Texas Incentives and Laws for Idle Reduction
The list below contains summaries of all Texas incentives and laws related to Idle Reduction.
State Incentives
Clean Vehicle and Infrastructure Grants
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality administers the Emissions Reduction Incentive Grants (ERIG) Program, part of the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan, which provides grants for various types of clean air projects to improve air quality in the state's nonattainment areas. Eligible projects include those that involve heavy-duty vehicle replacement, retrofit, or repower; alternative fuel dispensing infrastructure; idle reduction and electrification infrastructure; and alternative fuel use. As of July 2011, the latest ERIG application period has closed. (Reference Texas Statutes, Health and Safety Code 386)
Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Research and Development Grants
The Texas Council on Environmental Quality administers the New Technology Research and Development (NTRD) Program, part of the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan, which provides grants for alternative fuel and advanced technology demonstration and infrastructure projects to encourage and support research, development, and commercialization of technologies that reduce pollution. As of July 2011, the latest NTRD grant application period has closed. (Reference Texas Statutes, Health and Safety Code 387)
Idle Reduction Weight Exemption
Any vehicle equipped with qualifying idle reduction technology may exceed the state's gross vehicle weight limits by up to 400 pounds to compensate for the additional weight of the idle reduction technology. Upon request, vehicle operators must provide proof that the idle reduction technology is fully functional. (Reference Senate Bill 493, 2011, and Texas Statutes, Transportation Code 622.955)
Laws and Regulations
Idle Reduction Requirement
A vehicle may not idle for more than five minutes from April through October in cities and counties where the local government has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (CEQ). Exemptions apply for the following: vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 14,000 pounds (lbs.) or less; traffic conditions; emergency or law enforcement; to perform needed work; maintenance or diagnostics; defrost windshield; airport ground support; rented/leased vehicles; and hours of service compliance. Vehicles may idle for up to 30 minutes for bus passenger comfort or transit operations. Fines vary by jurisdiction.
CEQ may not prohibit or limit the idling of any vehicle with a GVWR greater than 8,500 lbs., provided that the vehicle is equipped with a 2008 or subsequent model year heavy-duty diesel or natural gas engine that is certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or another state agency to emit no more than 30 grams of nitrogen oxides per hour when idling.
(Reference Senate Bill 493, 2011; Texas Statutes, Health and Safety Code 382.0191; and Texas Administrative Code 30.114.510-30.114.517)
