Crack Down on Idle Time

This may impact which equipment can be purchased in each state, since CARB-certified engines have specific requirements that go beyond EPA requirements. "States may 'opt-in' to California's rules and require that vehicles must have California-certified engines as a condition of state registration," says David Siler, director of marketing for Detroit Diesel. "Although some states have taken action to opt-in to the California rules, most of these states have indicated they will accept EPA-certified engines for registration. Customers should check with their state authorities if they are uncertain of the requirements."

For example, Pennsylvania recently decided it will accept EPA-certified engines at least through the remainder of 2008, notes Powers.

The new regulations leave customers with a few choices, depending upon the states in which they operate. "Engines can be ordered to meet CARB requirements when they leave the factory," says Powers. "When customers order a truck with a 2008 model year engine, they can choose between an EPA '49-state' engine (no idle restrictions) or a CARB-compliant '50-state' engine." Caterpillar also plans to release a clean idle solution later in 2008.

Cummins will be supplying engines that are certified to the optional NOx idling emissions standard, and therefore isn't required to offer tamper-resistant automatic shutdown devices. "However, Cummins continues to offer a programmable idle shutdown feature as in the past," Nycz adds.

"For the 2008 model year, Detroit Diesel Corp. offers California-certified versions of all of our on-highway engine platforms, which will have tamper-resistant automatic shutdown systems," says Siler. Beginning in August 2008, the company plans to offer versions certified to the California optional low NOx idling standards. This will enable customers in other states to purchase the EPA-certified engines that do not have shutdown systems activated or low NOx idle calibrations.

You are not required to install any type of shutdown device on pre-2008 trucks. However, drivers will need to be trained to shut the trucks down after five minutes of idle time. Violators of the law may be fined up to $1,000 per day, and could face possible criminal charges.