Idle Reduction Laws and Incentives in Rhode Island
The list below contains summaries of all Rhode Island laws and incentives related to idle reduction.
Laws and Regulations
Emissions Control Requirement
Heavy-duty diesel vehicles used to perform federally funded state public works contracts must be powered by engines with Level 3 emissions control devices that are properly operated and maintained. If the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management determines that no verified Level 3 devices are appropriate on particular engines, Level 2 devices are required. Likewise, if no verified Level 2 devices are appropriate, Level 1 devices are required. Exceptions to this requirement include, but are not limited to, snow removal vehicles and equipment, farm equipment, emergency response vehicles, standby generators, and vehicles used on a project for less than 30 total work days over the life of the project.
(Reference Rhode Island General Laws 31-47.3-5)
Idle Reduction Requirement
Motor vehicles may not idle unnecessarily for longer than five consecutive minutes during any 60-minute period. This includes heavy-duty diesel vehicles used to perform any state public works contracts. Unnecessary idling does not include circumstances exempted by regulations the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has adopted, such as when it is necessary to operate heating and cooling equipment to ensure the health or safety of drivers and passengers. Other vehicles exempt from these requirements include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Emergency response, public safety, or military vehicles
- Armored vehicles being loaded or unloaded
- Non-road vehicles
- Vehicles making deliveries of fuel or energy products.
Violators of these regulations will be fined up to $100 for the first offense and up to $500 for each succeeding offense.
(Reference Rhode Island General Laws 23-23-29.2, 31-16.1 and 31-41.1-4)
State Agency Coordination to Address Climate Change
The Rhode Island Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council (EC4) was established to coordinate efforts between state agencies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The EC4 will pursue GHG emissions reductions of 10% below 1990 levels by 2020, 45% below 1990 levels by 2035, and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. State agencies must assist EC4 to develop programs to encourage state employees to reduce vehicle miles traveled and use public transportation when available. The Council will also work with municipalities to encourage sustainability; identify federal, state, and private funding opportunities that can be leveraged to reduce emissions in Rhode Island; and develop GHG emissions reduction strategies. The Council submitted a plan in December 2016 with suggested strategies for GHG emissions reduction activities to the governor. The EC4 and the State Chief Resiliency Officer submitted a statewide Action Plan to Stand Up to Climate Change and to the governor in July 2018.
(Reference Rhode Island General Laws 42-6.2 and Executive Order(PDF) 17-10, 2017)
More Laws and Incentives
To find laws and incentives for other alternative fuels and advanced vehicles, search all laws and incentives.