An act relating to motor vehicle noise, exhaust modifications, and engine compression brakes
S.66 would tighten Vermont’s motor vehicle noise rules by creating explicit sound limits for vehicles on highways, banning certain exhaust modifications that increase noise or smoke, and requiring engine compression brakes on motor trucks and truck tractors to be paired with a muffler to reduce excessive noise. The bill also preserves exceptions for racing or authorized public exhibitions and for emergency use of compression brakes. In addition, it directs the Agency of Transportation to create a citizen reporting system for suspected violations and requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to update inspection rules and conduct public outreach.
The bill establishes a new enforcement framework with civil penalties that escalate for repeat violations and directs collected penalties into the Transportation Fund to support enforcement costs. It also amends inspection requirements so vehicles with prohibited exhaust setups, excessive sound levels, or compression brakes lacking proper mufflers would fail inspection. The measure includes a separate reporting requirement for the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to study noise limits and enforcement procedures in Vermont and other New England states and recommend any further legislation needed to implement a broader noise-limit regime.
The bill would amend Title 23 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated by revising existing vehicle equipment and inspection provisions and adding new sections on vehicle sound limits and engine compression brake requirements. It would affect drivers of passenger vehicles, motorcycles, motor trucks, truck tractors, inspection stations, law enforcement, and the Agency and Department of Motor Vehicles. It also authorizes municipalities to adopt local ordinances restricting engine compression brake use within municipal boundaries or specific areas. The bill’s enforcement and inspection changes would take effect in stages, with rulemaking and outreach beginning in 2025 and the core prohibitions taking effect July 1, 2026.
The available record shows no committee transcript or vote history, so there is no direct evidence of debate or recorded support/opposition. Based on the bill text, the measure appears designed to address public complaints about loud vehicles and to give enforcement agencies clearer standards and tools. The inclusion of a study/reporting requirement suggests the Legislature was still evaluating the best long-term approach to vehicle noise regulation.
The main points of potential contention are likely to be the scope and enforceability of the new noise limits, the use of sound meters or noise cameras, and the civil penalties for violations. Drivers of modified cars and motorcycles, trucking interests, and operators who use engine compression brakes may object to the restrictions or to how noise is measured in the field. On the other hand, residents and municipalities concerned about excessive noise are likely to support stronger limits and the citizen reporting system. The bill also leaves room for local ordinances on compression brakes, which may be seen as either a useful flexibility or a patchwork concern depending on the stakeholder.