South Carolina Idle Reduction Laws and Incentives
State Laws and Regulations
Idle Reduction Requirement
Idling of any commercial diesel vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds for more than 10 minutes in any one-hour period is prohibited. Exemptions apply for the following: traffic conditions; prevention of safety or health emergencies; emergency or law enforcement purposes; maintenance, servicing, repairing, or diagnostic purposes; state or federal inspections; power work-related operations; while waiting to load or unload; sleeper berth temperature control during a) rest or sleep periods, b) times when the ambient outside air temperature is less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit or greater than 80 degrees Fahrenheit, or c) at rest areas, terminals, truck stops, or legal parking locations greater than 500 feet from homes or schools. Violators are subject to a $75 fine for each offense. (Reference South Carolina Code of Laws 56-35-10 to 56-35-40)
Idle Reduction Weight Exemption
The maximum gross vehicle and axle weight limits for any motor vehicle or combination of vehicles equipped with idle reduction technology may be increased by the weight of the idle reduction equipment, not to exceed 400 pounds. The vehicle operator must provide documentation that the vehicle is equipped with idle reduction equipment. (Reference South Carolina Code of Laws 56-5-4160)
