What does the street sign no engine braking mean?

A no engine braking road sign warns truck drivers against using the engine to brake. Truck drivers normally downshift the engine to slow the truck down without applying the breaks. This action is referred to as engine braking, and usually produces a loud noise.

What is the engine brake?

Engine braking is basically the process of slowing the car down by releasing the accelerator and shifting down through gears, rather than using the footbrake. In technical terms, it’s using decelerative forces in the engine to slow the speed the wheels are turning at.

Is every vehicle required to have two braking systems?

Every motor vehicle must have two braking systems — a standard brake and a parking brake — in case of the failure of one.

Are brake retarders prohibited within municipal limits?

2. a discernible pattern of rear-end crashes over the past three years where the truck was the striking vehicle. Approved signs read, “Brake Retarders Prohibited Within Municipal Limits.” A sign must be posted at the point where trucks may start to use brake retarders again, reading, “End Brake Retarder Prohibition.”

Are brake retarders legal in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania regulations say, in part, “The use of brake retarders may not be prohibited by a local authority unless prior written approval is obtained from the Department of Transportation. If the Department denies written approval, a local authority may file an application for reconsideration . . . .” (67 Pa. Code §179.10(20)).

How far should you drive before you stop in an emergency?

If an emergency happens ahead of you and you drive another 20 feet before reacting to the incident and another 20 feet before you stop, the total stopping distance is 40 feet. To avoid an unexpected collision, you’ll need to maintain a safe following distance.