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Maine Idle Reduction Laws and Incentives


State Laws and Regulations

Idle Reduction Requirement

A commercial vehicle or gasoline powered vehicle is not permitted to idle for more than five minutes during any 60-minute period. Exemptions are allowed for the following: 1) a vehicle stopped in traffic or at the direction of a law enforcement official; 2) a vehicle needing auxiliary power for equipment or for climate control, including during driver rest periods; 3) a vehicle being inspected by a state or federal motor vehicle inspector; and 4) an emergency vehicle being used in the course of official business. Additionally, any owner of a location that is used for loading and unloading of commercial vehicles may not require that vehicles idle for periods longer than 30 minutes while waiting to load or unload at the location. Violators are subject to fines. (Reference Legislative Document 2056, 2008, and Maine Revised Statutes Title 38, Section 585-K)