Idle Reduction and Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) Weight Exemptions

Any motor vehicle or combination of vehicles equipped with idle reduction technology is allowed to exceed the maximum gross vehicle and axle weight limits by up to 550 pounds (lbs) to compensate for the added weight of the idle reduction technology. The vehicle operator must provide documentation that the vehicle is equipped with fully functional idle reduction technology.

A vehicle powered primarily by natural gas may exceed the state’s gross, single axle, tandem axle, or bridge formula weight limits by an amount equal to the difference of the weight of the natural gas tank and fueling system and the weight of a comparable diesel tank and fueling system, up to 2,000 lbs. Upon request, the vehicle operator must provide documentation that verifies the weight of the natural gas fueling system.

(Reference South Carolina Code of Laws 56-5-4160(M) and South Carolina Code of Laws 56-5-4160(L)))