Be Idle Free

Summary: Information about MGL CH90 16A

Description

Idling a gasoline engine vehicle produces greenhouse gases and contributes to air pollution. Massachusetts law prohibits idling cars over 5 minutes (MGL CH90 16A) except under certain circumstances. After those 5 minutes drivers can be subject to a $100-$500 fine.

Deep Dive

Read myths and facts, including information on adult and child health, from Marc.org
https://www.marc.org/Environment/Air-Quality/pdf/mythsandfacts.aspx 

Massachusetts DEP Frequently Asked Questions about the Anti-Idling Law https://www.mass.gov/doc/massdep-faq-the-massachusetts-anti-idling-law/download

The US Department of Energy has tips for idling reduction in personal vehicles https://afdc.energy.gov/files/u/publication/idling_personal_vehicles.pdf 

Read from the Official Blog of the Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries https://blog.mass.gov/masslawlib/legal-topics/start-your-engine-but-dont-idle-too-long/

Check out this post from the National Conference of State Legislatures https://www.ncsl.org/research/environment-and-natural-resources/putting-the-brakes-on-idling-vehicles.aspx

Steps to Take

Waiting in your car?  Turn it off.   

If you are going to be stopped for more than 10 seconds (except in traffic), you will save money and resources by turning off your engine. This is from the Environmental Defense Fund that has some more tips here.  

There is an exception in the MA idling law for extreme weather. The law indicates a (short!) exception to the 5 minutes of idling is allowed in extreme weather (below 35F or in extreme heat) to use the car's heating/cooling system. Read more details here.  

Tell your town officials you support enforcement of the anti-idling laws.

Drive an electric vehicle.  When driving an EV, idling is a non-issue!

With the support of the Police Department, the Board of Health, and the School Department, we encourage our fellow residents not to idle their engines unless absolutely necessary, and to observe the Massachusetts anti-idling law.