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Resident complaints prompt Trenton to explore ‘jake brake’ noise ordinance
Summary
After a resident complained about loud compression braking from heavy trucks on the highway through town, council members said they will consult the town attorney about drafting a local ordinance restricting jake brakes or other commercial-vehicle braking in specified areas or at certain hours.
A resident asked the Trenton Town Council to consider a local ordinance restricting use of engine-compression braking (commonly called “jake brakes”) on the stretch of state highway that runs through town.
The resident said loud braking is especially disruptive near residences and equestrian property, and offered a sample ordinance used by the Hideout, Utah, as a model. “I did do a little bit of research, and I found an ordinance that we could maybe copy,” the resident said.
Council members discussed whether the town could regulate braking on a state highway or whether the town’s authority is limited to local roads. The mayor said the next step would be to consult the town attorney and to check with the state and county about enforceability.
“I think that what we’ll do is now that it's been brought up, we'll go into it a little further. We'll call up our attorney and ask what we have to do to get a jake brake regulation,” the mayor said. Council members suggested possible time-of-day restrictions as one option and noted the town could also use signage as an interim measure.
The council did not adopt an ordinance at the meeting. Members said they will report back after consulting legal counsel and the relevant state or county traffic authorities.
