New Jersey Idle Reduction Laws and Incentives
State Incentives
Idle Reduction Technology Grant
The New Jersey Trucker's Challenge, established by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, provides funding for the purchase or installation of idle reduction equipment used in New Jersey-based heavy-duty diesel trucks. Eligible equipment includes auxiliary power units (APUs), bunk heaters and tailpipe emissions controls such as diesel particulate filters (DPF) and diesel oxidation catalysts (DOC). The reimbursement amounts may include the purchase and installation costs and are as follows:
| Device(s) | Cost Coverage | Funding Ceiling |
|---|---|---|
| APU | 50% | $4,500 |
| Bunk Heater | 50% | $750 |
| DPF or DOC and APU or Bunk Heater | 100% of APU or Bunk Heater | $17,000 for DPF or DOC |
The program is administered by the New Jersey Motor Truck Association (NJMTA). The initial funding for this program was provided by the State of New Jersey and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and has been fully allocated. Additional funding for the program is currently pending. For more information on the Trucker's Challenge, see the NJMTA Web site.
State Laws and Regulations
Idle Reduction Requirement
A motor vehicle may not be allowed to operate for more than three consecutive minutes when the vehicle is not in motion, with the following exceptions: 1) a motor vehicle at the place of business where the vehicle is permanently assigned may idle for 30 consecutive minutes; and 2) a motor vehicle may idle for 15 consecutive minutes when the vehicle's engine has been stopped for at least three hours. Additionally, a vehicle may not idle for more than three minutes in parking spaces that are equipped with idle-reduction electrification devices. Beginning May 1, 2010, diesel trucks may not idle overnight. These provisions do not apply to the following: 1) a light-duty diesel vehicle; 2) a diesel bus while loading or unloading passengers; 3) a vehicle stopped in a line of traffic; 4) a vehicle being inspected by a state or federal motor vehicle inspector; 5) an emergency vehicle operating in an emergency situation; 6) a vehicle being repaired or serviced; or 7) a vehicle needing auxiliary power for equipment or for climate control. Additional restriction or conditions may apply. Violators will be issued fines ranging from $100 to $200 for the first offense, and up to $3,000 for repeated offenses. (Reference New Jersey Administrative Code 7:27-14.3 and 7:27-15.8)
