> Yes they are. The summons part is essentially what happens when a cop issues you a ticket..
They are reporting, not regulating. You don't get a ticket from a random person.
> The more I read about it, the more it seems like a great scam, though. Film trucks, make them appear to be running for a couple of tokens and drown your competition in fines. Once a day on some trial will likely be enough even.
This rule is in place for a long time. It isn't a scam nor is what you dreamt up happening.
> What happens after I submit my complaint?
> Where DEP issues the summons, you will be informed of the summons number and hearing date. You may need to be available in person or by phone to testify. If the summons is upheld, the respondent must pay the penalty in order for you to receive payment for your complaint, You should submit your request for payment to OATH. If the summons is dismissed, you are not entitled to any payment.
So any random can waste your time severely at no cost to themselves, and you have to prove you were idling legally unless it's a refrigeration truck:
> If you submit a complaint regarding a refrigeration truck, you must document that the engine that moves the vehicle was on and was not being used to run the refrigeration unit.
Where I severely doubt they know which license plates belong to refrigeration trucks to begin with, so you'll likely still have to waste time.
It leads to a hearing date with you on the hook for up to 18000$ the first time and them risking nothing after investing 5 minutes to get in that joyful situation.
The more I read about it, the more it seems like a great scam, though. Film trucks, make them appear to be running for a couple of tokens and drown your competition in fines. Once a day on some trial will likely be enough even.