The Act restricts diesel-powered vehicle owners and operators from idling vehicles over 10,000 pounds for more than 5 minutes in any 60 minute period when engaged in commerce, except for provisions made specifically by the Act. A vehicle “engaged in commerce” is any diesel motor vehicle of this weight with a visible logo or business name or any “specially referenced” vehicle of this type, including school buses.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection maintains diesel vehicle emissions are harmful to the environment and, “…contribute to elevated ozone and fine particulate concentrations in Pennsylvania.” A fact sheet by the PDEP states as much as one gallon of fuel is consumed by diesel-powered vehicles while idling for one hour. It is also believed that newer technology such as auxiliary-powered units and better management practices can reduce unnecessary idling.

In addition to the owner/operator restrictions, the Act states, “An owner or operator of a location where subject vehicles load or unload, or where 15 or more parking spaces are provided for vehicles subject to the Act, must erect and maintain at least one permanent sign to inform drivers that idling is restricted in Pennsylvania.”

Official specifications can be found at PA Dept. of State specs for sign. Links available on the web page direct you to PennDOT’s Publication 236M, Sign R7-100, which is the PennDOT-approved sign. Signs must be manufactured to the approved specifications.

Act 124 supersedes any previous anti-idling rules that are not considered more stringent than previous rules already addressed by counties situated in Pennsylvania.

Click here for the approved sign.

For related traffic signs, click here.

Pennsylvania Dept. of Environmental Protection.