Maine Engine & Jake Brake Rules

No statewide engine-brake ban. State law requires an adequate muffler and caps exhaust at 95 dBA under SAE J1169 (29-A M.R.S. 1912), plus a rule that braking can't make harsh, objectionable noise (2079). The real 'no engine brake' limits are local: Scarborough's Good Neighbor Ordinance bars an unmuffled engine brake except to avoid a collision. Expect posted zones in coastal and resort towns, backed by ordinance, with a local fine. Use the engine brake where nothing's posted.

Ban scopeLocal / posted

Muffler lawYes (the legal hook)

Where postedLocal ordinances do the work

FineLocal ordinance citation, for example under Scarborough's Good Neighbor Ordinance

01 The rule

How Maine handles engine braking

02 On the road

What to watch for

Ban scope: Local / posted
Where posted & enforced: Local ordinances do the work. Scarborough's Good Neighbor Ordinance bars an unmuffled engine brake except to avoid a collision. Expect posted zones in coastal and resort towns and on residential routes. Enforcement is local.
Muffler / noise law: Yes, the real legal hook
Fine: Local ordinance citation, for example under Scarborough's Good Neighbor Ordinance. A state muffler or noise violation (29-A M.R.S. 1912) is a separate traffic fine.

Maine Engine Brake FAQ

Are engine brakes banned in Maine?

Maine has no statewide ban. The restriction is local and posted on "NO ENGINE BRAKE" signs. No statewide engine-brake ban.

Where are the "NO ENGINE BRAKE" signs in Maine?

Local ordinances do the work. Scarborough's Good Neighbor Ordinance bars an unmuffled engine brake except to avoid a collision. Expect posted zones in coastal and resort towns and on residential routes. Enforcement is local.

What is the fine for using an engine brake where it is banned in Maine?

Local ordinance citation, for example under Scarborough's Good Neighbor Ordinance. A state muffler or noise violation (29-A M.R.S. 1912) is a separate traffic fine.

Reference information for planning, not legal advice. Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it. Last reviewed July 2026. Source: https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/29-a/title29-asec1912.html. See our Terms & Disclaimer.

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Maine Engine & Jake Brake Rules

How Maine handles engine braking

What to watch for

Maine Engine Brake FAQ

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