Drivers regularly work, rest, and spend the night in their cabs. In the winter, temperatures can drop quickly, while a stationary cab can heat up significantly in the summer. A parking heater or parking air conditioner makes it possible to heat or cool the cab without keeping the main engine running continuously.
But is such a climate control system actually required? And do different rules apply to new trucks than to older vehicles?
The short answer is: a parking heater or parking air conditioner is not generally required by law in every truck. Not for all new trucks, nor automatically for older vehicles.
That doesn’t mean climate control isn’t important. Employers must prevent or limit health risks caused by extreme temperatures. In addition, clients, parking facilities, municipalities, and foreign governments may impose rules regarding idling. Furthermore, a comfortable rest environment is important for the driver’s well-being and recovery.
A parking heater and a parking air conditioner each serve a different purpose.
A parking heater warms the cab while the main engine is turned off. Depending on the system, it uses fuel from the vehicle’s tank or electrical power.
A parking heater can be used for:
There are air heaters that blow warm air directly into the cab and water heaters that heat the coolant circuit. Which type is suitable depends on the vehicle and the intended application.
A parking air conditioner cools the cab when the main engine is not running. The system typically uses power from the vehicle’s batteries or a separate power source.
An auxiliary air conditioner can be used for:
A standard vehicle air conditioner is usually powered by the running engine. An auxiliary air conditioner operates independently and is specifically designed for use when the vehicle is stationary and the main engine is turned off.
No, there is no general Dutch or European requirement mandating that every truck must be equipped with a parking heater.
New trucks are often ordered with a parking heater, especially when drivers travel internationally or spend a lot of time in the cab. However, this does not make the system universally required standard equipment.
When a heating system is installed, the installation must comply with the applicable technical and safety requirements. Important factors include:
Improper installation can lead to risks from heat, exhaust fumes, leaks, or electrical overloads. Professional installation is therefore essential.
A parking air conditioner is also not generally required by law for every truck.
A new truck does not automatically need to be equipped with a parking air conditioner to be permitted for use in the Netherlands or the European Union. However, many manufacturers do offer a parking air conditioner as a factory option or as part of a comfort package.
Whether a vehicle comes equipped with one depends, among other things, on:
It is therefore important to explicitly check at the time of purchase or delivery whether the vehicle is equipped with a true stationary air conditioning system. The presence of a standard air conditioning system does not automatically mean that the cab can be cooled even when the engine is turned off.
New trucks are subject to increasingly comprehensive European safety and environmental requirements. These include driver assistance systems, emergency braking systems, blind-spot monitoring, and emissions standards. However, a parking heater and parking air conditioning are not part of the general mandatory safety equipment for every new truck.
That said, climate control systems are becoming increasingly common in modern sleeper cabs. Manufacturers offer, for example:
However, “standard” is not the same as “mandatory.” Therefore, always check the exact vehicle specifications and don’t rely solely on the statement that a truck is equipped with air conditioning or climate control.
Even for older trucks, a parking heater or parking air conditioner isn’t automatically required. However, retrofitting can be a practical solution when:
Not every older truck is suitable for every system without modifications. The condition and capacity of the batteries, alternator, wiring, and electrical system must therefore be checked in advance.
Yes, a parking heater can be retrofitted to many trucks, vans, and machines.
Before proceeding, Rietveld will assess, among other things:
An underpowered parking heater may not adequately heat the cab. An oversized system consumes unnecessary energy and may require more installation space. The capacity must therefore be appropriate for the cab volume, the insulation, and the conditions in which the vehicle is used.
Parking air conditioning can also be retrofitted to many existing trucks. Various models are available.
A roof-mounted air conditioner is installed on or inside the cab roof. This solution is compact and usually does not require space behind the cab.
A roof-mounted air conditioner is particularly suitable when:
In a split system, the various components are distributed across multiple mounting positions. This allows the roof to remain clear.
A split system may be suitable when:
The Piccolo Splitter is an example of this. The compressor is mounted outside the cab, while the compact indoor unit distributes the cooled air into the cab.
On some vehicles, a stationary air conditioner can be mounted on or behind the cab. This is only possible if there is sufficient space and the unit is not obstructed by a trailer, cargo bed, or other vehicle components.
The correct configuration therefore depends not only on the desired cooling capacity but also on the vehicle’s design and available space.
In the Netherlands, there is no simple, general nationwide ban that prohibits every truck from idling under any circumstances.
That does not mean that unlimited idling is always permitted. Various restrictions may apply:
A sign reading “Turn off engine” or a client’s site rule must, of course, be followed.
For international transport, always check the rules of the country, city, and parking location where the driver is staying. Regulations may vary by location.
Running a diesel engine solely to heat or cool the cab causes unnecessary:
Furthermore, the main engine is much larger than necessary to simply maintain the cabin temperature. A standalone climate control system can perform this task more efficiently.
With a parking heater or parking air conditioner, the main engine can remain turned off during rest periods, waiting times, and overnight stays.
Exact consumption varies greatly depending on the engine type, outside temperature, engine speed, and equipment in use. A modern heavy-duty diesel engine can consume a significant amount of fuel even without driving.
The actual benefit of a parking heater or parking air conditioner depends on:
With regular use, reducing idling can help lower fuel costs and reduce emissions. For a reliable calculation, use actual vehicle and usage data.
The Working Conditions Act does not prescribe any specific cab equipment or a fixed maximum temperature for truck drivers.
However, the Working Conditions Decree does stipulate that the temperature in the workplace must not be harmful to employees’ health. According to the Working Conditions Portal, an employer must take measures to prevent health complaints and harm caused by heat.
This does not automatically mean that a stationary air conditioner is mandatory in every truck. The employer must determine which measures are appropriate based on the risks.
Possible measures include:
In cold conditions, the employer must also manage health risks as much as possible. A parking heater may be part of this, but it is not automatically the only possible measure.
A driver resting in a very hot or cold cab may find it harder to relax or sleep. A comfortable cab environment can contribute to better rest and greater comfort.
This is relevant because fatigue affects:
An auxiliary heater or air conditioner does not replace the legally mandated driving and rest periods. However, the system can help make the available rest time more comfortable.
The regular daily rest period and a reduced weekly rest period may be spent in the vehicle under certain conditions, provided the vehicle is stationary and equipped with suitable sleeping accommodations. The regular weekly rest period of at least 45 hours may not be spent in the cab.
When choosing a parking heater, the following factors are important, among others:
A well-chosen parking heater should heat the cab evenly without using an unnecessary amount of fuel or electricity.
When evaluating a parking air conditioner, Rietveld considers, among other things:
The largest or most powerful air conditioner isn’t automatically the best. The system must provide sufficient cooling without placing an unnecessarily heavy load on the batteries.
A parking heater—and especially an electric parking air conditioner—consumes energy when the engine is not running. Therefore, the electrical system must be properly sized for the expected usage.
Important considerations include:
Undervoltage protection shuts off the climate control system before the battery is discharged too far. The settings and operation must be appropriate for the vehicle and the type of battery used.
A climate control system must be installed safely, reliably, and in a manner appropriate for the vehicle. Improper installation can lead to malfunctions, leaks, insufficient capacity, or electrical problems.
During professional installation, attention is paid to, among other things:
With a parking air conditioner, the indoor unit is positioned and adjusted so that the cooled air is distributed comfortably throughout the cab. Ideally, the airflow should not be directed continuously at the face or body of a sleeping driver.
Stand-alone climate control systems also require periodic maintenance.
Have the following checked, among other things:
It’s a good idea to run a parking heater occasionally even outside the winter season, following the manufacturer’s instructions. This can help keep the system in working order.
Check the following, among other things:
It is best to schedule maintenance before the hottest or coldest months. This reduces the chance of the system failing when the driver needs it most.
Rietveld advises on, supplies, and installs climate control solutions for new and existing trucks, vans, construction equipment, and other commercial vehicles.
Our specialists consider:
Based on these factors, we recommend a suitable solution. This could be a parking heater, a roof-mounted air conditioner, a rear-wall unit, or a compact split system.
Our technicians will then handle the installation, connection, sealing, testing, and instruction. Even after installation, you can count on Rietveld for maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs.
A parking heater or parking air conditioner is not legally required as standard equipment for every truck. Nevertheless, the system can be a valuable investment in drivers’ comfort, well-being, and recovery.
In addition, independent climate control helps reduce idling, fuel consumption, emissions, and noise pollution.
Would you like to know which solution is right for your new or existing truck? Rietveld assesses the vehicle configuration and advises on the correct model, mounting position, and power supply.
Want to have a parking heater or parking air conditioner retrofitted?
Rietveld handles the entire process, from consultation and selection to professional installation, maintenance, and repair.