reduced in the eligible counties. The project is funded by the North Carolina Department of Transportation, State Energy Office, and the Division of Air Quality, and covers three broad areas: education and outreach; project funding; and recognition of exemplary activities. Although funding is not currently available, future financial support may be available for AFVs, fueling infrastructure, idle reduction technologies, heavy-duty HEVs, heavy-duty buses, and diesel retrofits.

Alternative Fuel and Idle Reduction Grants

Grants from the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Air Quality are available for the incremental cost of purchasing original equipment manufacturer alternative fuel vehicles, vehicle conversions, implementing idle reduction programs, and constructing or installing public alternative fueling facilities. More than $500,000 in funding is available.

State Laws and Regulations

School Bus Idle Reduction Requirement

All local boards of education in North Carolina have adopted idle reduction policies. School buses are not allowed to idle unnecessarily on school grounds and are prohibited from warming up for longer than five minutes. The North Carolina School Boards Association has provided a sample policy and administrative procedure that meet the requirements.