Colorado Truck Idling Law
Colorado caps idling at 5 minutes in any 60-minute period (C.R.S. 42-14-105, updated by HB24-1341 in 2024). There is a real cold-weather break: up to 20 minutes per hour when it is below 10F. Sleeper-berth heat or AC is allowed at rest areas, or when parked at least 1,000 feet from homes and schools. Denver runs its own 5-minute rule.
Statewide lawYes
Limit5 minutes in any 60-minute period
FineLow-level traffic or civil penalty (C.R.S. 42-14-106)
StatuteC.R.S. 42-14-105 (updated by HB24-1341)
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Exemptions
When you can keep idling
- Traffic or law-enforcement direction
- A safety or health emergency
- Repairs and inspections
- PTO work
- Sleeper-berth heat or AC at rest areas, or parked 1,000+ feet from homes and schools
- Cold weather: up to 20 minutes per hour below 10F
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APUs
APUs and idle-reduction gear
APU or idle-reduction tech earns up to a 550-pound weight allowance (8 CCR 1507-28).
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Local rules
City and county ordinances
- Denver runs its own 5-minutes-per-hour ordinance.
Colorado Idling Law FAQ
Is there a truck idling law in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado enforces a statewide idling limit on commercial diesel trucks: 5 minutes in any 60-minute period. See the statute and exemptions below.
How long can a truck idle in Colorado?
5 minutes in any 60-minute period. See C.R.S. 42-14-105 (updated by HB24-1341).
What is the fine for idling in Colorado?
Low-level traffic or civil penalty (C.R.S. 42-14-106).
Does an APU count as idling in Colorado?
APU or idle-reduction tech earns up to a 550-pound weight allowance (8 CCR 1507-28).
This page is reference information for planning, not legal advice. Idling rules change and many are local. Confirm the current rule with the state environmental or transportation agency before you rely on it. Source: https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/laws/IR?state=CO.
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