Idle Reduction Laws and Incentives in Massachusetts

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

State Incentives

Diesel Emissions Reductions Grants

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) provides U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) funding for projects that reduce diesel emissions in Massachusetts. Funding for eligible project costs is available for local or state agencies and public colleges and universities that reduce diesel emissions by converting engines to alternative fuels, retrofitting exhaust controls, purchasing new vehicles, or adding idle reduction equipment. MassDEP prioritizes projects that benefit environmental justice communities. Additional terms and conditions apply. For more information, including funding amounts and how to apply, see the MassDEP Apply for a DERA Open Solicitation Grant website.

Idle Reduction Weight Exemption

Any motor vehicle equipped with qualified idle reduction technology may exceed the state gross, axle, tandem, or bridge weight limits by up to 400 pounds to account for the weight of the technology. The idle reduction technology must be able to provide electrical service, heating, or cooling to the vehicle. The additional weight may not exceed the actual weight of the idle reduction unit. The vehicle operator must also be able to prove the weight of the idle reduction technology and demonstrate that the technology is fully functional.

(Reference Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 19A)

Laws and Regulations

Idle Reduction Requirement

A motor vehicle may not idle for more than five consecutive minutes. This regulation does not apply to: 1) vehicles being serviced, provided that operation of the engine is essential to the repair; 2) vehicles delivering or accepting goods or merchandise for which engine assisted power is necessary and substitute alternate power cannot be made available; or 3) vehicles requiring auxiliary power for an associate power need other than movement that cannot be substituted by an alternate power source provided that such operation does not cause or contribute to air pollution. Violators are subject to fines. Local boards of health, local police, and state and federal officials may enforce the state anti-idling law.

(Reference Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 16A, and and Code of Massachusetts Regulations 310-7.11(1)(b))

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