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.
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!
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
No stories about this action yet
Sign In to submit your own story about taking this Action
Sign In to add actions to your todo list or to mark them as complete
Copyright © 2023 All Rights Reserved. Powered by MassEnergize
MassEnergize Community Portal v4.14.20