Driving of motor vehicles - New Jersey

Federal regulations

New Jersey has adopted Part 392 of the Federal Regulations.

Applicability

Part 392 applies to an intrastate vehicle with a gross vehicle weight, gross vehicle weight rating, gross combination weight, gross combination weight rating, or registered weight of 10,001 pounds or more, or a vehicle of any size transporting a placardable amount of hazardous materials.

Engine idling

A diesel-powered engine may not idle for more than three consecutive minutes.

Exceptions — A vehicle that has been stopped for three or more hours may idle for up to 15 consecutive minutes when the ambient temperature is below 25°F. A diesel bus while actively discharging or picking up passengers may idle for 15 consecutive minutes in a 60 minute period. There are also exceptions for:

• traffic conditions over which the vehicle operator has no control;
• powering lift gate pumps and controlling cargo temperature;
• waiting for inspection by law enforcement;
• performing emergency services (fire, police, public utility, military, snow removal);
• repair or maintenance;
• a sleeper berth on a vehicle with a model year 2007 or newer engine (or retrofitted with a diesel particulate filter that is connected and properly functioning);
• auxiliary/alternate power units, generator sets, bunk heaters.

Speed limit

The speed limit is 65 mph on designated interstates, 55 mph on designated state highways and all interstates. Speed limits lower than 55 mph may be adopted and posted.