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Engine Brake Laws No. MA Local / posted

Massachusetts Engine & Jake Brake Rules

No statewide engine-brake ban. State law requires a muffler to stop excessive or unnecessary noise, no cutout or bypass (MGL c.90 s.16). The posted 'no engine brake' zones live in hill and resort towns: the Berkshires, Mohawk Trail (Route 2) descents, and residential truck routes. Each sign is backed by a local ordinance, and the fine is a local citation. Enforcement is discretionary. Keep using the engine brake on grades where nothing's posted.

Ban scopeLocal / posted
Muffler lawYes (the legal hook)
Where postedHill and resort towns do the posting: the Berkshires, Mohawk Trail
FineLocal noise-ordinance citation, commonly in the low hundreds
01 The rule

How Massachusetts handles engine braking

No statewide engine-brake ban. State law requires a muffler to stop excessive or unnecessary noise, no cutout or bypass (MGL c.90 s.16). The posted 'no engine brake' zones live in hill and resort towns: the Berkshires, Mohawk Trail (Route 2) descents, and residential truck routes. Each sign is backed by a local ordinance, and the fine is a local citation. Enforcement is discretionary. Keep using the engine brake on grades where nothing's posted.

02 On the road

What to watch for

Massachusetts Engine Brake FAQ

Are engine brakes banned in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
Hill and resort towns do the posting: the Berkshires, Mohawk Trail (Route 2) descents, and residential truck routes. Cape and beach towns protecting quiet may post too. Each sign is backed by a local noise ordinance. Enforcement is discretionary.
What is the fine for using an engine brake where it is banned in Massachusetts?
Local noise-ordinance citation, commonly in the low hundreds. A state muffler violation (c.90 s.16) is a separate 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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIV/Chapter90/Section16. See our Terms & Disclaimer.

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