Rhode Island Idle Reduction Laws and Incentives
State Laws and Regulations
Idle Reduction Requirement
Unnecessary operation of the engine of a motor vehicle while stopped, in excess of five consecutive minutes in any 60 minute period, is not permitted. Unnecessary idling does not include periods and circumstances exempted by regulations adopted by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, such as when it is necessary to operate heating and cooling equipment to ensure the health or safety of drivers and passengers. These requirements do not apply to the following: 1) emergency response, public safety, or military vehicles; 2) armored vehicles being loaded or unloaded; 3) non-road vehicles; 4) 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 House Bill7757Aaa, 2006, and Rhode Island Code23-23-29.2 and 31-16.1-4)
