It is hereby declared by the Board of County Commissioners that the use of unmuffled compression brakes in some areas within the corporate limits of Cowlitz County disturbs the peace and quiet and disturbs the residents of the county in their rest and in the enjoyment of their property, and by reason thereof, the Board of County Commissioners finds the use of such brakes in designated areas to be a public nuisance.
(Ord. 13-133 § 2 (Exh. A), 11-26-2013; Ord. 15-069 § 2 (Exh. A), 7-7-2015)
Terms used in this chapter shall have that meaning given to them in RCW Title 46, except as expressly defined herein; and where not defined herein shall have that meaning clearly indicated by the context in which such term is used.
(Ord. 13-133 § 2 (Exh. A), 11-26-2013; Ord. 15-069 § 2 (Exh. A), 7-7-2015)
"Brake"
means any device used for slowing, halting or stopping the movement of any motor vehicle.
"Compression brakes"
means motor vehicle brakes which are activated or worked by the compression of the engine of the motor vehicle.
"Motor vehicle"
includes automobiles, tractors, trucks, trailers and transportation equipment of all kinds and sizes or any combination or combinations of the foregoing; except authorized emergency vehicles, as that term is utilized in RCW Title 46, and public vehicles necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of the community, shall not be subject to these regulations.
"Unmuffled compression brake"
means a compression brake which is not effectively muffled to prevent excessive noise.
(Ord. 13-133 § 2 (Exh. A), 11-26-2013; Ord. 15-069 § 2 (Exh. A), 7-7-2015)
The use of compression brakes in the following designated areas within the corporate limits of Cowlitz County is prohibited unless such braking system is equipped with a functional muffler; excepting such prohibition shall not apply if an emergency situation exists, and the use of unmuffled compression brakes is necessary for the protection of persons or property which cannot be avoided by application of an alternative braking system:
Road Name
Geographical Location
Approximate Start Location (SEC-TWP-RGE)
County Road Number
Milepost (Beginning – End)
Butte Hill Road
Off SR-503
32-6N-1E
36330
0.46 – 2.87
China Garden Road
Past Rogers Road
17-6N-1W
34300
2.97 – 4.55
Hooper Road
Off Abernathy Creek Road
35-9N-4W
21090
0.00 – 1.25
Rose Valley Road
Near Rose Valley Elementary School
9-7N-1W
40110
2.22 – 2.57
South Silver Lake Road
Past Headquarters Road
21-9N-1W
55440
4.00 – 5.46
Tower Road
Near Tower Road Bridge
36-10N-2W
51200
2.40 – 3.85
West Side Highway
Near Castle Rock City Limits
10-9N-2W
26000
0.66 – 1.25
(Ord. 13-133 § 2 (Exh. A), 11-26-2013; Ord. 15-069 § 2 (Exh. A), 7-7-2015; Ord. 23-009 § 1, 1-31-2023)
A. 
The Cowlitz County Department of Public Works shall, as soon as possible following the effective date of the creation of a designated area for compression brake restrictions under CCC § 11.05.040, but in any event not more than 30 days thereafter, erect signs upon all county roads approaching or entering said compression brake restriction area.
B. 
The signs shall be of a size and character to be readily visible and readable, declaring that "Unmuffled Compression Brake Use Prohibited" or substantially similar wording, and referencing this chapter.
(Ord. 13-133 § 2 (Exh. A), 11-26-2013; Ord. 15-069 § 2 (Exh. A), 7-7-2015)
Violations of this chapter are traffic infractions, and shall be processed in accordance with the Infraction Rules for Courts of Limited Jurisdiction, as now or hereafter amended. Fines imposed for violations of this chapter shall not exceed the maximum penalty set forth in RCW 46.63.110(1), as now or hereafter amended.
(Ord. 13-133 § 2 (Exh. A), 11-26-2013; Ord. 15-069 § 2 (Exh. A), 7-7-2015)