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West Virginia Passes Truck Idling Law

On May 13, 2010, Governor Joe Manchin signed Senate Bill 183, the Diesel-Powered Motor Vehicle Idling Act, which aims to reduce emissions by setting a limit on how long a diesel truck can run its engine when the vehicle is not moving. Starting June 11, 2010, diesel-powered vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds will be limited to idling for no more than 5 minutes per 60-minute period. Violators, including owners and operators of the vehicles and the locations where the vehicles load and unload, will face fines between $150 and $300. 

The law provides a number of exemptions from the limit for idling due to highway traffic, traffic signals, emergencies, and work-related operations. Drivers idling in order to provide heating or air conditioning while sleeping or resting are exempt when parked legally and temperatures are below 40 or above 75 degrees; however, the exemption expires on May 1, 2011 when idle-reduction technology is expected to be more widely available.

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