Idle Reduction Laws and Incentives in Illinois

The list below contains summaries of all Illinois laws and incentives related to idle reduction.

Laws and Regulations

Idle Reduction Requirement

A person that operates a diesel-powered motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 8,000 pounds may not cause or allow the motor vehicle, when it is not in motion, to idle for more than a total of 10 minutes within any one-hour period. If the vehicle is waiting to weigh, load, or unload cargo or freight, it may idle for up to 30 minutes within any one-hour period. Applicable areas include the counties of Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane, McHenry, Will, Madison, St. Clair, and Monroe, and the townships of Oswego (Kendall County) and Aux Sable and Goose Lake (Grundy County, as well as any other county with more than 3 million people but outside a municipality with less than 2 million people when within 200 feet of a residential area). Exceptions apply, including those pertaining to emergency vehicles, vehicle weight, traffic, auxiliary power unit use, remote starter systems, school buses, outside temperature, and more.

(Reference 625 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/11-1429)

State Incentives

Idle Reduction Weight Exemption

A vehicle equipped with idle reduction technology may exceed the state’s gross, axle, and bridge vehicle weight limits by up to 550 pounds to compensate for the additional weight of the idle reduction technology. The additional weight may not exceed the actual weight of the idle reduction unit. The vehicle operator must carry written certification showing the weight of the technology and must be able to demonstrate or certify that the unit is fully functional.

(Reference 625 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/15-112)

School Bus Retrofit Reimbursement

The Illinois State Board of Education will reimburse any qualifying school district for the cost of converting gasoline buses to more fuel-efficient engines or to engines using alternative fuels. Restrictions may apply.

(Reference 105 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/29-5)

More Laws and Incentives

To find laws and incentives for other alternative fuels and advanced vehicles, search all laws and incentives.