To allow for the appropriate use of brakes for the safety of all roadway users, State of Nevada law (Nevada Revised Statute 484D.285) does allow the use of muffled engine brakes. Local city or county ordinances can be put in place to limit their use in certain circumstances. Where such local ordinances are in place, we are happy to review any requests submitted by the local government agency to potentially install highway signs.
The law does require that all engine brakes must be properly muffled. If potential noise pollution is coming from non-muffled, and therefore, illicit, truck brakes, notifying the Nevada Highway Patrol is the best option for enforcement.
NRS 484D.285 Conditions for use of compression brakes; penalty. [Effective January 1, 2023.]
1. The driver of a vehicle which is equipped with a device for braking that uses the compression of the engine of the vehicle shall not use the device at any time unless:
(a) The device is equipped with an operational muffler; or
(b) The driver reasonably believes that an emergency requires the use of the device to protect the physical safety of a person or others from an immediate threat of physical injury or to protect against an immediate threat of damage to property.
2. A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a civil infraction punishable pursuant to NRS 484A.703 to 484A.705, inclusive.
(Added to NRS by 2003, 403; A 2021, 3340, effective January 1, 2023)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 484.6055)
Nevada DOT. Safe and Connected.