New York Idle Reduction Laws and Incentives

State Laws and Regulations

Heavy-Duty Idle Reduction Requirement

Heavy-duty vehicles (defined as vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating exceeding 8,500 pounds) are prohibited from idling for more than five consecutive minutes when the vehicle is not in motion. Exceptions may apply, including the following: idling due to traffic conditions; to maintain temperatures (under regulation) for passenger comfort; idling to provide auxiliary power or for maintenance purposes; hybrid electric vehicles idling to recharge batteries; and idling of emergency service vehicles. (Reference New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Regulations Chapter III - Air Resources, Subpart 217-3)

School Bus Idle Reduction Requirement

All public school districts must ensure that every driver of a school bus or other school vehicle turn off the vehicle's engine while waiting for passengers to load or unload. Certain exceptions are allowed when necessary for heating, mechanical or emergency circumstances. School districts are also required to provide school personnel with an annual notice of the provisions of the law and regulations, providing an overview of the regulations and the available education materials. For more information, see the State Education Department Web site. This regulation expires on June 30, 2013. (Reference Senate Bill 5973, 2007)

Idle Reduction Requirement - New York City

No person may permit the engine of a motor vehicle, other than a legally authorized emergency vehicle, to idle for more than three minutes while parking, standing, or stopping, unless the engine is used to operate a loading, unloading, or processing device. When the ambient temperature is greater than 40 degrees Fahrenheit, no person may permit the engine of a bus to idle while parking, standing or stopping at any terminal point, along an established route. In addition, a vehicle may not idle for more than one minute if adjacent to any school. Exemptions are allowed for school buses for the following: mechanical work; maintaining an appropriate temperature for passenger comfort; or in emergency evacuations where necessary to operate wheelchair lifts. (Reference New York City Administrative Code 24-163)

Idle Reduction Requirement - New Rochelle

Light- and heavy-duty vehicles may not idle for more than five minutes, subject to the exceptions for heavy-duty vehicles specified in the State of New York Codes, Rules, and Regulations. (Reference Code of the City of New Rochelle, New York, Local Law No. 8-2004)

Idle Reduction Requirement - Bethlehem Central School District

The Bethlehem Central School District has adopted a no-idling policy on school grounds for school buses and private vehicles. School buses must be turned off while waiting to load or unload passengers on school grounds. Exemptions are allowed, within the limits of state law, when necessary for mechanical or cold weather reasons. Privately owned passenger vehicles are limited to idling for no more than 30 seconds while on school grounds. For more information, see the Bethlehem Central School District Web site.