Driving of motor vehicles - New York

Federal regulations

New York has adopted Part 392 of the Federal Regulations.

Applicability

Part 392 applies to intrastate and interstate operations when the vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating, gross combination weight rating, gross vehicle weight, or gross combination weight of 10,001 pounds or more, or is of any size transporting a placardable amount of hazardous materials

Engine idling

A vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating exceeding 8,500 pounds that is propelled by either a diesel fueled or non–diesel fueled engine may not idle for more than five consecutive minutes when the vehicle is not in motion.

Exceptions — This requirement does not apply when a diesel fueled truck is to remain motionless for a period exceeding two hours, and during which period the ambient temperature is continuously below 25F. There are also exceptions for:

• a diesel or non–diesel fueled vehicle including a bus or truck that is stopped in traffic;
• regulations adopted by federal, state, or local agencies having jurisdiction requiring the maintenance of a specific temperature for passenger comfort (idling time may be increased, but only to the extent necessary to comply with such regulations);
• a diesel or non–diesel fueled engine being used to provide power for an auxiliary purpose, such as loading, discharging, mixing or processing cargo; controlling cargo temperature; construction; lumbering; oil or gas well servicing; farming; or when operation of the engine is required for the purpose of maintenance;
• fire, police and public utility trucks or other vehicles performing emergency services;
• trucks owned or operated by persons engaged in mining and quarrying used within the confines of such person’s property;
• heavy duty diesel vehicle queued for or undergoing a state authorized periodic or roadside diesel emissions inspection;
• hybrid electric vehicle providing energy for the battery or recharging;
• electric powered vehicles; and
• heavy duty vehicles used for agricultural purposes on a farm.

Speed limit

65 mph on designated roadways. 55 mph or less elsewhere.