Bordentown Township Committee unanimously adopted an ordinance prohibiting engine braking.
BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP The Township Committee is trying to silence trucks riding along municipal roadways and causing loud disturbances through the use of engine braking.
At its April 12 meeting, the Township Committee unanimously adopted an ordinance prohibiting engine braking, which involves using any mechanical exhaust device to brake a car or truck.
This practice stops the vehicle, but it causes an "excessive, loud, unusual, or explosive noise," according to the ordinance.
The problem of engine braking was first brought to the governing body’s attention by residents of the Grande at Crystal Lake, who complained about engine braking noises caused by trucks driving on Route 130, said Township Committeeman Mark Roselli.
"This is something that once it’s adopted, we will seek to enforce it," he said.
The ordinance states that signs soon will be posted along roadways in the municipality to bring attention to the law against engine braking. Drivers caught in the act will face a $250 fine the first offense or 30 days of imprisonment, according to the ordinance. Second offense will be penalized with a $500 fine and a three-month imprisonment, and third offenses will be matched with $1,000 fine or as much as six months in jail, the ordinance states.
Engine braking is permitted when it is being used for emergency services, according to the ordinance.
William Wichert