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HB1349 • 2026

Compression release engine brakes; localities to regulate use.

<p class=ldtitle>A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 46.2-1070.1, relating to local regulation of the use of compression release engine brakes.</p>

Enacted

This bill passed the Legislature and reached final enactment based on the latest official action.

Sponsor
McAuliff
Last action
2026-02-10
Official status
Incorporated
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

Checked against official source text during the last sync.

Local Rules for Engine Brakes

This law allows local governments to make rules about using compression release engine brakes near homes.

What This Bill Does

  • Allows localities to create rules about when and where compression release engine brakes can be used in their area.
  • Requires any rule made by a locality to include penalties for breaking the rule, similar to traffic fines.
  • Needs localities to put up clear signs showing where these brakes are not allowed.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Local governments that want to make rules about engine brakes.
  • Drivers who use compression release engine brakes near homes in areas with such rules.

Terms To Know

locality
A city, county, or town within Virginia.
compression release engine brake
An engine braking system often called a 'Jake brake' or 'Jacobs brake'.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not specify the exact penalties for breaking these rules, only that they should be similar to traffic infractions.

Bill History

  1. 2026-02-10 Transportation

    Incorporated by Transportation (HB55-Sullivan) (Voice Vote)

  2. 2026-02-05 Innovations (Ad Hoc)

    Subcommittee recommends incorporating (Voice Vote)

  3. 2026-02-03 Innovations (Ad Hoc)

    Assigned HTRAN sub: Innovations (Ad Hoc)

  4. 2026-01-19 House

    Presented and ordered printed 26105057D

  5. 2026-01-19 Transportation

    Referred to Committee on Transportation

Official Summary Text

Use of compression release engine brakes in localities.
Authorizes localities to regulate the use of compression release engine brakes, commonly known as "Jake brakes" or "Jacobs brakes", when motor vehicles are operated within their boundaries and adjacent to residence districts. This bill was incorporated into HB 55.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered
46.2-1070.1
, relating to local regulation of the use of compression release engine brakes.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered
46.2-1070.1
as follows:

§
46.2-1070.1
. Local regulation of use of compression release engine brakes.

The governing body of any
locality
may by ordinance regulate or prohibit the use of compression release engine brakes when motor vehicles are operated within the locality and adjacent to a residence district. Any such ordinance shall provide for a penalty for violations not to exceed that for traffic infractions as provided in §
46.2-113
. Any prohibition or limitation on the use of such brakes within the locality shall be displayed on conspicuously placed signs erected and maintained by the locality.