The idling of diesel-powered vehicles produce a wide variety of air pollutants, including fine particulates, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde, and many other toxic air pollutants, some of which are known carcinogens. These air pollution contaminants cause health problems for both the drivers and general population. Health issues and range from difficulty in breathing to heart attacks to cancer. In fact, the number of premature deaths in New Jersey each year caused by exposure to these types of air pollutants exceed the number of deaths from homicides and motor vehicle accidents.

In addition to the environmental risks, idling vehicles unnecessarily consume fuel and increase engine wear, which relates to higher operating costs.

Because of the above-mentioned, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) regulation N.J.A.C. 7:27-14 has always prohibited diesel-powered vehicles from idling for more than three consecutive minutes if the vehicle is not in motion, with limited exemptions. However, Prior to May 1, 2011 N.J.A.C. 7:27-14.3(b)6 allowed drivers to idle their diesel vehicles while resting or sleeping, so that heating, air conditioning, and other electrical equipment can remain powered. This is not the case anymore.

As of May 1, 2011, idling of older trucks with sleeper berths is no longer permitted in New Jersey. Only trucks that are 2007 or newer, or trucks that are equipped with a functioning diesel particulate filter (DPF), are allowed to idle while the driver is resting or sleeping in a parking space or area that’s not equipped with truck stop electrification (TSE) technology. Idling of any truck in a parking space or area equipped with TSE is prohibited.

According to the NJDEP, inspectors have begun to and will continue to inspect truck stops, rest areas, warehouse distribution centers, and facilities to ensure that diesel-powered vehicles are complying with the new regulations. They have also pledged to respond aggressively to complaints.

Failure to comply with the idling standards will result in enforcement actions and civil administrative penalty assessments for the property owner, trucking company, and driver, starting at $250 per day.

NJDEP initially proposed the phase-out sleeper berth idling rule in 2007, but delayed implementation for approximately four years to allow for the development of alternatives to idling. TSE sites are currently being built at the New Jersey Turnpike Vince Lombardi Rest Area and at a location in Carneys Point. Both locations are scheduled to open by the Summer of 2011. Several other TSE sites are available in surrounding states.

Another alternative to idling is the use of auxiliary power units (APUs) or systems, including generator sets and bunk heaters. With the main engine of the truck shut off, you are permitted to run APUs to power the sleeper berth (N.J.A.C. 7:27-14.3(b)8). More than half of all long-haul trucks in the U.S. are currently equipped with auxiliary power systems. NJDEP and its partners have funded $1.3 million toward the purchase and installation of auxiliary power systems. Truck owners can obtain information on the availability of loans and grants to purchase APUs through a U.S. EPA program called Smartway at http://www.epa.gov/smartway/transport/what-smartway/financing.htm.

It is recommended that truck owners carefully review the following general guidelines to ensure compliance. For a more comprehensive list of regulatory requirements visit http://www.nj.gov/dep/aqm/rules.html.

  • Explore alternatives to idling, such as the use of auxiliary power units (APUs), truck stop electrification (TSE) and the purchase of 2007 compliant engines with diesel particulate filters (DPUs).
  • Ensure that diesel-powered vehicles do not idle for more than three consecutive minutes if the vehicle is not in motion.
  • Adopt a no-idling policy for your fleet drivers and encourage them to do their part. It will save you money and everyone’s health.
  • Facilities should post “No Idling” signs, and enforce a no idling policy.
  • Call the DEP 24-hour hotline (1-877-WARN-DEP) to register idling complaints.