Colorado lawmakers are considering a bill that targets noisy commercial vehicles with increased fines and revoked registration.
The bill HB25-1039 that is currently under consideration in the Colorado General Assembly would tighten up muffler requirements for commercial vehicles operating in the state of Colorado.
While current law only requires a muffler on commercial vehicles equipped with an engine compression brake (Jake Brake), the bill seeks to require mufflers on all commercial vehicles.
The bill also increases the fine for commercial vehicles without mufflers from $500 to $1000 and “the commercial vehicle may not be registered for one year unless the owner or operator shows compliance.”
The bill would also require that the muffler be installed in such a way that it “may be visually inspected to ensure it is present, intact, and functioning properly,” though this requirement may be waived if the driver of the truck can present documentation proving a muffler is installed.
Carriers can avoid the fine if they can prove that a compliant muffler was installed before the citation was issued. The fine is reduced by 50% if a compliant muffler is installed within 30 days of the issuance of the citation.
According to Colorado Community Media, Colorado Motor Carriers Association President Greg Fulton says that a small number of truckers remove their muffler because they prefer the look and loud noise that their truck produces without one.
If the bill advances into law, it would go into effect in 2027.