HomeMy WebLinkAbout122-91 - Ord. Unuffled Compression Brakes MASON COUNTY ORDINANCE N . 122-91
UNMUFFL.ED COMPRESSION BRAKES
WHEREAS,the Board of Mason County Commissioners, hereinafter referred to as the Board,finds that there
are several areas of the county where unmuffled engine compression brakes are used regularly and that the
use of said brakes is not in the best interest of the public health and general welfare of the citizens present
in those areas; and,
WHEREAS, the Board further finds that said compression brakes are an alternative braking system which
are not standard equipment from the manufacturers and are not necessary to stop the vehicle, except in
emergency situations; and,
WHEREAS, the Board further finds that neither the terrain nor road design geometrics warrant the use of
engine compression brakes, and that use of said brakes is simply an alternate means of braking; and,
WHEREAS, the Board further finds that a high volume of vehicles equipped with unmuffled engine
compression brakes are traveling through certain areas in Mason County and that such volume, coupled
with the regular use of said brakes, has created an intolerable environment for persons present in those
areas.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, Unmuffled compression brakes are prohibited; provided, such
prohibition shall be applicable only to those public highways or portions thereof identified and prohibited
by resolution of the Board of County Commissioners; provided further that, no person shall use motor
vehicle brakes which are in any way activated or operated by the compression of the engine of said motor
vehicle or any unit or part thereof, unless said braking system is equipped with a functional muffler; and
FURTHER, the County Engineer shall post and maintain signs designating the areas in which the use of
unmuffled compression braking systems have been prohibited by resolution of the Board of County
Commissioners, and the County Engineer shall keep and maintain a file of areas so designated, and said
file shall be open to the public.
FURTHER, these prohibitions shall be in full force and effective immediately upon the posting of the roads
involved.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that any person or persons violating the provisions of this ordinance shall
have committed a traffic infraction and a penalty of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) shall be imposed.
Violations shall be enforced by such authorities and in such manner as set forth in RCW 46.63 and RCW
46.64. Said fine shall not apply if an emergency situation exists and the use of unmuffled engine
compression brakes is necessary for the protection of persons or property.
ADOPTED this 15th day of October 1991.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MASON COUNTY, WASHINGTON ,
F
Chairp on
Commissioner
G: File Commissioner
Elected Officials/Dept Heads