Idle Reduction Laws and Incentives in Virginia

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

Laws and Regulations

Idle Reduction Requirement

Motor vehicles licensed for commercial or public service may not idle for more than three minutes in commercial or residential urban areas, unless the engine is providing auxiliary power for purposes other than heating or air conditioning. Tour buses and diesel vehicles are not permitted to idle for more than 10 minutes.

(Reference Virginia Administrative Code 9-5-40-5670(C))

State Incentives

Idle Reduction and Alternative Fuel Vehicle Weight Exemption

Any motor vehicle equipped with an auxiliary power unit or other idle reduction technology may exceed the gross, single axle, tandem axle, or bridge formula weight limits by up to 550 pounds (lbs.) to compensate for the added weight of the idle reduction technology. Furthermore, any natural gas or electric vehicle may exceed the limits by up to 2,000 lbs. To be eligible for the weight exemption, certification of the weight of the auxiliary power unit or proof that the vehicle operates on natural gas, and a demonstration that the vehicle is fully functional must be available to law enforcement officials.

(Reference Virginia Code 46.2-1129.1 through 46.2-1129.2)

More Laws and Incentives

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