S 66 Vermont Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

An act relating to motor vehicle noise, exhaust modifications, and engine compression brakes

This bill (S 66) regulates motor vehicle noise by prohibiting certain exhaust modifications and requiring mufflers for engine compression brakes. It bans straight pipes, gutted mufflers, and unapproved exhaust systems on most vehicles, while requiring motorcycles (post-1985) to meet federal noise standards. Truck operators must equip compression brakes (like "Jake brakes") with mufflers to prevent excessive noise, failing which vehicles will fail safety inspections. The law affects drivers of modified cars, trucks, and motorcycles, with new rules taking effect July 1, 2026. It also requires a report by December 2025 on proposed noise level limits and enforcement procedures.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Mar 2025
Senate Passage
Mar 2025
House Passage
Governor
Introduced Feb 11, 2025 Last action Mar 21, 2025
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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
12
Key actions
4
Committee
4
Mar 21, 2025
Introduced
Read first time and referred to the Committee on Transportation
lower
Mar 18, 2025
Upper · Passed
Recommendation of amendment by Committee on Transportation agreed to
upper
Mar 18, 2025
Upper · Passed
Read 2nd time, reported favorably with recommendation of amendment by Senator White for Committee on Transportation
upper
Mar 18, 2025
Upper · Passed
Favorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Transportation
upper
Mar 14, 2025
Upper · Passed
Favorable report with recommendation of amendment by Committee on Transportation
upper
Feb 11, 2025
Introduced
Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Transportation
upper
5 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors