Locomotive Idling

Del. Code tit. 21, ch. 85
in effect

Del. Code tit. 21, § 8501 Purpose.

The General Assembly finds and determines that the people of this State are entitled to and should be ensured an environment free from the effects of nonessential idling of locomotives between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m., as such nonessential idling degrades the quality of their life, property, and environment.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 8502 Definitions.

(1) “Idling” means the operation of the locomotive while it is stationary. (2) “Law-enforcement officer” means a sworn member of a police force or other law-enforcement agency of this State, or of any county or municipality within this State, who is responsible for the prevention and detection of crime and the enforcement of the laws of this State, or the laws of any county or municipality within this State. (3) “Person” means a company, corporation, association, firm, partnership, joint venture, or other legal entity. “Person” does not include individuals.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 8503 Nonessential idling prohibited; defined.

(a) No person may permit the nonessential idling of a locomotive under its control or on its property between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m. (b) Idling is nonessential if it is not a result of 1 or more of the following circumstances: (1) Traffic conditions. (2) The direction of a law-enforcement officer. (3) The operation of defrosting, heating, or cooling equipment to ensure the health or safety of the driver or passenger. (4) The operation of the primary propulsion engine for essential work-related mechanical or electrical operations other than propulsion. (5) Required maintenance, servicing, repairing, diagnostics, or inspections. (c) This section does not apply within the boundaries of property zoned for industrial activity by the county or municipality having jurisdiction over the property.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 8504 Enforcement.

(a) Any law-enforcement officer in whose jurisdiction the locomotive, or any car attached to a locomotive, is located may enforce this chapter. (b) The Superior Court shall have exclusive jurisdiction over offenses under this chapter.

Del. Code tit. 21, § 8505 Penalties.

Any person who violates this chapter shall be punished by a fine of not less than $5,000 nor more than $10,000 for the first offense and not less than $10,000 nor more than $20,000 for each subsequent offense.
Source: DE Code (Official Site)URL: https://delcode.delaware.gov/title21/c085/index.htmlFetched: 6/28/2026

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