Camden County, NJ Environmental Rules: Vehicle Idling Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Idling limit
- 5 minutes per hour while stationary
- Vehicle weight covered
- Over 10,000 pounds gross weight
- Restricted hours
- 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
- Buffer distance
- Within 150 feet of residential area
- Max penalty
- $3,000 per offense (Sec. 9.3)
- Enforcing agency
- County Noise Control Officer
Summary
In Camden County, trucks and other vehicles over 10,000 pounds cannot idle more than five minutes in any hour while parked within 150 feet of a residential area between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. The limit targets nighttime diesel idling noise and is enforced under the county's stationary-source Noise Control Ordinance.
Operating or permitting the operation of any motor vehicle whose manufactures gross weight is in excess of 10,000 pounds, or any auxiliary equipment attached to such a vehicle, for a period of longer that five (5) minutes in any hour while the vehicle is stationary, for reasons other than traffic congestion or emergency work, on a public right-of-way or public space within 150 feet (46 meters) of a residential area between the hours of 8:00pm and 8:00am of the following day;
Full Breakdown
5. the following day. 5 itself. 2), which separately caps loudspeakers, loading and unloading noise, and construction equipment. 3 giving the operator a reasonable time to comply; abatement orders are unavailable if the officer believes the violator will not comply or the violation is willful. 3 run up to $3,000 per offense generally, $100 to $3,000 for willful or knowing violations, and each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense; the printed fine schedule steps from $100-500 on a first offense to a flat $3,000 by the fourth.
An operator who needs to idle longer, such as a refrigerated delivery truck, can apply to the noise control administrator for a variance under Article VIII, valid for up to one year and renewable on a new application.
Violations & Fines
Violating the five-minute idling cap is enforced under Article IX. First offenses draw fines of $100 to $500, rising to $500-$1,000 for a second offense, $1,000-$3,000 for a third, and a flat $3,000 for a fourth or later offense. Willful or knowing violations carry a $100-to-$3,000 penalty regardless of offense count, and each day the idling continues is treated as a separate, additional violation. For a first, non-willful complaint, the noise control officer can issue an abatement order instead of a summons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Camden County's idling limit apply to my personal car?
When can a heavy truck idle near homes in Camden County?
What happens if a trucking company ignores the idling limit repeatedly?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Camden County
Compare Camden County to another location·View the New Jersey environmental rules overview
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