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Forsyth County to study ordinance, signage for unmuffled engine compression brakes on NC‑158
Summary
Commissioners asked staff to study feasibility of requesting DOT signs or adopting a local ordinance to limit unmuffled engine compression brakes on a downhill stretch of NC‑158; county attorney said DOT will post signs at a municipality’s request but county enforcement and sign costs would be the county’s responsibility.
Chair introduced a resident request to address excessive truck noise caused by unmuffled engine compression brakes on a downhill portion of NC‑158. Staff reviewed a North Carolina Department of Transportation memo and explained DOT will install signs if a municipality or county requests it, but enforcement and sign costs rest with the requesting government.
County Attorney advised that the county would need to adopt a local ordinance prohibiting excessive noise from unmuffled compression brakes within specified limits for DOT to post advisory signage. He said the county would be responsible for enforcement and maintenance of signs; local law enforcement (the sheriff’s office) could enforce the ordinance, but enforcement of mobile noise sources is typically complaint‑driven and can be difficult.
Commissioners asked staff to check with Walkertown about any existing measures and to return with a feasibility study focused on whether signs or an ordinance should apply to the specific downhill stretch rather than countywide.
No ordinance was proposed at the briefing; staff will report back with feasibility options and cost implications.
