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Bluff considers ban on engine brakes within town limits to reduce noise
Summary
A short draft ordinance would make using engine brakes ("Jake brakes") within town limits unlawful except in emergencies; enforcement would rely on Utah Highway Patrol or the San Juan County Sheriff's Office and town signage. Public commenters supported the change and urged more practical sign-location language.
Bluff staff presented a draft ordinance to prohibit use of engine brakes within town limits — commonly referred to as "Jake brakes" — saying the measure aims to reduce noise and protect the small-town character identified in the town’s general plan.
Under the draft, operation of an engine compression-release braking system within town limits would be prohibited except in emergencies. Enforcement and reporting pathways cited include the Utah Highway Patrol and the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office; staff said passing an ordinance also supports existing signage and makes enforcement requests to deputies more straightforward.
Public comment was supportive. Josh Ewing said the brakes are audible in the center of town and recommended changing exact sign-location language in the draft because the town-boundary locations described in the ordinance may not be optimal for drivers entering near the population center. “Maybe the simple revision to the language … rather than being so specific about where the signs will be located … would be better to have them closer to the population center,” Ewing said.
No adoption vote was taken during the hearing; the draft remains in public review and written comments are due by 5 p.m. Nov. 7, 2025 (office@townofbluffutah.gov).
