The Colfax County Commission approved posting a public hearing for an ordinance that would prohibit engine braking — commonly called “Jake braking” — in portions of the county where deputies have received multiple complaints, the sheriff said.
Colfax County Sheriff Leonard Baca told commissioners that because municipal anti-engine-braking ordinances cannot always be enforced by the sheriff’s office, a county ordinance would give deputies local authority to address persistent noise and safety concerns in specific locations of the county. He said complaints in one valley area prompted the request; he described the problem as concentrated: “2 individuals out of 50 trucks a day” who repeatedly use engine braking on curves.
Commissioner Trujillo asked how areas would be selected; the sheriff answered the initial focus will be places that have generated multiple complaints and that the county can assess additional areas later. The commission voted to post the ordinance for public hearing.
The action was a posting of a public hearing notice, not final adoption; staff and the sheriff said the measure is intended to create an enforcement tool where noise and safety complaints are concentrated. Details such as designated prohibited segments, enforcement penalties, and signage will be part of the ordinance packet presented at the public hearing.