7/12/05-A bill that would have allowed restrictions on the use of engine brakes has died.
SB534, sponsored by Sen. Christine Radogno, R-Lemont, remained in the House Rules Committee at the deadline for bills to advance to the floor, effectively killing it for the year. It previously garnered widespread support in the Senate.
It would have permitted 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 defined as needing to brake to “avoid a collision with a person or another vehicle.”
The Department of Transportation would have set 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 been fined $75. However, the bill did not define what would constitute “excessive noise.”

4/27/05-The Senate voted 54-1 April 11 to approve a bill that would allow restrictions on the use of engine brakes in the state.
SB534, sponsored by Sen. Christine Radogno, R-Lemont, 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 forwarded to the House for further consideration.
For bill status, call (217) 782-4517.

4/11/05-The Senate Transportation Committee has approved a bill that would allow restrictions on the use of engine brakes in the state. It now moves to the full Senate.
SB534, sponsored by Sen. Christine Radogno, R-Lemont, 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.”
For Senate bill status, call (217) 782-4517.

2/28/05-A bill in the Senate Transportation Committee would allow restrictions on the use of engine brakes in the state.
SB534, sponsored by Sen. Christine Radogno, R-Lemont, 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 Senate bill status, call (217) 782-4517.
An identical House bill – HB2497 – is in the House Transportation and Motor Vehicles Committee.