ATRI: States Update Idling Regulations for Truckers
The American Transportation Research Institute, a research organization serving the trucking industry, recently added three new state-specific regulations to the list of idling regulations contained in the compendium posted at its Web site (www.atri-online.org/research/idling/Truck_Idling_Regulations.htm). Three states that are in the process of developing idling regulations have also been added.
The ATRI compendium provides a listing of truck idling limits, exemptions, and fines plus hyperlinks to more than 40 idling regulations that exist across the United States. The site also includes a downloadable cab card, a quick-reference guide that can be carried in the glove box. Recent additions to the compendium include:
- Florida recently adopted a five-minute idling time limit that will take effect Dec. 15, 2008. The new limit includes various exemptions, including when a driver is sleeping or resting in a sleeper berth.
- Maine recently adopted a five-minute idling time limit which took effect July 1, 2008. The new limit includes various exemptions, including sleeper berth heating or cooling during rest or sleep periods.
- South Carolina recently adopted a 10-minute idling time limit which took effect July 1, 2008, with warning tickets being issued for the first year of the requirement. The new limit includes various exemptions, including sleeper berth heating or cooling during rest or sleep periods.
New idling regulations also are currently being developed in Georgia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. ATRI says it will continue to monitor development of idling regulations across the country and maintain the compendium and cab card as free services to help trucking companies and drivers comply with the increasing number of state idling regulations.