HB 25-1039

House Bill 25-1039 in Colorado requires all commercial vehicles with internal combustion engines to have a properly functioning muffler that can be visually inspected. The bill increases the fine for not having a muffler from $500 to $1,000 but allows for a reduction if the issue is fixed within 30 days of receiving a citation. This law applies to commercial vehicles but exempts farm vehicles and requires construction contracts to include compliance with this rule. Since it has been signed into law, all relevant parties must now adhere to these new requirements.

Official Summary

The act requires all commercial vehicles to have a muffler. The muffler must be located so that it may be visually inspected to ensure it is present, intact, and functioning properly; except that a muffler need not be visible for inspection if certain documentation is present in the commercial vehicle and available for inspection by a peace officer. Standards are set for the necessary documentation. The act increases the fine for a violation from $500 to $1,000. The fine is not imposed if the owner or operator can show that a muffler was installed before the citation was issued and that the muffler complied with the manufacturing noise standards for the model year of the commercial vehicle. The fine is decreased by 50% if a muffler is installed within 30 days after the citation is written. The act applies to commercial vehicles with an internal combustion engine and does not apply to farm vehicles. State agencies must include language in construction contracts stating that a contractor's or subcontractor's commercial vehicle that enters a public project site is required to comply with the act. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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