(A) Except as provided in this section, the use or operation of a dynamic braking device on unmuffled vehicles is hereby prohibited within the municipality
(B) A DYNAMIC BRAKING DEVICE is a device used on vehicles that converts the engine from an internal combustion engine to an air compressor for the purpose of braking without the use of wheel brakes. These devices are commonly referred to as “air brakes,” “engine brakes,” “compression brakes,” “Jacob’s Brakes,” or “Jake Brakes.”
(C) This section shall not apply to municipal emergency vehicles, whether or not responding to an emergency.
(D) As an affirmative defense to a charge of a violation of this section, the driver of the vehicle must prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, that:
(1) The driver of the vehicle was operating the vehicle in compliance with all applicable laws at the time the unmuffled dynamic braking device was used;
(2) The speed of the vehicle was reasonable given all of the relevant circumstances;
(3) The driver believed that the use of the unmuffled dynamic braking device was necessary
to either:
(a) Avoid an imminent threat to the safety of the driver or any other person; or
(b) Avoid an imminent threat to property.
(4) The driver’s belief as to the necessity for using the unmuffled dynamic braking device was objectively reasonable.
(Prior Code, § 70.04) Penalty, see § 70.999
Cross-reference:
Engine breaks, see § 70.039