Commissioners agree to study posting signs to limit unmuffled engine compression brakes on Highway 158

Commissioners discussed a resident request at the Dec. 1 briefing to ask the North Carolina Department of Transportation to post signs discouraging unmuffled engine compression brakes (commonly called "Jake brakes") on a downhill segment of Highway 158 near Walkertown.

The chair introduced a DOT handout and noted state law requires vehicles to have proper mufflers. The county attorney explained DOT’s guidance: the state will place signs upon request but the county must adopt a local ordinance to designate the prohibition, would be responsible for installation and maintenance costs, and would enforce the rule locally. "This would be us establishing it as a violation within the county," the county attorney said.

Commissioners noted the county’s noise ordinance is typically complaint‑driven and enforcement against moving vehicles is difficult but not impossible. They asked staff to research Walkertown’s practices and return with a feasibility study that would include where signs could be placed, likely enforcement mechanisms and cost estimates.

Legal reference: During the discussion the chair read the statutory title referenced in DOT materials as "20‑128 exhaust system and emissions control devices," which requires vehicles to have a muffler and emission controls; the county attorney clarified this local action would create a locally enforceable violation and not shift DOT’s enforcement role.

Next steps: Commissioners asked staff to check whether Walkertown posts similar signage, to study enforcement and cost implications, and to report back with a feasibility assessment before any ordinance or sign request is advanced.

No formal ordinance or vote occurred at the briefing; the discussion was informational and the board requested follow‑up work.