The San Francisco Chronicle reported Wednesday that state inspectors, local police and the California Highway Patrol are enforcing the new rule
that prohibits diesel trucks from idling for more than five minutes. The rule took effect Tuesday. Violations could invite a $100 ticket.
According to the Chronicle, truckers who sleep by the side of the road are exempt from for now, but must abide by the part of the rule that bans any diesel vehicle weighing over 10,000 pounds from idling within 100 feet of a residence or a school.
According to the California Air Resources Board web site, the new rule will be enforced primarily by board diesel truck inspectors, who inspect smoking trucks and buses for tampering and mal-maintenance to engines that can increase emissions. Local law enforcement agencies and the California Highway Patrol can also issue citations. The rule will apply to any truck idling for more than five minutes and any bus idling for than 10 minutes when either are not engaged in work activities. The idling rule will be applied to any trucks operating within the state regardless of where they were registered.
Spokesmen for the CHP and the San Francisco Police Department said they would respond to complaints. "We'll follow up on complaints from communities where trucks sit and spew out diesel pollutants for 20 to 30 minutes at a time," said Sgt. Wayne Ziese, public information officer for the CHP in Vallejo.
"Citizens are encouraged to lodge a complaint whenever they see buses and trucks idling beyond the allotted time, and an officer will respond," he said.