California air pollution officials late last week approved a new rule that will make it illegal to leave diesel-powered trucks and buses running idle for longer than five minutes.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) passed the new restriction in hopes of cutting vehicle emissions of particles linked to respiratory problems.
The rule takes effect next year and violators will be subject to a $100 fine.
Truck drivers who sleep in their cabs are exempt, but state officials said they will reconsider that exemption next year.
About 67,000 trucks with sleeper berths would be exempt from the anti-idling rule during federally mandated rest periods for drivers. The exemption will last indefinitely, pending another vote in September 2005 that will take into consideration advances in technology.
Diesel pollution triggers allergic reactions, asthma attacks and premature deaths among those suffering respiratory and heart problems. Air pollution episodes increase hospital admissions and emergency-room visits, studies show.