Truck drivers

**Trumpess** · 2nd November 2008, 08:35

Good morning!

Can any truck driver that may reside here in KB, please tell me the law from the road code regarding the use of exhaust brakes in a built up/residential area?

If its not to much trouble, can I please have it quoted from the Truck Driver Road Code?

Thanks heaps in advance.

**lb99** · 2nd November 2008, 08:39

kept up last night?, I'm lookng for my road code right now

**Headbanger** · 2nd November 2008, 08:40

There is no law.

**Trumpess** · 2nd November 2008, 08:42

Originally Posted by Headbanger

There is no law.

Sorry .... I thought there was, or is it just a requirement of the Road Code?

**Headbanger** · 2nd November 2008, 08:45

Originally Posted by Trumpess

Sorry .... I thought there was, or is it just a requirement of the Road Code?

Sorry, trolling.

muhahahahahaha.

Though I found this.

http://209.85.173.104/search?q=cache...lnk&cd=1&gl=nz

Section 4 is relevant to law and enforcement.

**lb99** · 2nd November 2008, 08:48

nothing specfic here regarding exhaust brakes, but it does state

"you must not drive a veihicle that makes noise that is likely to cause annoyance to any person"

I'm pretty sure that you are only resticted on exhaust brakes when it is signposted....

When I went for my driving test the instructor made me put em on, I asked about it seeing as we were in town, he said sweet as, provided there are no signs.
However, now I only use it when I need to

**tri boy** · 2nd November 2008, 08:48

As HeadBanger says, theres no "official" law, but district councils can erect signage etc to help restrict the use.
However, I would prefer to be woken up by the sound of a jake break being used when required, rather than a truck with excessive speed crashing through my fence.
Drivers are good, but sometimes they overcook their speed, and retarders/exhaust brakes will get them out of a awkward maneuver.
Magnetic brakes, and water flow brakes seem to be thin on the ground in NZ.

**marty** · 2nd November 2008, 08:59

1. the road code is not law. it tells you about the law, but it not the law.

2. the use of engine brakes in built up areas is usually covered by a bylaw - there is one in place for the Waipa DC, but I can't find anything for Christchurch City. here's the traffic bylaw for Churchur: http://www.ccc.govt.nz/bylaws/Christ...gBylaw2008.pdf

**Trumpess** · 2nd November 2008, 09:04

Thanks heaps for the replys guys.
Wasnt sure so thats why I asked.
I will call the council tomorrow and get them to detail it a bit more for me from their by-law perspective.
I need facts first before I can open my mouth

I live in a very quiet, flat, mainly residential/slightly industrial area where we have huge salvage trucks use the street, mainly during the day.
I don't have any problems with this, but a few street residents have been in touch with the company concerned many times to try and get them to inforce lower speeds in and out of the street, due to the street being populated by kids of all ages, the size and weight of the trucks, and the use of exhaust brakes, where we view it to be unnessceary because of the simplicity of the street.
The company has obliged on many occasions by talking to their drivers, but only seems to last for a day or two. There is one rouge driver in particular who simply dosen't give a toss, which is sad as well as frustrating.

Thanks again, I appreciate your help.

**Korumba** · 2nd November 2008, 09:05

Your post reminded me of this prank call.

http://www.fugly.com/videos/12032/au...rake_call.html

**Trumpess** · 2nd November 2008, 09:14

Originally Posted by Korumba

Your post reminded me of this prank call.

http://www.fugly.com/videos/12032/au...rake_call.html

Extremley colourfull ...... thanks for the laugh!!

**trustme** · 2nd November 2008, 11:16

He is not a driver , he is just a steerer, bottom of the heap
Drivers do not use a jake in built up areas.
Operators only use them as a speed retarder to hold the truck back on a down hill stretch.
There have been more than a few accidents caused by misuse of the Jake Brake
Please do not refer to this bottom feeder as a driver , he ain't & probably never will be. Not that this is any help to you, you have my sympathy, start writing letters to all and sundry so the tow Company gets ear ache from all the snivelling.
Tell the towies you are complaining to the CVIU, no truckie wants those arseholes on their tail.

**Headbanger** · 2nd November 2008, 12:45

Funny that, Most of the truck drivers I know ignore such signs and use there own judgement for their driving, and they should be using the jake brake to scrub off speed rather then hauling on the brakes. Has nothing to do with a downhill.

Though I do believe the particular driver being complained about is being a prick on purpose. Tiny minds play tiny games.

**trustme** · 2nd November 2008, 13:25

I don't want to turn this into a debate on truck driving ,but, a jakes is a speed retarder not a brake, why would you use a brake that operates on 2 axles when you have braking on all axles available, it is like slowing your bike using only the rear brake , used sometimes but not the best way to ride. There have been numerous accidents in the wet where the driver hits the jakes , locks the drivers & instant jacknife.
Not so long ago I ran across a Mainfreight B train on the Napier side of the Napier Taupo road. you could smell the brakes from 50m away , smoke pouring off his hubs, cooked brakes that is avoided by changing down gears & using the Jake brake to hold your speed & touch the brakes sparingly on long down hill stretches. Jakes help to slow you but they are not brakes
Only places I use a jake in a city is the likes of Stanley St or the Harbour Bridge in AK, Ngauranga Gorge in Wgtn or the Kilmog into Dunedin. around town it is not necessary IMO.

**Headbanger** · 2nd November 2008, 16:29

ah, Just showing my ignorance by referring to the wrong braking system, That's what happens when in a thread with someone who does know there stuff. Lmfao.

Pretend I actually said exhaust brake....and if it still makes no sense then just pretend I never said anything at all.....