State senators in Michigan are considering legislation that would limit truck idling — but allow it during rest breaks. The bill would outlaw idling more than 10 minutes per hour for trucks weighing more than 8,000 pounds.
The ban would not apply when the weather is colder than 32 degrees or hotter than 80 degrees. Idling also would be allowed to provide heat or air conditioning during rest breaks and at any time it’s needed to “prevent a safety or health emergency.” If the trucker is waiting to load or unload, idling would be limited to 30 minutes per hour, unless the line continues to move forward.
The bill, SB 1406, was referred to the Senate transportation committee Sept. 5.
