I support HB 1349 to use technology to address car and tractor trailer loud harassing NOISE LEVELS thru purposely modified exhaust systems which SERVES NO GOOD RATIONAL in modern day Virginia. Schools go into shut down emergency steps when a car exhaust system sounds like a gun shots that is purposely designed to mimick gun shots. Tractor Trailer exhaust systems when purposely modified to remove noise canceling parts of the exhaust system in conjunction with using ENGINE Brakes is a turning their trucks and dump trucks into "Weapons of Harassment" towards other drivers, home owners, businesses and schools. With the ports of Virginia Growth being a constant growth it is per State Police a increasing amount of tractor trailers from many other states bringing older versions of tractor trailers that do NOT have the 2015 to 2026 model year tractor trailers improved noise canceling devices in relation to Engine Brake use. Tractor trailers have the option to always use the quiet regular brakes as found on all vehicles, but many drivers choose the Engine Brake so save on wearing down of regular normal braking systems however the side effect is the LOUD BOOMING Blast wave for models 2014 and back to 1950's tractor trailers especially when the exhaust system is purposely modified.

I support HB 55 and HB 1349 using 21st century camera and noise recording technology to support police in addressing loud and purposely modified exhaust systems on automobiles and Tractor Trailers that are harassing and dangerous to other drivers, Schools, home owners an businesses that can also trigger vehicle crashes. HB 1349 specifically addresses the Engine Brake Harassment Noise. Police simply cannot be present all the time where this abuse is taking place on a constant daily basis. HB 55 was originally written in 2025 to address automobile drivers who purposely modify their exhaust systems to SOUND exactly like LOUD gun fire causing schools to go into emergency lock down protocols where children hide under their desks and police are called. This disrupts schools in a way that becomes like being in a war zone due to our recent society of having school shootings with children and teachers murdered or maimed. The tractor trailer purposely modified exhaust stacks, or allowed to fall out of proper noise dampening calibrations per State Police Standards is NOT a gun fire sound, but a worse BOOMING Blast Wave Percussion wave that is both FELT physically and HEARD. It penetrates walls, doors and windows easily, and wakes adults and children up, disrupts home study for education and general turning their tractor trailers into "Weapons of Harassment" as the intent. In states like Montana, California, Colorado, etc.. they have laws with HIGHER fines and signs specifically posted to alert tractor trailer drivers that "ENGINE BRAKE (a.k.a Jake Brakes) Exhaust Mufflers Required" because the booming loud blast wave from miles away can trigger avalanches and rock slides. With the Ports of Virginia Booming growth for many years now that relies heavily on in state and out of state tractor trailers to deliver cargo to the inland marine port in Front Royal Virginia, and beyond in all directions, HB 1349 addresses the long term abuse on citizens public safety lives. From my research speaking with ex-tractor trailer drivers and diesel mechanics that understand the design of the Engine Brake this is what I am providing the committee members and other citizens reading this now: 1. Tractor Trailer model years 2015 to 2026 have automatic built in engine brake noise canceling devices. Model years 2014 and prior back to the 1950's tractor trailers DO NOT have this noise canceling engine brake technology and it apparently is expensive to implement. 2. Tractor Trailer drivers who choose to harass other drivers, schools, businesses and homeowners along the roads they use will purposely invest MONEY into removing the top exhaust muffler cap, widen the diameter of their exhaust stacks and remove internal exhaust stack baffling so when the engine jake brake is used its now is a "Weapon of Harassment". ALL trucker drivers regardless of model year have the OPTION To choose the regular QUIET braking system, or the ENGINE brakes. Engine Brakes DO NOT wear down as fast a quieter regular braking system, however it is because they were designed to be for EMERGENCY DOWN HILL heavy loads. HB 1349 is a smart bill, and can be be amended so that the Engine Brake can be used in a TRUE EMERGENCY situations requiring a quick slowing down or stopping in residential home areas along roads with proper signage posted. A law exists that protects truckers from being harassed, but they are allowed to harass other drivers and people in their homes.

On behalf of the Ashburn Village Community Association (AVCA), I am submitting testimony in strong support of HB 1120, which proposes the formation of a workgroup to examine and recommend updates to Virginia law regarding e‑bikes and other electric personal‑mobility devices. Our community has experienced a rapid increase in the use of e‑bikes, electric scooters, and similar devices with motors of 750 watts or more. While these technologies provide convenient and sustainable transportation options, they have also raised significant safety and property‑damage concerns, particularly when operated by minors or inexperienced users who may lack training or awareness of road rules. AVCA has observed unsafe operation by minors who often lack knowledge of traffic laws or proper safety equipment, reckless riding on streets, sidewalks, and trails that creates hazards for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists, and damage to common areas and landscaped spaces from off‑path riding or misuse. Additionally, law enforcement, including the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, faces challenges in applying existing statutes to these devices because current laws are outdated, unclear, or insufficient. These devices often do not fit neatly into existing classifications for bicycles, mopeds, or motor vehicles, making it difficult to address unsafe behavior, establish age or licensing requirements, or issue citations that hold up legally. HB 1120 represents a necessary step forward. A formal workgroup that includes lawmakers, law‑enforcement agencies, community associations, safety experts, and industry representatives can develop clear, modernized, and enforceable standards. Such a group can identify appropriate age and training requirements, establish equipment and safety standards, define operational rules for roads, trails, and sidewalks, update device classifications to reflect today’s technology, and provide effective enforcement tools that law‑enforcement agencies can reliably apply. Updating Virginia’s legal framework in this way will promote safer use of e‑bikes and other electric mobility devices, protect residents, reduce property damage, and support responsible recreation. For these reasons, the Ashburn Village Community Association strongly supports HB 1120 and urges its passage. Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony. Mark Walker General Manager Ashburn Village Community Association