New York State’s Heavy Duty Truck Law Brings Massive Fines

There are a few laws on the books in New York State that pertain specifically to pickup trucks and one of them has a hefty fine.

The snow is starting to melt and the spring will be here soon. Across New York State those who plow snow are getting ready to store the plow for the season. It has been a long winter with plenty of snow to plow.

But did you know that your heavy duty (HD) pickup is part of a law that aims to protect the environment?

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New York State is trying to lead the nation when it comes to protecting the environment and the air we breath. There are already laws and plans in place to eliminate the use of fossil fuels for things like heating and cooking.

It is not a surprise that New York State has a law in place that limits the amount of time that you can leave your pickup truck idling.

"6 NYCRR Subpart 217-3 prohibits on-road heavy-duty vehicles, including non-diesel and diesel trucks and buses with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 8,500 pounds, from idling for more than five minutes at a time. The idling regulation is enforced by DEC Conservation Officers. Fines range from $500 to $18,000 in the case of a first violation".

Trucks are everywhere in New York State. In fact, across America, Forbes says that make up 17% of the vehicles on the roads! Many of the pickups are half ton trucks like the Ford F150 or Chevy and Dodge 1500.