Idle Reduction Laws and Incentives in New Hampshire
The list below contains summaries of all New Hampshire laws and incentives related to idle reduction.
State Incentives
Diesel Emissions Reduction Grants
The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) provides U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) funding for projects that reduce diesel emissions in New Hampshire. Funding for up to 100% of eligible project costs is available for businesses, schools and school districts, municipalities, marine operators, public and private transit companies, and local or state agencies that reduce diesel emissions by converting engines to alternative fuels, retrofitting exhaust controls, purchasing new vehicles, or adding idle reduction equipment. Eligible alternative fuels include propane, compressed natural gas, and electricity. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis, with equity and environmental justice considerations as part of the evaluation criteria. For more information, including funding amounts and how to apply, see the NHDES New Hampshire DERA Project website.
Idle Reduction Weight Exemption
Any heavy-duty vehicle equipped with an auxiliary power unit or other qualified idle reduction technology may exceed the state gross, axle, tandem, or bridge formula weight limits by up to 550 pounds. To qualify for this exemption, drivers must be able to provide proof of the idle reduction technology’s weight through written certification. Drivers must also be able to prove through demonstration or certification that the idle reduction technology is fully functional at all times.
(Reference New Hampshire Revised Statutes 266:18-c)
Laws and Regulations
Idle Reduction Requirement
The owner or operator of a diesel-powered vehicle must limit the length of time their vehicle remains idle. The limit is based on the outside temperature, as follows: above 32 degrees Fahrenheit, 5-minute limit in any 60-minute period; between 32 and -10 degrees Fahrenheit, 15 minute limit in any 60-minute period; below -10 degrees Fahrenheit, no limit. Certain vehicles are exempt from the regulation, including vehicles in traffic, emergency vehicles, vehicles providing power take-off for refrigeration or lift gate pumps, vehicles idling for required maintenance or diagnostic purposes, and vehicles supplying heat or air conditioning for passenger comfort during transportation.
(Reference New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, Administrative Rules Env-A 1102.02 and 1102.03)
School District Emissions Reduction Policies
School districts must develop and implement a policy to minimize or eliminate emissions from school buses, cars, delivery vehicles, maintenance vehicles, and other motor vehicles used on school property. Policies must consider existing anti-idling and clean air zone regulations established by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.
(Reference New Hampshire Revised Statutes 200:48)
State Energy Strategy Development
The New Hampshire Office of Energy Planning (Office), in consultation with the New Hampshire Energy Advisory Council, prepared a 10-year energy strategy for the state that addresses the impact of transportation policies and programs on electricity energy needs in the state in 2018. Strategy recommendations include enabling and encouraging adoption of electric vehicles and reducing unnecessary idling. The Office will review and update the strategy triennially. For more information, including the strategy, see the 10 Year Energy Strategy website.
(Reference New Hampshire Revised Statutes 12-P:7-A)
More Laws and Incentives
To find laws and incentives for other alternative fuels and advanced vehicles, search all laws and incentives.