Legal office explains vehicle idling policy
JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- You may not be aware of all the Air Force rules and regulations, but each one has a purpose and story. The Air Force vehicle idling policy was established to protect the environment, limiting air emissions and atmospheric pollution. The Air Force, like all other federal agencies, is expected to set the standard and be an environmental steward for others to emulate.
Under Air Force Instruction 24-302, Vehicle Management, dated 26 June 2012, federal fleet vehicles, excluding tactical vehicles, shall adhere to state and local laws on this matter. But where state and local laws do not exist, the Air Force shall follow its instructions. Paragraph 11.9 of AFI 24-302 implements a “5 minute idling policy” for federal fleet vehicles. The installation commander has the authority to modify the idling policy in conditions of extreme weather. Those modifications should be issued in a supplement to AFI 24-302.
The 628th Logistics Readiness Squadron Vehicle Management Flight has been tasked with this responsibility. South Carolina law, section 56-35-20, provides some regulations on commercial diesel vehicles, limiting idling to 10 minutes for these commercial vehicles within a 60-minute period. That law specifically exempts military vehicles. Thus, commercial diesel vehicles operating on the installation are expected to comply with South Carolina law. Violations of this law by commercial diesel vehicle operators will result in a $75 fine. The Air Force and its operational fleet are expected to meet the “5-minute idling policy”.
We share this with you so that you will be a little smarter on the law and will help us continue to be at the forefront of environmental excellence.