Utah Incentives and Laws
Last Updated March 2009
Utah is the home of the Utah Clean Cities Coalition (www.utahcleancities.org). Coordinator contact information is listed in the Points of Contact section.
State Incentives
High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane Exemption
Vehicles with clean fuel license plates are authorized to travel in HOV lanes regardless of the number of occupants, to the extent authorized or permitted by federal law or federal regulation. The clean fuel plate must be purchased from a Utah Motor Vehicles office for a fee of $15. Vehicle owners must first obtain a C Plate permit from the Utah Department of Transportation. To be eligible for a clean fuel license plate, a vehicle must meet the definition of a clean fuel vehicle as defined in Utah Code 59-13-102. This incentive expires December 31, 2010. (Reference Utah Code 41-1a-418, 41-1a-1211, 41-6a-702 and 59-13-102)
Point of Contact
Utah State Tax Commission Motor Vehicle Division
Phone (800) DMV-UTAH or (801) 297-7780
dmv@utah.gov
http://dmv.utah.gov/licensespecialplates.html
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) and Fueling Infrastructure Grants and Loans
The Utah Clean Fuels and Vehicle Technology Grant and Loan Program, funded through the Clean Fuels and Vehicle Technology Fund, provides grants and loans to assist businesses and government entities in covering: 1) the cost of converting a vehicle to operate on clean fuels; 2) the incremental cost of purchasing an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) clean fuel vehicles; and 3) the cost of retrofitting diesel vehicles with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency verified closed crankcase filtration devices, diesel oxidation catalysts, and/or diesel particulate filters. The Clean-Fuels Grant and Loan Program also provides loans for the cost of converting a vehicle to operate on a clean fuel, for the purchase of OEM clean fuel vehicle, and for the purchase of fueling equipment for public/private sector business and government vehicles. Finally, the program can provide grants and loans to serve as matching funds for federal and non-federal grants for the purpose of vehicles to operate on a clean fuel, purchasing OEM clean fuel vehicles, or retrofitting diesel vehicles. The program does not support E85 or biodiesel projects. (Reference Utah Code 19-1-401 through 19-1-405)
Point of Contact
Mat Carlile
Energy Program Coordinator
Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Air Quality
Phone (801) 536-4136
Fax (801) 536-0085
mcarlile@utah.gov
Clean Fuel Vehicle Tax Credit
The state provides an income tax credit for 50% of the incremental cost (up to $3,000 maximum) of a clean fuel vehicle built by an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and/or an income tax credit for 50% of the cost (up to $2,500 maximum) of converting the vehicle to operate on an alternative fuel for vehicles purchased between January 1, 2001 and January 1, 2009, and registered in Utah. If not previously used, the tax credit may be claimed on used vehicles. Tax credits are available for businesses and individuals, may be carried forward up to five years, and are not available for hybrid electric vehicles. Documentation must be provided as described in the Utah state tax form TC-40V. For vehicles purchased after January 1, 2009, the credit amount for OEM compressed natural gas vehicles registered in Utah is 35% of the vehicle purchase price or $2,500, whichever is less; other new clean fuel vehicles may be eligible for a credit of up to $750. The credit for conversions remains the same as for pre-2009 purchases. Furthermore, hybrid-electric vehicles that meet required air quality and fuel economy standards are eligible. This incentive expires December 31, 2013. (Reference Utah Code 59-7-605 and 59-10-1009)
Point of Contact
Mat Carlile
Energy Program Coordinator
Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Air Quality
Phone (801) 536-4136
Fax (801) 536-0085
mcarlile@utah.gov
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Parking Incentive - Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City has a free metered parking program for Green Vehicles, which are vehicles that qualify for a Utah Clean Fuel license plate by meeting the definition of a clean fuel vehicle as defined by Utah Code 19-1-402, or that qualify for a Salt Lake City Green Vehicle parking permit by being a top performer in regards to city fuel economy or emissions. To park free at meters, vehicles must display a Utah Clean Fuel license plate, or Green Vehicle parking permit. Green Vehicle parking permits are available from the Salt Lake City Transportation Division for vehicles meeting at least one of the following criteria: 1) achieve a city fuel economy of at least 41 miles per gallon as determined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), or 2) achieve an EPA Green Vehicle Guide pollution score of at least eight for Utah. (Reference Salt Lake City Code 12.56.205)
Point of Contact
Dan Bergenthal
Transportation Engineer
Salt Lake City Transportation Division
Phone (801) 535-6630
http://www.slcgov.com/transportation/parking/green.htm
Incentive for Airport Alternative Fuels Use
The Salt Lake City Department of Airports provides incentives to commercial ground transportation providers who purchase and operate clean fuel vehicles that exclusively operate on approved clean fuels (as designated by Utah Code 59-13-102). Eligible vehicles are those that operate on compressed natural gas, propane, hydrogen, electricity, or hybrid electric vehicles. The incentives are in the form of a credit against ground transportation fees. Incentive credit amounts are $2,500 for each Original Equipment Manufacturer vehicle or certified vehicle converted to operate on an alternative fuel. (Reference Salt Lake City Department of Airports Clean Fuel Policy Number 10.07.100)
Point of Contact
Ann-Marie Yoshida
Accountant
Salt Lake City Department of Airports
Phone (801) 531-3525
Fax (801) 575-2817
ann-marie.yoshida@slcgov.com
State Laws and Regulations
Natural Gas Vehicle Conversion Promotion
In order to encourage the use of natural gas in the transportation sector, the state encourages the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to take action to facilitate vehicle conversions. Specifically, the state recommends that EPA revise certification requirements for small volume conversion manufacturers, provide guidance to those manufacturers regarding the conversion of older vehicle models, and continue a natural gas vehicle research, development, and demonstration funding program. The state also encourages the formation of public and private partnerships to increase the states' vehicle fueling infrastructure. (Reference House Concurrent Resolution 1, 2009)
Natural Gas Rate Authorization
The Public Service Commission is authorized to find that a gas corporation's request for a natural gas vehicle rate that is less than full cost of service may be just and reasonable in the interest of the public. If the commission approves such a request, the remaining costs may be spread to other customers of the gas corporation. (Reference House Bill 392, 2009, and Utah Code 54-4-13.1)
Alternative Fuels Tax
The tax imposed on clean special fuels used to operate motor vehicles, including propane and electricity, is 3/19 of the rate of $0.0245 which is imposed on traditional motor fuels. The tax on compressed natural gas is $0.085 per gasoline gallon equivalent; this rate will be modified proportionally with any changes to the traditional motor fuel rate. Vehicles that operate on special fuels and have a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 26,000 pounds, or have more than three axels are required to obtain a special fuel user permit from the State Tax Commission. The Revenue and Tax Code provides for a reduction of motor and special fuel taxes if the motor or special fuel is already taxed by the Navajo Nation. Retailers, wholesalers, and suppliers of special fuel are eligible for a refund of the special fuel tax if dyed diesel fuel is mixed with special fuel and the mixed special fuel is returned to the refinery for re-refining. Documentation must be provided as described in the Utah state tax form TC-129. (Reference Utah Code 59-13-102, 59-13-201, 59-13-301, 59-13-303, 59-13-304, and 59-13-322)
Point of Contact
Utah State Tax Commission Motor Vehicle Division
Phone (800) DMV-UTAH or (801) 297-7780
dmv@utah.gov
http://dmv.utah.gov/licensespecialplates.html
Public Access to State Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Fueling Stations
The Utah Department of Administrative Services Division of Fleet Services may allow a private individual or entity to purchase CNG from the state's fueling network if there is no commercial fuel site that meets the geographical CNG distribution needs of the individual or entity, and there is no emergency that requires CNG to be reserved for use by state or emergency vehicles. The Division of Fleet Services provides information on obtaining a GasCard for fueling as well as state fueling network stations that are available to private individuals and entities. (Reference Utah Code 63A-9-702)
Provision for Establishment of Alternative Fuel Use Mandate
The Utah Air Quality Board is authorized to mandate fleet vehicles to use clean fuels, if such a mandate is necessary in order to meet national air quality standards. (Reference Utah Code 19-2-105.3)
Low-Speed Vehicle Access to Roadways
Low-speed vehicles are allowed access to roadways with speeds limits of up to 35 miles per hour and must comply with all federal and state motor vehicle regulations. Low-speed vehicles are also subject to vehicle taxation requirements, including those related to special fuels, if applicable. However, low-speed vehicles are exempt from emission inspections. (Reference Utah Code 41-6a-102, 41-6a-1508, 59-13-102, and 59-13-201)
Idle Reduction Requirement
Idling of any unattended vehicle is prohibited in Utah. Violators are subject to a penalty of up to $750 and/or up to 90 days imprisonment. (Reference Utah Code 41-6a-202, 41-6a-1403, 76-3-204, and 76-3-301)
School Bus Idle Reduction Regulations
The State Board of Education is required to implement an idle reduction program for all school bus drivers in the state and adopt idle reduction standards. The Board of Education will consult with local school districts and the Utah Air Quality Board regarding program and standard development. (Reference Utah Code 41-6a-1308)
Idle Reduction Requirement - Salt Lake City
In order to reduce PM10 air pollution levels, the Salt Lake City-County Board of Health has adopted regulations governing a diesel vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance program, including idling restrictions for diesel vehicles. An owner or operator of a diesel powered vehicle is not permitted to idle the vehicle for more than 15 minutes. Vehicles may be exempt from these restrictions under the following conditions: a) supplying power to a refrigeration unit to cool trailer contents, b) providing heat or air conditioning to a sleeper unit of the vehicle, or c) emergency vehicles. However, exempt vehicles may not idle for more than 15 minutes if located within 500 feet of any residence. (Reference Salt Lake City-County Health Regulation 28)
Utilities/Private Incentives
Natural Gas Technical Assistance
Questar Gas offers technical assistance to customers interested in converting their vehicles to operate on compressed natural gas. The company provides financial analysis and fleet consulting services for alternative fuel comparisons.
Point of Contact
Gordon Larsen
Natural Gas Vehicle Supervisor
Questar Gas
Phone (801) 324-5987
Fax (801) 324-5485
gordon.larsen@questar.com
Point of Contact
Jim Grambihler
Natural Gas Vehicle Operations
Questar Gas
Phone (801) 324-5119
Fax (801) 324-5485
jim.grambihler@questar.com
Points of Contact:
| NAME/EMAIL/TITLE | AGENCY | PHONE/FAX |
|---|---|---|
| Robin Erickson Director | Utah Clean Cities Coalition | Phone:(801) 535-7736 Fax:(801) 535-6331 | Kay Kelly Project Manager | U.S. Department of Energy, Golden Office | Phone:(303) 275-6037 Fax: | Mat Carlile Energy Program Coordinator | Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Air Quality | Phone:(801) 536-4136 Fax:(801) 536-0085 | Ann-Marie Yoshida Accountant | Salt Lake City Department of Airports | Phone:(801) 531-3525 Fax:(801) 575-2817 | Dan Bergenthal Transportation Engineer | Salt Lake City Transportation Division | Phone:(801) 535-6630 Fax: | Gordon Larsen Natural Gas Vehicle Supervisor | Questar Gas | Phone:(801) 324-5987 Fax:(801) 324-5485 | Jim Grambihler Natural Gas Vehicle Operations | Questar Gas | Phone:(801) 324-5119 Fax:(801) 324-5485 | Rukhsana Lindsey Director of Research and Bridge Operations | Utah Department of Transportation | Phone:(801) 965-4196 Fax:(801) 965-4564 | Utah State Tax Commission Motor Vehicle Division | Phone:(800) DMV-UTAH or (801) 297-7780 Fax: | Anna Friend Transportation Operations Specialist | U.S. General Services Administration | Phone:(303) 236-7221 Fax:(303) 236-7590 |
