Auxiliary brakes are important for the safe operation of heavy vehicles. However, the use of auxiliary brakes on slippery road surfaces can cause wheel lock-up and result in unrecoverable sideways sliding, and jack-knifing. The following document, which has been developed in consultation with truck manufacturers, the Victorian Road Freight Advisory Council and the Transport Industry Safety Group, details the ‘do’s and don’ts’ when using auxiliary brakes such as engine and exhaust brakes.

Be careful using auxiliary brakes [PDF 30KB]

The following document has been developed by Austroads, in partnership with the transport industry, to reduce the problem of engine brake noise by promoting responsible driver behaviour.

Professional, powerful and pretty quiet [PDF 1061KB]

The following document identifies the ways in which VicRoads reduces the effect of traffic noise from certain roads under its control.

Environment (Traffic Noise) (external website)

In November 2007, the Australian Transport Council unanimously approved an in-service standard to manage engine brake noise. Details of the reform are available from the National Transport Commission's website.