You Can Be Fined In Massachusetts For Running Your Vehicle’s A/C For An Extended Period Of Time

With another heat wave affecting Massachusetts, I repaired my vehicle's air conditioning system. Thankfully, the repair wasn't complicated, especially considering the car is 21 years old.

If you park for an extended period and decide to run the A/C, you may unknowingly be breaking the law while trying to stay cool on a hot summer day.

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According to Mass.gov, this law prohibits unnecessary idling but recognizes that there are situations where idling cannot be avoided. It outlines three exemptions: when an engine is being actively repaired and its operation is essential for the repair, when a vehicle is making deliveries and needs to keep its engine running for that purpose, and when the engine is used to power another device.

The penalties for unnecessary idling of unattended vehicles are generally consistent, with fines typically ranging from $35 to $50. However, police officers are unlikely to actively enforce this law unless a complaint is submitted to local authorities or the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). While enforcement personnel can't respond to every complaint about idling vehicles, there are instances where it may not be obvious why a car has been idling for longer than five minutes.

Many complaints about excessive idling involve the same vehicles at the exact locations, which are often left running daily out of habit. For those who live or work near these vehicles, exposure to the exhaust is not just a nuisance; it can pose serious health risks.