5/23/05-A bill that would have allowed restrictions on the use of engine brakes in the state has died.
HB2497, sponsored by Rep. Jim Sacia, R-Freeport, was awaiting assignment to a Senate committee at the May 5 deadline for House bills to advance to the full Senate.
The bill sought to permit counties to post signs that prohibit the use of engine brakes that make “excessive noise.”
The bill would have allowed truckers to use an engine brake if it is properly muffled so that it does not exceed noise limits, and it would allow use of an engine brake in an emergency situation, which the bill defines as needing to brake to “avoid a collision with a person or another vehicle.”
The Department of Transportation would have been responsible for setting up the rules for how and where the signs could be set up. The signs would have been required to say: “Excessive engine braking noise prohibited.”
Truckers who commit engine brake violations would have faced a $75 fine. However, the bill did not define what would constitute “excessive noise.”

4/11/05-The House unanimously approved a bill April 6 that would allow restrictions on the use of engine brakes in the state.
HB2497, sponsored by Rep. Jim Sacia, R-Freeport, would permit counties to post signs that prohibit the use of engine brakes that make “excessive noise.”
The bill would allow truckers to use an engine brake if it is properly muffled so that it does not exceed noise limits, and it would allow use of an engine brake in an emergency situation, which the bill defines as needing to brake to “avoid a collision with a person or another vehicle.”
The Department of Transportation would set up the rules for how and where the signs could be set up. The signs would be required to say: “Excessive engine braking noise prohibited.”
Truckers who commit engine brake violations would be fined $75. However, the bill does not define what would constitute “excessive noise.”
The bill has been sent to the Senate for further consideration.
For bill status, call (217) 782-5799.

2/28/05-The House Transportation and Motor Vehicles Committee is reviewing a bill that would allow restrictions on the use of engine brakes in the state.
HB2497, sponsored by Rep. Jim Sacia, R-Freeport, would permit counties to post signs that prohibit the use of engine brakes that make “excessive noise.”
The bill would allow truckers to use an engine brake if it is properly muffled so that it does not exceed noise limits, and it would allow use of an engine brake in an emergency situation, which the bill defines as needing to brake to “avoid a collision with a person or another vehicle.”
The Department of Transportation would set up the rules for how and where the signs could be set up. The signs would be required to say: “Excessive engine braking noise prohibited.”
Truckers who commit engine brake violations would be fined $75. However, the bill does not define what would constitute “excessive noise.”
A committee hearing is scheduled on the bill Tuesday, March 1.
For House bill status, call (217) 782-5799.
An identical Senate bill – SB534 – is in the Senate Transportation Committee.