Senate Bill 23 Summary

• Adds new section 674b restricting vehicle idling to 5 minutes per 60-minute period for gasoline/diesel-powered vehicles over 8,500 pounds designed for highway speeds, with exceptions for traffic, defrosters, mechanical operations, and emergencies.

• Establishes civil infraction penalties for idling violations: $150 for first offense, $300 for second, and $500 for third or subsequent violations, with 90-day warning period before citations can be issued.

• Prohibits load/unload location owners from causing vehicles to idle for refrigeration or similar purposes beyond 5 minutes, excluding loading/unloading time.

• Allows volunteers trained in parking enforcement to issue citations for idling violations under section 674b and other specified parking violations, subject to local government authorization and collective bargaining agreements.

• Clarifies that hybrid vehicles and emergency vehicles are exempt from idling restrictions, and permits alternative idle reduction technology like auxiliary power units as compliance method.