[Source: Steve Dreiseszun, Chair, F.Q. Story I-10 Impact Action Committee] -- After a more than three year effort, the Arizona Legislature has passed an expanded law directed toward quieting heavy, commercial trucks in the State and improving the quality of life for residents in close proximity to major rights-of-way. House Bill 2691 ("commercial vehicles; exhaust systems") requires trucks to operate with a working muffler. This law brings Arizona into compliance with federal guidelines for commercial trucks and continues the mandate that they be operated with a working muffler as delivered by the original manufacturer. In 2001, Arizona endorsed the "Multi-State Highway Transportation Agreement" (MHTA) model legislation which called for tighter muffler requirements for trucks and higher penalties for infractions. Unfortunately, it never enacted a law.A properly working muffler is effective in reducing noise created by a truck's mechanical systems including engine, transmission, and engine compression brakes (sometimes called "Jake" brakes). It has been found that some operators run with mufflers that are poorly maintained, while others choose to remove their mufflers completely as they think that they will get better fuel mileage, more power or just like to make noise. Whatever the case, continuing such behavior is now unwise. The law calls for penalties of up to $500 for truck operators that are found in violation. This new law is meant to modify behavior and, while it will take time to educate, implement, and enforce, it should create a real reduction in noise created by trucks on highways such as Interstate 10, cutting through several Phoenix historic neighborhoods. It is hoped that residents will see improvement in the future.
Bill proponents wish to thank District 14 State Rep. Debbie McCune Davis, primary sponsor of this legislation who worked tirelessly to make sure that stakeholders moved toward a solution. Also key to the effort from the beginning were Sen. Bill Brotherton and Rep. Robert Meza, also from District 14. Others who sponsored the bill were Representatives David Lujan and Kyrsten Sinema from District 15, Steve Gallardo from District 13, and Tom Prezelski from District 29.
