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A motor vehicle may not idle for more than five consecutive minutes. This regulation does not apply to: 1) vehicles being serviced, provided that operation of the engine is essential to the repair; 2) vehicles delivering or accepting goods or merchandise for which engine assisted power is necessary and substitute alternate power cannot be made available; or 3) vehicles requiring auxiliary power for an associate power need other than movement that cannot be substituted by an alternate power source provided that such operation does not cause or contribute to air pollution. Violators are subject to fines. Local boards of health, local police, and state and federal officials may enforce the state anti-idling law. (Reference Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 16A, and Department of Environmental Protection Regulations 310 CMR 7.11(1)(b))

The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources' Clean Vehicle Project offers grant funding for public and private fleets to purchase alternative fuel vehicles and infrastructure, as well as idle reduction technology. Eligible vehicles include those fueled by natural gas, propane, and electricity, including hybrid electric, solar electric, and hydraulic hybrid vehicles. Eligible infrastructure includes natural gas and hydrogen fueling stations as well as electric vehicle supply equipment. For information about how to apply for funding, visit the Massachusetts Clean Cities website.

Any motor vehicle equipped with qualified idle reduction technology may exceed the state gross, axle, tandem, or bridge weight limits by up to 400 pounds to account for the weight of the technology. The idle reduction technology must be able to provide electrical service, heating, or cooling to the vehicle. The additional weight may not exceed the actual weight of the idle reduction unit. The vehicle operator must also be able to prove the weight of the idle reduction technology and demonstrate that the technology is fully functional. (Reference Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 19A)