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Cpap & Idling

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by tdriver196, Nov 16, 2012.

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  1. Nov 16, 2012 #1
    tdriver196

    tdriver196 Light Load Member

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    I have read other threads with no real clear answer so here I go.
    If you have a CPAP are you exempt from state idling laws on the grounds of medical necessity?
     
    tdriver196, Nov 16, 2012
    tdriver196, Nov 16, 2012
    #1
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  3. Nov 16, 2012 #2
    wsyrob

    wsyrob Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    I would think not unless there is something written in the law. It would take a pretty big A-Hole of a cop to write you up for it though. Personally I think they already cut drivers some slack when the weather truly warrants a need to idle.

    Its really not a power issue. Modern machines don't draw that much and the truck batteries can easily handle it. Air temperature is more of a concern. You can't simply bundle up with more blankets or a good sleeping bag and sleep in a below freezing truck with the machine pushing cold air into your lungs. Mid 40's is about the lower limit for me. I have had to turn the truck on in the middle of the night before from getting cold.

    I have never been hassled for idling. If I do I will take the ticket and see what happens in court with a judge.
     
    wsyrob, Nov 16, 2012
    wsyrob, Nov 16, 2012
    #2
  4. Nov 16, 2012 #3
    Numb

    Numb Crusty Curmudgeon

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    Numb, Nov 16, 2012
    Numb, Nov 16, 2012
    #3
    tdriver196 Thanks this.
  5. Nov 16, 2012 #4
    cadillacdude1975

    cadillacdude1975 Road Train Member

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    when i ran the northeast, i idled. screw'em. fed law states that for your break to count in the sleeper, you have to be comfortable. unless you have an APU, that usually means having to run the truck at some point. the totally legal way around the idle laws is to have an animal in the truck. the animal makes you exempt.
     
    cadillacdude1975, Nov 16, 2012
    cadillacdude1975, Nov 16, 2012
    #4
  7. Nov 16, 2012 #5
    Roadmedic

    Roadmedic Road Train Member

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    You are not correct on the animal. There are no exemptions for it.
     
    Roadmedic, Nov 16, 2012
    Roadmedic, Nov 16, 2012
    #5
  8. Nov 16, 2012 #6
    sdaniel

    sdaniel Road Train Member

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    Was always told the carb sticker exempted you? Not going by the list.
     
    sdaniel, Nov 16, 2012
    sdaniel, Nov 16, 2012
    #6
  9. Nov 16, 2012 #7
    PackRatTDI

    PackRatTDI Licensed to Ill

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    My Volvo has the factory 1000 watt inverter and I run both my CPAP and dorm fridge off of it and I can take my 10 hours without idling and I never drain the batteries. Granted my CPAP doesn't have a heated humidifier which will make a difference on overall consumption.

    FWIW, a CPAP will draw less power when your mask is on your face vs when its pumping air but you're not using it. My machine drew a constant 100 watts when on and no restriction and between 70-80 watts when my mask was on and I was breathing.
     
    PackRatTDI, Nov 16, 2012
    PackRatTDI, Nov 16, 2012
    #7
  10. Nov 16, 2012 #8
    PackRatTDI

    PackRatTDI Licensed to Ill

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    It exempts you in California (obviously) and I know Pennsylvania. Unsure about the rest of them.
     
    PackRatTDI, Nov 16, 2012
    PackRatTDI, Nov 16, 2012
    #8
    sdaniel Thanks this.
  11. Nov 17, 2012 #9
    RizenPhoenix

    RizenPhoenix Road Train Member

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    Short answer straight from a lawyer, YES. Reason being is that ADA is federal law while anti idling laws are state laws. The state is required to make "reasonable accommodations" just like any other group or business.
     
    RizenPhoenix, Nov 17, 2012
    RizenPhoenix, Nov 17, 2012
    #9
  12. Nov 17, 2012 #10
    chompi

    chompi Road Train Member

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    No you are no exempt. If that were the case every driver at Swift would be on a respirator!

    Stay away from the mega-carriers if you are worried about idling. The smaller companies are much more lenient.
     
    chompi, Nov 17, 2012
    chompi, Nov 17, 2012
    #10
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