AN ACT PROHIBITING THE IDLING OF MOTOR VEHICLES.

This bill prohibits anyone from causing or allowing a car or truck to idle for more than three consecutive minutes except in certain instances. A violation of the bill is an infraction.

1. it is forced to remain motionless because of traffic conditions or mechanical difficulties;

2. it is necessary to operate defrosting, heating, or cooling equipment to ensure the health or safety of its occupants;

3. it is necessary to operate auxiliary equipment located in or on the vehicle to accomplish the vehicle's intended use;

4. it is necessary to bring the vehicle to the manufacturer's recommended operating temperature;

5. the outdoor temperature is below 20 degrees Fahrenheit;

6. vehicle maintenance or inspection requires it to be operated for more than three consecutive minutes;

7. it is waiting in line to gain access to a U. S. military installation or a drive-in establishment; or

8. a law enforcement, firefighting, rescue, or emergency vehicle is responding to an emergency.

Infractions are punishable by fines, usually set by Superior Court judges, of between $ 35 and $ 90, plus a $ 20 or $ 35 surcharge and an additional fee based on the amount of the fine. There may be other added charges depending on the type of infraction.

Existing law prohibits a school bus operator from idling a school bus for more than three consecutive minutes, except in certain situations (CGS § 14-277(b)). A first violation is considered an infraction; subsequent offenses are punishable by fines of between $ 100 and $ 500.

State regulations prohibit “mobile sources” from idling for more than three minutes except in certain instances. Since there is no specific penalty for this violation, DEP must use its general enforcement powers, which call for a fine of up to $ 25,000 a day (or up to one year in jail) for first-time offenders. However, the penalty cannot be imposed unless the violator does so knowingly or with criminal negligence.

Yea

Nay

(03/19/2007)