New Hampshire Incentives and Laws for Idle Reduction

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

State Incentives

Idle Reduction Weight Exemption

Any heavy-duty vehicle equipped with an auxiliary power unit or other qualified idle reduction technology may exceed the gross, axle, tandem, or bridge formula weight limits by up to 400 pounds. To qualify for this exemption, drivers must be able to provide proof of the idle reduction technology's weight through written certification. They must also be able to prove through demonstration or certification that the idle reduction technology is fully functional at all times. (Reference House Bill 117, 2011, and New Hampshire Revised Statutes 266:18-c)

Laws and Regulations

School District Emissions Reduction Policies

Each school district must develop and implement a policy to minimize or eliminate emissions from buses, cars, delivery vehicles, maintenance vehicles, and other motor vehicles used on school property. Policies must take into account existing anti-idling and clean air zone regulations that the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services has established. (Reference New Hampshire Revised Statutes 200:48)

Idle Reduction and Fuel-Efficient, Low Emission Vehicle Acquisition Requirements

New Hampshire state agencies and departments must implement a Clean Fleets Program in accordance with the recommendations of the Energy Efficiency in State Government Steering Committee, including but not limited to the following components:

1. An anti-idling policy;
2. A highway fuel economy rating requirement of at least 27.5 miles per gallon (mpg) for all new passenger and light-duty vehicles and at least 20 mpg for all new light-duty trucks except for emergency and law enforcement vehicles;
3. A requirement that new passenger and light-duty vehicles are certified as low emission vehicles in accordance with the recommendations of the Energy Efficiency in State Government Steering Committee;
4. A policy ensuring that the appropriate vehicle is selected for the intended use of the vehicle;
5. A requirement that vehicle purchases be in compliance with the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct) if applicable;
6. A waiver procedure for requesting vehicles not on the approved New Hampshire Department of Administrative Services vehicle list;
7. Additional measures to promote fuel conservation.

(Reference Executive Order 2005-4)

Idle Reduction Requirement

The owner or operator of a diesel powered vehicle must limit the length of time their vehicle remains idle. The limit is based on the outside temperature, as follows: Above 32 degrees Fahrenheit, 5 minute limit; between 32 and -10 degrees Fahrenheit, 15 minute limit; below -10 degrees Fahrenheit, no limit. Certain vehicles are exempt from the regulation, including vehicles in traffic, emergency vehicles, vehicles providing power take-off for refrigeration or lift gate pumps, and vehicles supplying heat or air conditioning for passenger comfort during transportation. (Reference New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, Administrative Rules Env-A 1101.05 and 1101.06)

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Content Last Updated: 03/29/2012