Texas Idle Reduction Laws and Incentives

State Incentives

Alternative Fuel Grants

The Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) provides grants for alternative fuel and advanced technology demonstration and infrastructure projects under the New Technology Research and Development (NTRD) Program, which provides incentives to encourage and support research, development, and commercialization of technologies that reduce pollution. For more information, see the NTRD Program Web site.The NTRD Program is administered by the Texas Environmental Research Consortium, with support from the Houston Advanced Research Center from 2006 to 2009. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will assume administration in 2010. (Reference Texas Statutes, Health and Safety Code 386)

Clean School Bus Program - North Central Texas

The North Central Texas Clean School Bus Program (Program) is a fuel and technology neutral program, administered by the North Central Texas Council of Governments, serving a 16-county service area. The Program serves as a clearinghouse for information on technology, legislation, best-practices for school bus operators, and clean school bus funding opportunities. The Program aims to reduce emissions from school bus fleets by encouraging and assisting in the expedited purchase of clean school buses as well as adoption and enforcement of idle reduction policies. In addition, the Program seeks to gather community resources to assist schools, school districts, and school bus operators in improving air quality and protecting the health of school-aged children.

Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle and Idle Reduction Grants - Dallas-Fort Worth

The Heavy-Duty Vehicle and Equipment Grant Program (Program) is administered by the North Central Texas Council of Governments, in partnership with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Program seeks to reduce emissions from heavy-duty engines in the Dallas-Fort Worth region, as well as educate public and private entities on the availability of clean fuels and vehicle technologies. Grant funding is available in three emphasis areas: local government, construction equipment, and idle reduction projects. Both public and private sector entities may apply for grants for the replacement or repower/retrofit of construction equipment, or for the purchase and installation of on-side and on-board idle reduction technologies. Local governments may apply for additional project types. All projects must have a nitrogen oxide emissions reduction component. Projects will be selected on a modified first come first served basis.

State Laws and Regulations

Idle Reduction Weight Exemption

Any vehicle equipped with idle reduction technology may exceed the state's gross vehicle and axle weight limits by up to 400 pounds to compensate for the additional weight of the added idle reduction technology. (Reference House Bill 432, 2009, and Texas Statutes, Transportation Code 622.955)

Idle Reduction Requirement

Idling of any vehicle for more than five minutes from April through October is prohibited in the cities of Arlington, Austin, Bastrop, Benbrook, Celina, Colleyville, Dallas, Elgin, Euless, Georgetown, Hurst, Hutto, Keene, Lake Worth, Lancaster, Little Elm, Lockhart, Luling, Mabank, McKinney, Mesquite, North Richland Hills, Pecan Hill, Round Rock, San Marcos, University Park, and Westlake, and the counties of Bastrop, Caldwell, Collin, Hays, Kaufman, Tarrant, Travis, and Williamson. Exemptions apply for the following: vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 14,000 pounds or less (after September 1, 2009); 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. (Reference Texas Administrative Code 30.114.510-30.114.517)

Heavy-Duty Idle Reduction Requirement

A driver using a vehicle's sleeper berth may not idle the vehicle in a school zone or within 1,000 feet of a public school during the school's hours of operation. Violators may be subject to a fine of up to $500. Idle reduction systems that provide heating, cooling, or electrical service to a commercial vehicle's sleeper berth may be utilized. (Reference House Bill 432, 2009, and Texas Statutes, Health and Safety Code 382.0191)