Engine Brake Legislation

Large trucks are often outfitted with compression release engine brakes. These brakes use power from the engine to help the truck slow down more effectively than with traditional braking systems. However, these brakes, when paired with an ineffective muffler, make a loud chattering noise similar to that of a machine gun. In response to this noise, many municipalities throughout the U.S. have banned the use of these brakes.

Although these brakes are often essential for large trucks to drive safely on the roadways, truckers who use their engine brakes within certain communities may face significant fines. However, even though compression release engine brakes are noisy by themselves, trucks outfitted with proper exhaust systems do not make excessive noise. The offending noise is most prevalent in vehicles that include:

• Defective exhaust systems
• High flow mufflers
• No mufflers (straight stack exhaust systems)

Engine brakes are an essential safety component of large diesel trucks. Without them, truckers may not be able to slow their speed effectively and prevent serious collisions. Bans on the use of these brakes came about from noise complaints due to trucks that were not in compliance with existing federal noise restriction laws. Fortunately, noise can be dramatically reduced by the use of a properly functioning exhaust system.

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